Computer-Based Assessments in Higher Education: Challenges and Remediations

Assessment refers to the process of measuring an individual's understanding and knowledge or testing students' knowledge of what they have been taught. Traditionally, it is undertaken using pen, pencil, and paper. However, due to technological advances, information and communication technology (ICT) was introduced, giving rise to what is known as computer-based assessment (CBA), which has been adopted by many higher education institutions. Its use has gained traction during the Covid-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, CBA is not without its challenges. This study investigated the challenges that students experience in the use of CBA. A quantitative methodology was employed, and data was collected using questionnaires administered to 357 students. The results showed that, in using CBA, students experienced challenges relating to Internet connectivity, presentation of items on the screen, unfamiliarity with CBA terms, and the use of mouse-scrolling features. Based on the findings and the literature, strategies are recommended to address these challenges.