Online Learner Authentication: Verifying the Identity of Online Users

Ryan Hakoda
EDTEC 596

Verifying identification of users in online classes has been a serious concern and high priority according to the article Online Learner Authentication: Verifying the Identity of Online Users. Authors Jeffrey L. Bailie of National American University and Michael A. Jortberg of Acxiom Corporation point out that online assignments, tests, projects and even discussion boards such as this one is subject to fraudulent actions as long as there is some sort of incentive or reward that will pay off if the opportunity is presented. What they have come up with as a solution is to issue challenge questions prior to a "trigger event" such as an exam. These questions will help filter out the frauds from the actual online users and confirm that it is indeed the registered user. Other methods are also being considered such as face-to-face examination where you must physically go in to take the exam; video conferencing where the instructor can see you through a webcam and confirm it is you; and biometrics and web video recording where fingerprints may even be required or simply voice and signature confirmation.
So far the two partners in resolving this fraud issue, Blackboard and Acxiom, seem to be on the right track and it's only a matter of time before we at SDSU must follow along in doing so.