By Theresa Moses
In the early 2000s, as I embarked on the journey of writing my West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the halls echoed with the rustle of papers, the scribbling of ball pens amid the noticeable tension that only examination season brings. Call it examination tension, if you may. It was an era when the tangible weight of textbooks, the feel of question papers/answer sheets beneath our fingertips, and the anxious anticipation of physical exam results were the norm.
Fast forward to today. The narrative has metamorphosed into a tale of technological innovation and progress. As I share the story of my WASSCE experience with my children, it feels analogous to recounting a chapter from history—a bygone era when the digital realm had yet to infiltrate the academic landscape.
Now, in a fascinating move with the digital trend, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is steering the course of future examinations with the introduction of a computer-based mock exam. As the innovation curtain rises, private candidates find themselves at the forefront of this groundbreaking shift. The days of poring over ink-stained papers are giving way to a sleek and efficient interface where the stroke of a computer keyboard carries the weight of academic destiny.
Beginning from Wednesday, January 31, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is set to conduct its first-ever Computer-based Mock Examination for private candidates as part of the 2024 First Series. This initiative marks a significant transition from traditional paper-based examinations to the more technologically advanced format.
On January 23rd and 24th, candidates converged on the mockcbt.waec.org.ng portal for the free mock examination, designed to prepare prospective candidates for the computer-based WASSCE. This serves as a dress rehearsal for the main event of this digital voyage as candidates are armed with mobile phones and personal computers. The portal, accessible for two days, beckons candidates to explore a new realm where clicks replace scribbles and pixels become the canvas for academic prowess, which a sister agency, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has already successfully experimented and adopted.
WAEC’s commitment to a seamless experience shines through as candidates are afforded a second chance to access the mock examination page in case of technical hitches. This safety net not only demonstrates a dedication to fairness but also recognition of the transitional challenges students may face at this experimental stage.
Login details for the mock examination were dispatched promptly to candidates’ e-mail addresses and phone numbers upon the closure of registrations. WAEC’s proactive approach ensures that candidates are well-prepared and equipped for the digital odyssey that awaits them.
Recognising the need for support in this technological transition, WAEC went the extra mile by providing tutorial videos on how to navigate the examination portal. They accessible on various social media platforms and act as digital compasses guiding candidates through the uncharted territories of the computer-based exam.
GATMASH NEWS conducted a series of vox pops to assess public reaction regarding this innovative measure in the examination process. Initial responses highlighted a mix of anticipation and excitement as candidates welcome the move towards a more streamlined and contemporary examination format.
Many participants acknowledged the importance of adapting to technological advances in education, stressing the potential benefits of a computer-based examination system. Some expressed enthusiasm about the convenience offered by the online portal, emphasizing its potential to reduce logistical challenges associated with traditional examinations.
However, concerns were also voiced, particularly regarding technical proficiency and access to digital resources.
Elina Williams (17): “I’m thrilled about the CBT mock exam! It’s like stepping into the future. Embracing technology is the next level for our generation.”
David Adetutu (18): “Finally! It’ll prepare us for what’s to come. Technology is the way forward, and I’m ready for it”
Grace Odion (19): “Adapting to technology is crucial. This mock exam is a chance to hone our skills for a tech-driven world. Great way to start.”
Samuel Yahaya (17): “Imagine the convenience! No more untangling handwriting. CBT can make exams smoother and results more accurate.”
Mariam Ahmed (18): “While it’s exciting, I worry about technical issues. Not everyone is tech-savvy. I hope they address accessibility for all candidates.”
Michael Okechukwu (18): “It’s like a gaming challenge but with serious stakes. I’m curious about the experience—ready for the adventure!”
Lola Hassan (17): “The world is digital now. We can’t escape it. So, adapting to a digital exam format is a necessary step in our education system.”
In the prelude to this digital saga, WAEC, represented by Moyosola F. Adesina, Acting Head of Public Affairs, Lagos State, extended warm wishes to all candidates. The message carries not just a hope for success in the examination but an acknowledgment of the transformative journey embarked upon collectively by both the examining body and the candidates.
As private candidates embrace the transition from paper to pixels, they not only navigate a new examination format but become pioneers in an educational evolution. The Computer-Based Mock Examination is not just a test of academic knowledge; it is a testament to adaptability, resilience and the inexorable march towards an educational future where pixels are the building blocks of progress. The journey from paper to pixels is not just an examination format; it is the embodiment of a digital revolution that promises to shape the future of education in West Africa.
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