Since the introduction of the computer based test in 2012, there have been increase in clamoring among the students about how the exam will look like and how to adequately prepare for the said exam. After studying the exam pattern for about two years, some tools were discovered to be of the best advantage for students to prepare adequately and do better in the examination.
For students to successfully practice for jamb utme, (s) he will need to have the following tools:
- The Computer System
- Computer Based Testing (CBT) Practicing Software
- Calculator
- Plane Sheets of Paper
- Writing Materials
- Wrist Watch/Stop Watch
COMPUTER
A computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Since a sequence of operations can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.
Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU), some form of memory. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit can change the order of operations in response to stored information.
Types of computers
There are different types of computers, they are as follows:
Desktop Computer: a desktop computer is usually referred to as a computer –
It is a computer that normally sits on your desk. This is the most common type of computer.
Laptop [or notebooks]: a laptop is a smaller computer that is more portable than a desktop computer, but is used in the same way. These have become more and more powerful over a period of time and now have almost as much [in some cases more] power and capability as a desktop computer.
PDA: Personal Digital Assistant is a ‘handheld’ computer which can be used in many ways the same as a desktop computer. Many people use them as electronic diaries, but they usually also have word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint viewers on them as well as a host of applications that can be downloaded from the Internet as well. The information in your PDA can be transferred back to your computer by cable or in some cases using ‘Bluetooth’ technology e.g. palm top, ipad, etc
The computer system has different parts: they are as follows:
- Monitor
- Central processing unit
- Keyboard
- Speaker
- Mouse
- Webcam
As far as the jamb cbt is concerned, out of all the components/parts of the computer system, the keyboard and the mouse are the main part of the computer that the students will interact with mostly, because they will make use of the mouse to click the correct answers and to move to the next/previous pages, also it is used to submit the questions after the student is through with the examination.
A mouse is now an integral part of using a computer system. There are different types of mice, but most of them operate in the same way. A mouse is used for pointing and Clicking in ‘Windows’.
The monitor is the part of the system that the question and the answers will be displayed on, and it will be user interactive. The questions will be in the format that the student will understand.
The keyboard will be used to enter the candidate’s information and for some other functions.
COMPUTER BASED TESTING (CBT) PRACTISING SOFTWARE
Another important tool for jamb’s utme cbt examination is a computer based testing practicing software. There is much software that is made for this purpose. Also there are some that are made purposely for jamb’s utme cbt exam. Example is the AVALANCHE PK 2014 cbt software produced by Avalanche Multi-Dynamic Services Limited. This software is done in a way that it will be installed on the computer system, the mobile phone or any other electronic gadget that has the capability of being used for the administration of the examination.
The software has a collection of different questions and answers from the past questions of the examination body and the solutions. It is done in a way that it presents the question in a way that it will be similar to that of the exam body.
CALCULATOR
The calculator is an electronic gadget that is used mainly for calculations. It is mainly used by students that will be doing the courses that has to do with calculations e.g mathematics, chemistry, physics, principle of accounting etc
PLANE SHEETS OF PAPER
The sheets of papers will be used for writing and working on. The students will need this because they might need to write and do their workings on the paper and to be able to calculate rightly.
WRITING MATERIALS
Writing materials will be much needed for the cbt examination. Pen is used for writing and calculating, it is an essential tool in the administrating of the cbt because the students will need it to write and carry out their working with.
WRIST WATCH/STOP WATCH
It is used for timing; the students will need it to check the time duration and the time required for the examination. It will be a very valuable tool because CBT is all about time management.
With all the aforementioned tools, passing the JAMB cbt exam shouldn’t be a difficult task and the students should take advantage of the new technology to do better than the way they have been doing in the previous examinations.
