COMPUTER-BASED TESTING WILL CONTINUE TO GROW, FOR SEVERAL GOOD REASONS

Soon after the introduction of the first Personal Computers the potential benefits associated with their use for exam delivery were quickly realized. Prior to this breakthrough the process of exam delivery and, therefore, the test-taker experience had largely been unchanged for more than 100 years.

Twenty years ago virtually all exams were administered via paper and pencil, with many large-scale tests only available to test-takers on one or two days a year. The substantial advance planning and logistical support required for these mass administrations made more frequent testing cost-prohibitive. As a consequence, test-takers often had to rearrange their schedules to accommodate an exam's very limited availability.

The advent of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) and specially equipped testing labs made more frequent test administrations practical, while preserving the integrity and security of the exam. Today, well over a million exams a month are delivered worldwide via computer and that number continues to grow each year. The individuals taking these tests enjoy a level of convenience and satisfaction unparalleled with paper and pencil testing.

Simply put, computer-based testing refers to the method by which tests are delivered via a computer, usually at a secure, proctored test centre. Unlike paper and pencil exams, which are often monitored by temporary employees hired for the day of testing, computer-based exams are typically proctored by a permanent staff of trained and certified test centre administrators. The presence of a professional staff of invigilators is essential to the security of the testing process and ultimately the value and credibility of the exam itself.

One of the early concerns about the use of computers in the delivery of exams was whether inexperienced computer users would be disadvantaged. Decades of research have shown that test-takers who are administered the same test on computer and on paper perform equally well, even among individuals that have had little or no previous experience in the use of a computer.

The quality of any exam, whether it's paper or computer-based, is measured against validity, reliability and fairness, In other words, a properly constructed exam must test the appropriate knowledge, skills and abilities, it must do so consistently for every test-taker and it must avoid any bias that could taint the results. There are scientific approaches to analyze and review exam questions and construction, to ensure they possess the desired difficulty levels. Combine this with the standardized environment offered by computer-based testing and test-takers will be provided with an equal opportunity, a comparable testing experience and a degree of score integrity.

Computerized exams can look very similar to a traditional paper and pencil test. Multiple choice questions continue to be the most commonly used format for both modes of delivery. Each question typically has four or five answer options from which the correct response(s) must be selected. Instead of using a pencil to fill in a 'bubble' to mark an answer, test-takers use a computer mouse to point to, and click, on the correct response. Just as with a paper-based exam the test-taker can easily see the selection that was made. However, the computer readily allows subsequent changes to an answer without the uncertainty of knowing whether a poorly erased answer might invalidate the new selection.

In a paper and pencil exam, test-takers must remember items they wish to review prior to the completion of the test. This often results in elaborate notations made in the test booklet or scratch paper, that are meant to indicate which items require further consideration. Time management becomes an essential, but unintended, aspect of the exam. For many exams, the computer environment provides several tools that allow the test-taker to more effectively utilize their allotted time. First, test-takers can electronically 'mark' test questions for review, providing a visual indicator of items that should be revisited. Second, an item review screen allows test-takers to quickly track their progress by viewing a list of all the test questions within the exam, along with an indication as to whether the item has been answered and/or marked for review. Using this review screen, test-takers can select and immediately view any item in the test, thus eliminating the need to flip through the pages of a test booklet in search of a particular question.

The presentation of items is also enhanced through the use of computer-based testing. Unrestricted by the physical limitations of test booklets, computer administered test questions can be formatted to meet each item's unique requirements. Graphics and reference materials can either be integrated directly into the item or, in the case of very large images, invoked by clicking on an on-screen button. Many tests utilize case studies in which the test-taker reads a passage and then responds to a series of test questions that are associated with that material. Computer delivery makes it possible for the case study contents to appear on one side of the screen and all of its associated test questions to appear on the other, thus allowing test-takers to quickly reference all of the information required.

In the event of power outage, there are contingency options for ensuring that data is not completely lost and even allow for full recovery. Exams remain resident on the local file server throughout the administration of the test and each time a candidate makes a selection the response is immediately stored on the server when he/she advances to the next item. If there is a blackout, or any other disruption such as a workstation crash, all of the candidate's responses are safely housed on the server's hard drive. When power is restored, or the appointment is transferred from the defective workstation to another computer, the exam can be resumed exactly where the candidate left off, with no loss of time on the exam.

Available since the early 1990's, computer-based testing continues to grow in popularity. It is now widely used for admissions testing as well as licensure and certification exams. The adoption rate is expected to continue to grow as test sponsors explore the use of new, innovative item types and advanced multimedia to create ever more engaging and effective assessments. As the technology evolves test-takers will continue to be the beneficiaries of these advancements.

By David Meissner

Computer Based Test inevitable option for Nigeria

Managing Director of Dragnet Solutions, Mr. Robert Ikazoboh, has hailed the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) for introducing the Computer Bases Test (CBT) for its examination, saying it is an inevitable option the Nigerian education sector must encourage.

Ikazoboh who made this known in Lagos said, “I think JAMB should be praised for this bold move. The truth is that it is inevitable that Nigeria would adopt it; so why not start now.”

According to him, CBT “will drag Nigeria into the realities of the 21st century as far as education, assessments and testing are concerned.”

Speaking on the directive by the House of Representatives that the plan of adopting CBT be suspended by JAMB, Ikazoboh noted that the reservations expressed towards the move are understandable, given that it has never been tried before.

He, however, called on the House of Representative members to give CBT a chance because, adding that it is the future of education in Nigeria.

“I can understand all of the agitations that the CBT concept has generated. It is something new to the Nigerian system and that’s why people are suspicious of it. Indeed, Education is such a delicate thing and if you understand that it is the powerhouse of any serious nation, then you will see why our Reps are treading with caution.

“I want to appeal to them to give CBT a chance. Technology is the future and CBT is the future of education in Nigeria. The benefits of it are so numerous that we can’t afford to be left behind,” he added.

Speaking further, “The beauty of what JAMB is doing is that the body is not forcing CBT down the throats of everyone taking the exam this year. JAMB has come out to say that they will start this year with a pilot scheme of CBT. They will be using it along with the Paper to Pen Testing (PPT) until 2015, when CBT will fully come on board for all JAMB examinations.

“Within that frame of time, JAMB would have tested the system, discovered the lapses and rectified them. The students would also have the option of choosing whether they want CBT or PPT from now until 2015. By doing this, JAMB would be able to tweak the system and address all the issues that may negatively affect it before fully implementing it,” he explained.

Ikazoboh listed some of the advantages of deploying CBT to include; the eradication of unwholesome acts during examinations, including incidences of ghost candidates, spying and the use of mercenaries.

He added that CBT will bring efficiency, cost effectiveness, greater turn-around time in the release of results, credibility, amongst other advantages to JAMB examinations.

He also expressed confidence that JAMB would be able to deploy CBT examinations and address all the fears being expressed about the initiative.

“CBT is not rocket science. With the right technical support, JAMB can achieve immense success using CBT in their examinations. As promoters of Face-Of-Testing (FOT), we know the immense advantages of using it, and that is why we stand behind JAMB in the move,” he stated.

culled from Daily Independence

NewWorld Crèche Opens In Victoria Island Soon

A new crèche is to open in Victoria Island before the end of the year. The crèche is located at Ligali Ayorinde Street, adjacent to the popular Ajose Adeogun Street in Victoria Island Lagos. It is meant to serve workers whose offices are located close to this address  especially nursing mothers who travel from Lagos mainland every morning and find it pretty hard to strike a balance between resuming at their offices at latest 8 o- clock and taking their babies to the crèche, majority of which do not open earlier than 7:00 am. 

According to the spokesperson of NewWorld Crèche, Mrs Ronke Idowu, the facilities on ground at the moment will accommodate about 50 children, so it is a matter of first come first serve. She however added that the facilities will be expanded as soon as there is the need to take in more babies based on patronage.

Mrs. Idowu was not specific when asked how much will be charged on a child, but mentioned that amount per child will be in the neighborhood of fifty or sixty thousand naira per month. In her words, "The class of customers we are expecting to patronize our crèche are those with exquisite taste for excellent services, and we are poised to exceed the limit of their expectations because  we have facilities and human resources that match their taste. We will open as early as 6: 30am and our doors will remain opened until 9:00pm in the evening. Our customers need only to bring their children to us in the morning and come back for them whenever they close from the office. Trained professionals are available to give adequate care to the children". 

The management of NewWorld Crèche can be reached via the following phone numbers for further enquiries: 08087053885, 08169417044

Ondo University: VC Threatens To Break Strike

Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), in Ondo State

The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), in Ondo State, Prof. Femi Mimiko on Wednesday said the institution may pull out of the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)'s strike if the federal government and the union refuse to resolve before the end of this month.

Mimiko, who spoke with reporters at World Pharmacists Day held in Akure, the State Capital said the management might be forced to recall the students back to the campus in the next couple of days.

He noted that the ASUU’S strike had affected the institution calendar, which according to him has not been interrupted in the last four years.

The Vice Chancellor noted that there is an ongoing consultation between the workers and the management on the need to resume work, if the strike continues.

According to his words, "interruption of academic calendar is one of the bad side of this strike. As you all know, we have managed the university for the past four years on an interrupted calendar. We are particularly concern about this strike because our academic calendar has been affected.

"We are hoping that ASUU will do the necessary thing to call off the strike as speedily as possible. We have come into the conclusion that in our own interest as a state university to begin to find a way to bring our students back.

“So, we are hoping that the strike will be called off before the end of the month, otherwise we may begin to take some steps that will enable us invite our students back to the campus.

"We have a blue print on the table that we are looking at. The important thing is that we are not going to allow our students to remain at home for so longer than this. If the strike is not over within a few days we may call back our workers.

"Already, we are consulting with the lecturers because the lecturers are not employees of federal government. We do not have any substantive dispute with our workers on campus, so technically they should not have been on strike in the first instance”.

SSANU May Join ASUU In Strike Next Monday

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) says it may commence a nationwide strike by Monday if its members are not paid their salaries.

Mr Promise Adewusi, the association’s General Secretary, said this at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the strike was being considered to protest against the stoppage of the salaries of university workers without any justifiable explanation.

He said that the strike was sequel to a letter written to the Vice-Chancellors of the affected federal universities and Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Adewusi said that letters were similarly written to the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike and the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie.

He, however stressed that SSANU members would be directed to proceed on the strike if the government refused to pay the salaries.

Adewusi advised the vice-chancellors, the SGF and the ministers of labour and education to take immediate steps to remedy the situation.

“Our members in the effected universities have drawn our attention to the non-payment of their August salaries without any justifiable explanations, even as the month of September has almost drawn to an end.

“We, hereby, place on record that our members had long discharged their obligation as workers for the said month and they, therefore, deserve their pay.

“The non-payment of our members in the universities, when some other federal universities have since paid the August salaries, is viewed by our members as an act of punishment against them for working and this has made them restive.

“We, therefore, demand that the August salaries of our members in those universities be paid to them on or before Friday, Sept. 27, 2013.

“Failure to pay by the stipulated date will be regarded as a conclusive act of aggression against the economic rights and interests of our members,’’ he said.

Adewusi said that the union would be at liberty to direct members to stop work, as they would no longer be in a position to continue to pay for their transport to work.

Also, Alhaji Mohammed Aliyu, the SSANU Chairman in Federal University of Technology, Minna, called on the Federal Government to pay the workers so as to promote industrial harmony.

Aliyu said that it was unfair for the government not to pay their salaries, considering the fact that SSANU had employed dialogue rather than embark on a strike like the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU).

He, however, warned the government not to misjudge the union’s peaceful disposition as a sign of weakness.

“Government should not punish us because of ASUU is on strike. If that is what they intend to do, it means they are inviting more trouble in the system.

“We in SSANU believe that through continuous dialogue, contentious issues can be resolved; but for government to refuse to pay our members for two months is a call for confrontation,’’ he said. (NAN)

- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/09/ssanu-may-join-asuu-strike-scribe/#sthash.iEZlhQsT.dpuf

NASU threatens to go on strike next week

THREE months into the shutting of academic work in the nation’s universities, the non-academic staff of the universities on Tuesday said they would embark on their strike action next week except the government pay the two months’ salary being own them before then.

General Secretary, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, Mr. Peters Adeyemi, told journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, that members of the union were being forced into embarking on a strike action by the refusal of the Federal Government to pay their salaries for August and September.

The NASU scribe said, “NASU will start its own strike next week because we have been working and government has refused to pay our salaries. For us, it does not make sense to continue to keep the system running when we are not paid our salary. The reason for this is not known to us.

“Workers in all federal universities are not paid their salary right now and that is big challenge. Government has not paid our salary for August and as we are talking now, today is September 24, they are effectively owing us two months’ salary and there’s no way we can continue to do this work with empty stomach, while they go about running around the globe with heavy stomach.”

Adeyemi, who spoke during NASU’s National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, said the union had displayed maturity in handling its grievances but that the government was pushing the members to the wall. He said NASU had shied away from joining the three-month-old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, though the non-academic staff had been having their own grouse with the Federal Government.

Adeyemi said the government had not explained to them why their August and September salaries were yet to be paid. He said that the union had been reluctant on embarking on strike since many Nigerians felt uncomfortable with the incessant strikes in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

He, however, said that members of the union could not continue to work while being inflicted with hunger by the non-payment of their salaries.

Adeyemi said, “We we think as Nigerians and parents, we don’t have to unnecessarily ground the system. But if you take this our maturity and level-headedness to mean stupidity, then of course, we are running out of patience.

“Nigerians would have known that we deliberately did not want this continuous disruption of academic activities because, of course, Nigerians are complaining that those of us in the academic world have continuously ruined the future of students by going on to many strikes imposed on us by the government.  “That is one of the reasons why this time around we did not want to necessarily go on strike, but government is pushing us to that point and Nigerians will have no reason not to understand our position if we start the strike by next week.”

We have a serious situation in our university system but it looks like the Federal Government does not view it that way. May God save our nation.

Culled from punch newspaper

Students storm Lagos metropollis, 'begging' for charity

 Today is the turn of students of Yaba College of Technology (Yaba Tech) to go ragging for charity, and many of them are on the streets of Lagos to raise fund by 'begging'. This act of students ragging for charity has its roots outside Nigeria and dated back to the last century.

University Rag societies are student-run charitable fundraising organizations that are widespread in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Most universities in the UK and Ireland, as well as some in South Africa and the Netherlands have a Rag. In some universities Rags are known as Charities Campaigns, Charity Appeals, Charity Committees, or Carnivals, but they all share many attributes.

It is not known where the term "Rag" originates in this context, but it is thought to be from the Victorian era when students took time out of their studies to collect rags to clothe the poor. The verb rag means to badger or pester someone, and early Rags collectors may have ragged passers-by until they made a donation.

Much more recently, acronyms have been invented for RAG to stand for "Raise and Give", "Raise A Grand" or "Raising and Giving"; these are , purportedly coined to convince a manager in a large charity of the value of working with student fundraisers.

The first Rag in South Africa was started at the University of Pretoria in 1925. The students took to the streets in parade that still exists today and is known as the Procession. During this parade, where they build floats, they carry cans and ask the spectating public to make donations.

Ragging is well structured in most Nigerian higher institutions. It is tagged “Rag Day” and held as an annual event when students take to the streets in tattered clothes holding out sealed cans to passers-by and  begging for money. The can carries a small opening on the lid through which money can enter into the can but you need to open the lid to get money out.

At the close of the exercise all the participants return the cans to the Student Union secretariat for the gathering of the collections, which are spent strictly on charity.