Currently E-learning systems do not provide a tool to authenticate student continuously during online assessment, this raises the probability of cheating. Many proposed solutions use different biometric techniques to identify and authenticate student continuously, they use different techniques with different measures. This paper proposes certain criteria that should be available in any proposed biometric technique to be fitted with e-learning architecture and continues authentication of student during online assessment. This paper investigates some proposed solutions to see compatibility of those solutions with the proposed criteria. (Authors' abstract)

This paper discusses ethics and student assessment, as applicable to the growing field of distance education. In particular, this paper discusses strategies for minimizing academic dishonesty in online student assessment. Among the strategies discussed are acknowledging the disadvantages of online assessment and overcoming them, designing an effective, cheat-proof online assessment, keeping online courses current, and providing students with an academic dishonesty policy. (Abstract by author)

This paper addresses the use of computer-based testing in distance education, based on the experience of Universitas Terbuka (UT), Indonesia. Computer-based testing has been developed at UT for reasons of meeting the specific needs of distance students as the following:

• students‘ inability to sit for the scheduled test,
• conflicting test schedules, and
• students‘ flexibility to take examination to improve their grades.

In 2004, UT initiated a pilot project in the development of system and program for computer-based testing method. Then in 2005 and 2006 tryouts in the use of computerbased testing methods were conducted in 7 Regional Offices that were considered as having sufficient supporting recourses. The results of the tryouts revealed that students were enthusiastic in taking computer-based tests and they expected that the test method would be provided by UT as alternative to the traditional paper and pencil test method. UT then implemented computer-based testing method in 6 and 12 Regional Offices in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The computer-based testing was administered in the city of the designated Regional Office and was supervised by the Regional Office staff. The development of the computer-based testing was initiated with conducting tests using computers in networked configuration. The system has been continually improved, and it currently uses devices linked to the internet or the World Wide Web. The construction of the test involves the generation and selection of the test items from the item bank collection of the UT Examination Center. Thus the combination of the selected items compromises the test specification. Currently UT has offered 250 courses involving the use of computer-based testing. Students expect that more courses are offered with computer-based testing in Regional Offices within easy access by students.

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The goal of this study was to explore whether differences in student academic indicators exist between taking a course face-to-face (F2F) and taking a course via distance education (DE). Three hundred and eighty five students were enrolled in a course offered, both, as F2F (n = 116) and as DE (n = 269). Course content, instructor, textbook adopted, and assessment methods were consistent between the two course delivery formats. Final grades, DFW rates, and end of term course and instructor evaluations were used as the outcome indicators. In addition, student demographic information was factored into data analyses. Results indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in final grade, DFW rates, and end of term course evaluation response rates between the course offerings. Further analysis suggested that freshman grade performance was significantly different between course offerings. Implications and policy suggestions regarding distance education will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online student assessment features in many distance-learning programs. The prevention of plagiarism has been the subject of much attention, but insufficient attention has been given to other problems of dishonesty in online assessment. We survey the types of problems that can occur and what can be done about them. We believe many educators are unaware of these problems, and most countermeasures proposed are insufficient. (Abstract by author)

This article tackles the concerns assessment is facing in online learning and considers the limitations of the classic assessment models should be overcome by a new paradigm for assessment design in online learning. Considerations and recommendations on designing alternatives approaches are given, pointing out the eportolio as one of the most feasible ones. (Abstract by authors)

The focus of this article is on the combination of enquiry-based learning, information literacy and e-learning and how they are embedded in an online peer assessment exercise. What it shall present is a structure and strategy that aids student learning in the short and long-term. Ninety-eight students completed a questionnaire before and after a three-week online peer assessment exercise during a first year undergraduate research and study skills module. Qualitatively, the results demonstrate that a significant number of students valued the design of the exercise and the benefits it can have on their future learning and development. Quantitatively, a comparison between formative and summative assessment results indicates statistically significant differences in the grades obtained prior to and post the peer assessment learning intervention. The article concludes by suggesting that new and innovative ways of assessment are needed to keep engaging students and develop their learning in different ways.