DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE COMPUTER BASED TEST

DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE COMPUTER BASED TEST (CBT) SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER ONE 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

It is widely assumed that all tests will one day be administered via computer (Bennett, 1998, 2002). However, it is difficult to estimate when this day will arrive. Since the early 1990s, when a few early adopters, notably the ASVAB (Sands, Waters, & McBride, 1997) and the GRE® (Mills, 1999), signed on to computer-based testing (CBT), it has appeared to be just around the horizon. Hundreds of admissions, placement, certification, and license testing programs are now computer-based, and the number is expanding every year. On the K-12 front, some states currently use computers for annual accountability testing, and many more are planning to do so. Hundreds of schools and districts use CBTs in a formative or diagnostic function to support education. CBT is an efficient solution for test sponsors to provide a secure, consistent environment for certification and licensure while dramatically improving the candidate experience. Testing numbers typically increase following a complete conversion from paper-based testing (PBT) to CBT, frequently due to the availability of a greater number of testing locations and more flexible scheduling and testing options. However, the transition from PBT to CBT has an effect on candidate behavior, and certain testing programs may see short drops in demand as a result of candidate concern about CBT. This can result in either an increase in testing at the last minute during final PBT sessions or candidate procrastination to the last possible computerized testing day. As a result, the dilemma for licensing organizations is how to maintain test volumes while reducing applicant uncertainty while transitioning from a paper-based to a computer-based test. Continuous marketing, candidate education, and outreach are critical to limiting test volume risk and eventually generating a rise in demand. Marketing and excellent communication can have a significant impact on stakeholder acceptance of CBT and comfort with its use when it comes to promoting the new computerized testing program. To ease candidate worries and reduce inquiries, it is best to initiate a communications campaign early in the conversion process that directly answers constituent issues while also promoting long-term program interest.

1.2 Problem Identification

The difficulties associated with paper-based tests are numerous, and include, but are not limited to, exam malpractice, inaccuracy in marking, and delays in marking results.

1.3 The study’s objectives

The primary goal of the research project is to create and implement an online computer-based testing system. The research paper’s specific aims are as follows: 1. Create a CBT system that generates exam numbers for students automatically.

2. To avoid exam misconduct, create a CBT system with stronger security measures.

3. Create a CBT system with real-time results processing for candidates.

1.6 Importance of the Research

This study is meant to help those practitioners who are debating whether or not to test on a computer and how to do so in the best way possible. It is not intended to be an introduction to the important methodologies and the issues that govern their application. In this aspect, it falls far short of being comprehensive. To make fully educated selections, one should be conversant, if not intimately familiar, with the majority of the references given here. In fact, this is more of a guidebook identifying some of the sites practitioners will likely see along the route than a road map intended to exactly direct practitioners on their path to computerized delivery. As with any vacation, we must first determine whether the charms of the destination outweigh the difficulties of travel.

1.7 The Study’s Scope and Limitations

The case study for this project was Primedge Technology, and it involved the design and implementation of an online computer-based test system.

Study limitations

Financial constraint- A lack of funds tends to restrict the researcher’s efficiency in locating relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the process of data collecting via the internet, questionnaire, and interview.

Time constraint- The researcher conducted this investigation while also working on other academic projects. As a result, the time spent to research work was reduced.

1.8 Terms and Definitions

The use of information technology for any assessment-related activity is referred to as a computer-based test (CBT).

The establishment of a plan or convention for the construction of an object or system is referred to as design.

To put (a choice, plan, agreement, etc.) into action.