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 research topic, 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.
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The
significance of the study is as listed below:
i.
The impact of ICT 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.
1.5 SCOPE 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.
Restriction to 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.
1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS
COMPUTER:
Oxford dictionary defines computer as an electronic machine that can store,
organize and find information, do calculations and control other machines.
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 or hypnotically
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-TIME TEST 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.