A conceptual model for a network-based assessment security system: The virtual invigilator

Abstract

The use of computer to assess learning is increasing at colleges and university as the use of technology on campuses increase. The challenge for the instructors at these institutions is to find a way to ensure the integrity of the assessments while still allow students to access network resources during the assessment. A variety of approaches exist that attempt to create an electronic environment that allows students to access only the resources that are permitted. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to build a system that allow access to the set of resources that a instructor chooses while guaranteeing that no other resources is being accessed. This paper provides an alternate approach to the challenge of securing an assessment and presents a model of a system that can be used to ensure the integrity of the assessment even when unrestricted access to the network is provided. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.