CHAPTER
ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Simulation deals with a computerized
imitation of the random behavior of a system for the purpose of estimating its
performance (Akabuike, 2013). Also Rutherford, Carzaniga, and Wolf (2006) defined
simulations as an embodiment of abstractions for the underlying mechanisms and
environmental conditions that affect these properties, providing parameters for
exploring the functionality and performance space. Therefore this research
topic “simulated computer assisted testing system”, is an imitation of
real-world testing procedure for evaluating knowledge, skills and abilities of
candidates that seek admission into higher institutions.
This research topic was embarked upon as
a result of the inability of the present system to take care/manage the timely
processing of test result, and over whelming number of applicants, who seeks
admission into higher institutions. Traditionally, testing for evaluating
knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAO’s) has been done
in a paper-and-pencil scenario. The later model was unable to make available
the result test in real-time. Therefore this researchtopic, provides a solution
to this problem by allowing candidates to view their results immediately after they
click on submit icon on the screen.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS
The problems of the existing system are as stated
below:
i.
There is error associated with test
result evaluation/analysis.
ii.
There is untimely publication of test
results.
iii.
There is loss of test result due to
damage or misplacement.
iv.
There is tedious work associated with
marking and evaluation of test script.
1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this researcher project is to design and
implement a simulated computer assisted testing system, with following
objectives:
i.
To eliminate errors with test result
evaluation/analysis.
ii.
To make possible real-time view of test
result.
iii.
Easy retrieval of test result from
back-up devices when there is lost or damages.
iv.
To reduce the stress of processing test
script.
1.4SIGNIFICANCE
OF THE STUDY
The significance of the study are as listed below:
i.
The impact ofICT in education will be
felt in an organization where this research will be implemented. Generally,
this research empirically demonstrates the validity of the proposed computer
assisted based testing approach as well as the technical feasibility for
teachers and educational organizations to really take advantage of CAT in their
daily routines.
ii. It
will reduce the paper work and time consuming associated with test script
preparation.
iii. It
will inculcate in the minds of intending users, the need to appreciate and
become computer literates.
1.5SCOPE
OF THE STUDY
This project implementation is restricted to the
admission board of the case study, which is charged with the responsibility of admitting
students into her institution, after a series of aptitude test have been
conducted on them to certify them ok and worthy to be admitted into the school.Also,
the project can be embraced by similar institutions that go through the same
procedures for admitting students into their institutions.
1.6
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Constraints listed as follows, were recorded during
the course of this study.
i.
Restrictionto some sensitive documents
for data collection by the admission officers.
ii. Limited
research materials for the study.
iii. Time
constraint in carrying out appropriate analysis on data collected as it relates
to the study.
iv. Financial
constraint.
1.7DEFINITION
OF TERMS
COMPUTER:
This is an electronic device that is capable of accepting data, processes it
and brings out result in form of information.
SIMULATION:simulation is a representation or model of an event,
object, or some phenomenon.
COMPUTER
SIMULATION: A computer simulation is an attempt to
model a real-life orhypnotically situation on a computer so that it can be
studied to see how the system works.
EDUCATION:
A process of teaching, training and learning, especially in school or colleges,
to improve knowledge and develop skill.
COMPUTER
ASSISTED TESTING SYSTEM(CATS): is an automated system use to decide
the adequacy of the test suite.
ADMISSION
BOARD: a board in a higher institution, charged with the
responsibility of deciding/granting candidates the opportunity to study as
their student, after a series of tests/checks has been done.
APTITUDE
TEST: a test that measures your natural skill or
abilities.
REAL-TIMETEST
RESULT PROCESSING:is a process in which a result of test
is processed and updated as soon as it is received from some external source,
immediately after the user under test has finished.
TRADITIONAL
MODEL: is a model of testing that involves the use of
paper-and-pencil scenario.