INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION AND EXAMINATION INTEGRITY: EVIDENCE FROM THE NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA
Keywords:
Examination Malpractice, ICT Usage, National Open University of Nigeria, Science StudentsAbstract
The study investigated the effectiveness of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in controlling examination malpractice at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). Specifically, the study examined the use of Short Message Service (SMS) and Internet tracking devices in detecting and preventing examination malpractice; Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance in deterring and identifying examination malpractice; and the use of E-Registration and Authentication Systems in ensuring that only eligible students participate in examinations at NOUN. A descriptive survey design was adopted to achieve the central purpose of the study. The population of this study comprised all science students enrolled at the NOUN across the three study centers in Edo State. A sample of 456 science students was drawn for the study. The stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure adequate representation of participants across the study centers. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire developed by the authors, titled ICT Tools for Curbing Examination Malpractice Questionnaire. Reliability of the instrument was determined using the test-retest. Data were collected by the authors with the help of two research assistants. The descriptive and inferential statistics was used to ensure a comprehensive analyses of the data collection. The result showed that science students significantly differ in their usage of Short Message Service (SMS) and Internet tracking devices in detecting and preventing exam malpractice, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance in deterring and identifying examination malpractice, and the use of E-Registration and Authentication Systems in ensuring only eligible students participate in examinations in NOUN. It was recommended, amongst others, that to actively involve students in the development, implementation, and evaluation of ICT-based interventions to ensure their perspectives are considered and their concerns are addressed.
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