University of Ilorin Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions of the Usefulness and Challenges regarding Computer-Based Testing

Abstract

This study investigated the perceptions of undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, of the usefulness and challenges associated with computer-based testing. The population for the study consisted of undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin. According to the data collected from the Directorate of Academic Planning at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, the population of undergraduate students for the 2017/2018 academic session was 43 983. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample. A questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. The findings from the study showed that using a web-based assessment system contributed positively to the undergraduate students’ academic achievements while the majority of them preferred taking all their exams with the web-based assessment system. The findings further revealed that to the undergraduate students, CBT is an interesting technique in examinations and makes the taking of examinations easier. Also, there is high level of competence among undergraduate students with regard to possession of the required skills for CBT examinations. Delays in the commencement of the exams, power failures at the CBT centre and overcrowding are major challenges encountered by the students taking CBT examinations. One of the study recommendations was that the university management should endeavour to eliminate the delays in the commencement of tests by providing assessment timetables which should be strictly adhered to.