Attitude of Undergraduate Students Towards Computer-Based Test (CBT): A Case Study of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria

Introduction

As the 2007/2008 academic session of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria ended May 2008, prospective candidates for admission into the university for 2008/2009 academic session were notified that the senate of the university has decided that admission exercise would be by computer-based test (CBT) in English and General paper (aptitude test).

An individual’s attitude is an important variable in the learning process, Gattiker and Hlvaka (1992) observed that research assessing the attitude of the undergraduate to a computer-based test is lacking. This is a reflection of the fact that research such as this has never been conducted in the context of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The University of Ilorin introduced the process of using computer for writing test and examination by the undergraduate students in 2008. In the light of this, knowing the attitude of the students towards this mode of tests and examinations writing is important for the university to know where improvement is needed to further enhance the exam delivery method. It is tempting to assume that students entering school today are computer savvy and would prefer computer-based activities to more traditional activities such as reading a book. However, there is little published data evaluating the attitude of students towards computer based testing particularly in the Nigeria university setting. This study therefore, sets out to examine the attitude of undergraduate students towards computer based test/ examination at the university of Ilorin, Nigeria.