Usability of activity-based and image-based challenge questions in online student authentication

Abstract

There has been a renewed interest in secure authentication of students in online examinations. Online examinations are important and high stake assets in the context of remote online learning. The logistical challenges and absence of live invigilation in remote un-supervised online examination makes the identification and authentication process extremely difficult. The authors implemented pre-defined text-based challenge questions for student authentication in online examination using a Profile Based Authentication Framework (PBAF) approach. The pre-defined questions require students to register their answers, which causes distraction and usability challenges. In this study, a non-invasive activity-based learning journey questions approach was implemented combined with the imagebased questions, using the PBAF approach. Findings of the study shows significant difference in the efficiency of activity-based and image-based questions during the learning process (p <0.01). There was no significant difference in the accuracy of multiple-choice image-based and activity-based questions (p > 0.01). There was a significant difference in the accuracy of activity-based questions and activity-date questions (p <0.01).