Prospects of Computer Based (CB) and Paper Based (PB) Tests in Adult Education

Abstract

Computer-based test is a bit different from the traditional way of testing where individuals will have to answer their questions using paper and pencil or pen. The objectives of this paper are to describe the pattern of computer-based test to enable prospective candidates, particularly Adult Learners (and first timers) get the basic features of the computer-based test/examination scenario; and make it appealing to them. It discussed the features of computer-based test/exam, advantages/benefits of CBT/CBE over PBT/PBE, test/exam formalities and logistics, advocacy and challenges. It is desirable that this format is adopted for all forms of tests and exams in Adult Education and Life-Long Learnings, at least, because of the peculiarity of the discipline in both formal and non-formal school system and the avalanche of volumes being experienced nowadays. It established that there should be massive tutorial and campaign that will address the methods for keeping test volumes up and candidates' uncertainties down when migrating from paper-based to computer-based. The paper opines that computer must become part of adult training and development programmes while every adult should endeavour to be computer literate. The population of the country is growing by the day and relatively, the registered candidates for every examination. Thus, faster and smarter formats are required for the ever-increasing numbers; and there must be political will by all stake holders in testing, examinations and learning and development to adopt the computer-based format.