Gihan N. Wikramanayake, Damitha D. Karunartna, Dilkushi S. Wettewe, "Evaluation of English and IT skills of new entrants to Sri Lankan universities", International Conference on Information and Educational Technology (ICIET), Mumbai, 15 Jan 2012. This study presents our experiences in designing, implementing and deploying an on-line evaluation scheme to measure the English and information technology skills of new entrants to Sri Lankan universities at point of entry in 2011. Over 15,000 students from 25 districts of the country were subjected to the on-line evaluation. The test was conducted by using a learning management system, in 24 consecutive days in twenty six centres scattered across the country. This paper sums up the experiences we gathered in conducting the evaluation of a larger group of students spread across a wide geographical area and the lessons learned.

1. Evaluation of
English and IT skills of
new entrants to Sri Lankan universities
Gihan*, Damith, Dilkushi
Sri Lanka
15 Jan 2012 ICIET 2012 1

2. Universities in Sri Lanka
1. University of Colombo (West)
2. University of Sri Jayewardenepura (West)
3. University of Kelaniya (West)
4. University of Moratuwa (West)
5. University of the Visual & Performing Arts (West)
6. University of Jaffna (North)
7. University of Ruhuna (South)
8. Eastern University, Sri Lanka (East)
9. South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (East)
10. University of Peradeniya (Central)
11. Rajarata University (North Central)
12. Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (Sabaragamuwa)
13. Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (North Western)
14. Uva Wellassa University (Uva)
15. Open University
Intake 22,000 (17%) Students; Free; Quota
Literacy 92%; IT 30%; English 12%?
Teachers: English 46%; IT 33%
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3. Skills
• English
• IT
• Soft skills
• Leadership
• Personality development
Objectives
Increase Employability
Employability
Learning in English ●
Arts 30% Science 60%
Use IT for Education ●
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4. Skill Levels
Enter Leave
University University
English Level 4 Level 5
IT Basic Advanced
Training Needs
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5. Testing
IELTS - International English Language Testing System
UTEL - University Test of the English Language, Sri Lanka
Components
Reading Grammar Vocabulary
Writing Listening (Post Test)
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6. Testing
ICDL – International Computer Driving Licence
Components
– Working with a computer
– Internet services
– Word processing
– Preparing presentations
– Data analysis using spreadsheets
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7. Training & Test Centres
National Online Distance Education Service
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8. Students Distribution
4000
3000
Students
2000
1000
0
WP SP CP NWP SabP EP UP NCP NP
Province
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9. Marks Distribution (Pre-test)
70
60
50
Marks
40
30
20
10
0
WP SP CP NWP SabP EP UP NCP NP
Province
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10. Training
• Face to Face Group
– Half day session for English & IT
– 12 Weeks Training (48 Hrs)
• Exempted Group
– Access to Online Material
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11. Effect of on-line resource access (IT)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Batticaloa
Mannar
Badulla
Kegalle
Galle
Matale
Puttalam
Jaffna
Kalutara
Colombo
Kandy
NuwaraEliya
Trincomalee
Mullaitivu
Ampara
Gampaha
Hambantota
Kurunegala
Matara
Kilinochchi
Monaragala
Vavuniya
Ratnapura
Polonnaruwa
Anuradhapura
Average of students do not access on line content
Average of students access on line content < 10 times
Average of students access on line content >= 10 times
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12. District comparison of pre-post results
70
60
50
40
30
Pre-test
20
Post-test
10
0
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13. Performance improvement of students
recommended for training at training
centers (Pre-test marks < 40)
60
50
40
30
20 Pre-test
Post-test
10
0
Ratnapura
Kandy
Mullaitivu
Matara
Vavuniya
Kilinochchi
Mannar
Polonnaruwa
Badulla
Jaffna
Colombo
Ampara
Gampaha
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14. Level 4 Level 5 < Level 4
Sat
(Complete) (Certificate) (Repeat)
Count Count % Count % Count %
13,841 6,067 44% 2,269 16% 5,505 40%
Information Technology Skills
50%
40%
30%
20%
Post-test
10%
0%
Letter of Certificate Fail
Completion
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