COMPUTER B BASED TEST/EXAMS: MERITS AND DEMERITS

In past years, tests and examinations were conducted manually, using paper-pen/pencils, but as technology surfaced, the computer based testing (CBT) started gaining its balance. The paper-pen testing method is gradually phasing off, while CBT becomes the order of the day.

WHAT IS COMPUTER BASED TESTING?

Computer Based Testing as we know is an assessment delivery method in which students carry out their test or exams on computers as an alternative to using the paper-pen method. Such a test can be conducted online using the internet or ran on a local server as a means of networking the devices. Although it may have some setbacks, but CBT has become the optimal choice for most educational systems because of its varied benefits. In this article, we will run through some of the demerits and merits of conducting exams using the computer based testing platforms.

MERITS AND DEMERITS OF COMPUTER BASED TEST/EXAMS (CBT EXAMS)

When it comes to computer based testing, there are merits and demerits to consider.

DEMERITS

• Initial setup cost: Getting computers to be used by a large number of candidates is not an easy task. In actual fact, it’s a very expensive option and this can discourage many government organization and test organizers from opting for it.
• Power outage or system failure: During the course of testing, there might be an interruption in power supply, which may cause the systems to temporally shutdown, thereby making the candidates lose their progress so far on the test.
• Poor internet distribution: There’s an uneven distribution of internet network in different parts of the country and some areas with poor network might have difficulty during the testing process.

MERITS

• Computer based testing applications allows for different version of the test paper to be created, but are synonymous with each other in terms of complexity and content. This minimizes candidate collaboration, due to the fact that they see only a small portion of the question, and the questions are different.
• Less time consuming: The CBT Exam Software method reduces the time taken for a candidate to complete a test and it’s less tedious compared to the paper-pen method that compels the candidate to write down all the answers, regardless of how lengthy it might be. The candidate has just a simple task of clicking on the appropriate answer to the question. This in turn gives the candidate more time to attempt other questions.
• Spacious and comfortable testing environment: The tests can be conducted at different location and at different times. With CBT, thousands of candidates don’t have to be in a particular testing center and at the same time.
• Economically beneficial: If there’s one thing we are all certain about, it’s the financial draining nature of the paper-pen testing method, both to the test organizers and the candidates sitting for the tests. The organizers are mandated to make sure the candidates have all the necessary materials required for the test; the question paper, the answer sheets/booklet, a conducive and safe testing environment that can accommodate all the candidates for the test. The candidates also have to make sure they have all that is required for the test; their writing materials, calculator etc. They also have to transport themselves to the location for the test. All these have been sorted out by the computer based testing method. There’s no need for question papers, answer sheet/booklets or calculators as everything is available on the computer. The test is conducted at various location, each candidate registered to the location nearest to them. All these minimizes the financial cost of conducting a test.
• Increased chance of disabled candidates to partake in the tests: Candidates with disabilities that restrict their movement can now participate in tests regardless of their locations. Provisions are made for the test to be conducted in a location that’s accessible to them or in the comfort of their homes, with an invigilator to supervise the process. They do not have to travel far distances to take the tests.
• Reduced assessment time and immediate grading: The computer based testing method makes it possible for the test to be reviewed instantly owing to the fact that the whole process is automated and run by a software. This makes it possible for the candidates to get their results immediately without having to wait for weeks or months.
• Improved performance during testing owing to familiarization with CBT practice applications: There are application that aide students in preparing for computer based tests/exams, by portraying how the exam questions might be presented to them; the number of questions, the time given to attempt a question and the level of difficulty of the questions. ExamGuide by Zigmatech consult Limited offers a platform that can be used in administering Computer Based Exams. TestCentre is designed to help you administer exams seamlessly. To learn more about this application, visit examguide.com/testcentre

From the various points mentioned above, we can see that the merits of the computer based testing outweighs its demerits, therefore it’s imperative we know that the computer based testing method is a merit.