DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPUTER BASED TEST SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

Computer Based Test is a test with an implementation system using a computer as a medium for conducting tests. The presentation and selection of CBT questions are made in a computerized manner so that each participant who does the test gets a different set of questions. The aim of the study is to design and implement a Computer Based Test (CBT) System. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out to develop a CBT system that automatically generates exam numbers for students and design a CBT system with real time processing of results for candidates. The motivation that led to the implementation of the proposed system is that the existing paper based test is overwhelming, they include but not limited to exam malpractice, inaccuracy in marking, and delay in marking results. The methodology adopted in this study is the structured system analysis and design methodology (SSADM) which is a technical approach for analyzing and designing an application or system by applying object throughout the software development process. The programming language used is HTML, CSS, JAVASCRIPT, PHP, SQL and JQUERY. The reason why web programming languages was used is because, it is platform independent and it is a web based application. This research work is intended to assist in some small way those practitioners who are struggling with the decision of whether to test on computer and how they might best go about doing so. It is not intended to provide an introduction to the important methods and to the considerations that dictate use of those methods. The expected result is a Computer Based Test (CBT) System that will automatically generate examination numbers for students and enhanced security features to avoid exam malpractice.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Introduction

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

The history of computer-based testing began in the early 1970s with the introduction of the early computers in the 1970s which revealed the potentials of using technology not only for new learning environments but also for completely new settings in the design and administration of tests (Hedberg et al., 1995; Greiff, 2014).

Today, dozens of admissions, placement, certification, and licensure testing programs are administered on computer, with the number growing each year. On the K− 12 front, several states already conduct their annual accountability testing on computer, and many others are poised to join in. Hundreds of schools or districts also employ CBTs in a formative or diagnostic role in service of instruction. Computer-based testing (CBT) is an efficient way for test sponsors to provide a secure, consistent environment forcertification and licensure while significantly enhancing the candidate experience. It is common for testing volumes to increase after a full conversion from paper-based testing (PBT) to CBT, often as a result of the availability of a greater number of testing locations and more flexible scheduling and testing opportunities.

The main objective of a Computer Based Test System is to provide all the features that an Examination System must have, with the interfaces that do not scare its users (Baddi, 2010). In evaluating learning outcomes, conventional exams that have been running are seen to be less effective because they consume a lot of cost, time, place, and personnel. The cost, in this case, is the number of funds spent by the school to provide exam documents such as photocopies of exam questions. Time, in this case, is the length of the stages of work and reporting of exam results. In conventional examinations, it cannot be separated from the evaluation process and students’ grade data reports, which are carried out manually one by one.

Migration from PBT to CBT does affect candidate behavior, however, and it is possible for some testing programs to experience brief reductions in demand triggered by candidate apprehension regarding CBT. This sometimes results in either a last-minute increase in testing during final PBT administrations or candidate procrastination to the last available computerized testing date. Therefore, the question facing licensing organizations is how to keep test volumes up and candidate uncertainty down when migrating from a paper-based to a computer-based test? The key to mitigating test volume risk and ultimately driving an increase in demand is ongoing marketing, candidate education and outreach. In terms of promoting the new computerized testing program, marketing and effective communication can have an important impact on stakeholder acceptance of CBT and comfort with its use. In order to allay candidate fears and minimize questions, it is prudent to launch a communications campaign early in the conversion process that directly addresses constituent concerns and promotes sustainable program interest.

1.3 Statement of Problem

Investigation revealed that the challenges faced with paper based test is overwhelming, they include but not limited to exam malpractice, inaccuracy in marking, delay in marking results.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to design and implement a Computer Based Test (CBT) System using Springlight ICT Academy, Uyo as a case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

To develop a CBT system that automatically generates exam numbers for students.
To design a CBT system with real time processing of results for candidates.
To develop a CBT system with enhanced security features to avoid exam malpractice.

1.5 Significance of Study

This study is intended to assist in some small way those practitioners who are struggling with the decision of whether to test on computer and how they might best go about doing so. It is not intended to provide an introduction to the important methods and to the considerations that dictate use of those methods. It is far from comprehensive in this regard. To make truly informed decisions, one would need to be at least conversant if not quite familiar with most of the references listed here.

In short, this is not just a road map intending to precisely direct practitioners on their journey to computerized delivery, but rather more a guidebook highlighting some of the landmarks they will likely visit along the way. As with all trips, we need to start by deciding whether the attractions of the destination outweigh the rigors of travel.

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.6 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the Design and Implementation of a Computer Based Test (CBT) System using Springlight ICT Academy, Uyo as the case study.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).

1.8 Definition of Terms

Computer Based Test (CBT): Is the use of information technology for any assessment-related activity.

Design: Is the creation of a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a system.

Implement: To put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.

Registration: This means to keep records received from the management for reference purposes.

Management: It is the co-ordination of all the resources of an Organization through the process of planning, Organization, directing and controlling.

…

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review

2.1 Introduction

The review of relevant literature is the main topic of this chapter. A literature review covers theoretical and methodological contributions to a certain issue in addition to the state of knowledge at the time of writing. It provides information about the state of the art in relation to the subject you are writing about. It examines the body of work on the chosen subject. The literature evaluation in this study comprises the …

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRELIMINARY PAGES

Title page
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Table of Contents
Abstract
CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Background of Study

1.3 Statement of Problem

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

1.5 Significance of Study

1.6 Scope of Study

1.7 Limitations of the Study

1.8 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Conceptual Review of CBT

2.3 Theoretical Framework

2.3.1 Features of a CBT System

2.3.2 Effectiveness of a CBT System

2.3.3 Applications of CBT System in Nigeria

2.4 Online CBT System User Registration

2.4.1 Usage of Online Registration Forms

2.5 Overview of CBT System Web Portal

2.5.1 Types of CBT System Web Portals

2.6 Database for CBT System Web Portals

2.6.1 Merits of Integrating Databases in Web Applications

2.7 Empirical Review of Related Literature

CHAPTER THREE

SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

3.1 Methodology Adopted

3.1.1 Problem Identification Using SSADM

3.2 Analysis of the Existing System

3.2.1 Dataflow of the Existing System

3.2.2 Disadvantages Of The Existing System

3.2.3 Weakness of the existing System

3.3 Feasibility Study

3.3.1 Economic Feasibility

3.3.2 Technical Feasibility

3.3.3 Operational Feasibility

3.4 Analysis of the Proposed System

3.4.1 Data Flow Diagram of the Proposed System

3.4.2 Advantages of the Proposed System

3.4.3 Justification of the Proposed System

3.5 Functional Requirements

3.5.1 Use Case Diagram Of The Admin / User Privileges

3.6 Data Requirements

3.7 High Level Model of the Proposed System

CHAPTER FOUR

SYSTEM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 Objectives of the Design

4.2 Cohesion and Decomposition High level Model

4.3 Control Center / Overall Dataflow Diagram

4.3.1 Proposed System Operation Flowchart

4.4 System Specification and Design

4.4.1 Input and Output Specification

4.4.2 Database Specification and Design

4.4.3 Data Dictionary

4.5 Choice and Justification of Programming Language

4.6 Program Documentation

4.7 Implementation Techniques

4.8 Programming Module Specification

4.8.1 Installation

4.8.2 Security Design Specification

4.8.3 System Architecture

4.9 Computer Hardware Minimum Requirement

4.10 Software Requirement

4.11 Personnel / User Training

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary

5.3 Conclusion

5.4 Recommendation

REFERENCES

APPENDIX A - “SOURCE CODE”

APPENDIX B - “OBJECT PROGRAM”

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