Impact of e-Registration on the Quality of Assessment Resources in Uganda.

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of e-registration on the quality of assessment resources at the Ugandan National Examinations Board examination centres. It further investigated the challenges affecting the e-registration process. Research Advisors Table (2006), based on Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) Table of Sample Selection, was used for sample size determination in a quantitative survey. The study employed the explanatory sequential mixed methods approach, in which quantitative data was first collected and analysed, followed by qualitative data collection and analysis. The participants for the quantitative strand were selected through stratified, proportionate and simple random sampling techniques, while those for the qualitative approach were purposefully chosen. The 5866 examination centres yielded a stratification of 785 centres out of which 289 centres were sampled for the study. A questionnaire and interview guides were used for data collection. The questionnaire was composed of two sections: Demographic section on the characteristics of the examination centres and a five-point Likert scale, 1 (low quality) to 3 (high quality), which was used for measuring the quality of Assessment Resources before and after the introduction of e-registration. The impact of e-registration was analysed using Paired Samples T-Test. The challenges were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that there was a positive impact of e-registration on the overall quality of assessment resources (t = 9.259, df = 109, p< .05). The challenges of e-registration included poor physical infrastructures such as internet, power failure, computer viruses, and hardware and software breakdown; ill-trained personnel to handle the process; and financial constraints. Recommendations to minimise the challenges included the need for the government to invest in ICT and electricity development as well as training of the personnel handling eregistration in order to enhance the e-registration efficiency.

Keywords: impact evaluation; e-registration; quality of assessment resources; challenges