Dragnet Starts CBT Revolution in Tertiary Institutions

According to the Managing Director, Dragnet Solutions, Mr Robert Ikazoboh, this innovation is intended to extend the e-assessment revolution to the secondary school level in a bid to simplify examination assessment processes.

Lagos (I-Newswire) January 15, 2013 - Dragnet Solutions, Nigeria’s leading computer-based testing and talent management firm, has once again raised the bar of innovation with the planned introduction of computer-based testing (CBT) programme specifically designed for tertiary institutions in the country.

CBT is a method of administering tests in which the questions and responses are electronically recorded, assessed, or both. CBT makes use of a computer or an equivalent electronic device (i.e. handheld computer). It enables educators and examiners to author, schedule, deliver, and report on examinations, surveys, quizzes and general tests.

He said: “Without an iota of doubt, CBT will revolutionise the test administration at the secondary school level. The current system, pen and paper testing (PPT), faces a lot of challenges. Examiners still mark tonnes of scripts manually. Examination results are delayed which lead to prolonged follow-up actions, among other drawbacks. But all of these will be adequately addressed by CBT.

“CBT guarantees efficiency in examination delivery, administration and scoring. It far surpasses the traditional manual paper based assessments as the manual efforts of human hands are replaced by the many times more efficient processing power of the computer.

“It also reduces the need for resources for many elements of the testing lifecycle such as printing and storing of paper, requirements of more invigilators to distribute and collect question papers and answer sheets. Also, CBT ensures that results are released almost immediately as students receive sms with their scores. No room for lecturers who use results as tools of witch hunting.

“Studies have shown that large class size in various higher institutions is inimical to learning but with constant continuous assessments and feedback better learning outcomes will be achieved. The problem is that it is difficult to have constant continuous assessments in large classes under PPT. CBT makes assessment and instant feedback possible and delivers better learning outcomes.

“It will eliminate examination malpractices and maladministration and engender a sense of meritocracy, responsibility and transparency. These are some of the benefits that CBT will bring to our higher institutions when this innovation is introduced”, Ikazoboh concluded.

Ikazoboh also noted that his company would soon enter into negotiations with relevant government agencies, particularly the Federal Ministry of Education, in order to actualize this lofty dream.

The company, which recently celebrated its 5th anniversary, is Nigeria’s leading computer-based testing and talent management firm, and has various solutions that support areas like scholarship administration, application management, matriculation examination, testing among others. Key competences of the company include biometrics identification, e-recruitment portal, pre-employment assessment, credential verification and screening examination.