Students’ Perceptions Towards Computer- Based Testing: A Case Study of Distance Learning Programme University of Maiduguri, Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe Campu

Abstract

The study was designed to find out the areas of strengths and weaknesses of students’
perception in Computer Based Testing in Distance Learning Programme University of
Maiduguri, Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe Campus. Two research
questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the
study while the population of the study consist of distance learning students of
University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Federal College of Education (Technical)
Gombe campus. The study sample consist of 120 students who were selected based on
simple random sampling technique. A 15-item structured questionnaire was the
instrument used for data collection based on modified 4-point rating scale. The
instrument was validated by 3 experts from Bayero University Kano. The reliability of
the validated instrument was determined by administering 30 students outside the
population of the study. Data collected were analysed using Cronbach Alpha reliability
coefficient which yielded 0.81. The researchers and 3 research assistants administered
the instrument. 120 copies of the questionnaire were distributed out of which 110 were
retrieved given 91.7% rate of return. Mean ratings was the statistical tools used for
data analysis. A mean of 2.50 and above was acceptable for the research questions.
The findings revealed that the use of CBT encourages digital literacy, minimizes the
issue of missing scripts, eliminate malpractices, marking is more accurate with CBT,
reporting results minimizes error, gives students immediate feedback, makes students
have confidence that their grades are secure and above all affords lecturers and
students to be ICT compliant. Moreover, it was found that some of the problems
hindering CBT include network fluctuation during examination; power failure during
examination, computer anxiety, and time allotted to CBT examinations. The
researchers concluded that CBT is a laudable innovative method of administering test
hence all efforts should be geared to expose students to capacity building on general
use of computer before subjecting them to CBT mode of assessment. Amongst the
recommendations proffered were that students should have a good knowledge of
computer literacy in order to reduce the effect of computer anxiety and phobia; and
that the government should intensify their efforts by making computer literate easily
accessible to all.