Authenticate with Password

Password authentication is the most common form of security, and most experts believe that that this is the minimum level of security required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Usernames are assigned rights by which access to specific systems are granted. The identity of the learner is linked to the assigned username by way of a personal identification number and a self-selected password. Password authentication is both convenient and inexpensive. It requires no supplemental hardware or software for the learner to purchase.

The disadvantage in online learning is when learners share their login information with others. As an instructor, you don't know who sits at the keyboard after logging in or who used the login information to gain access. Most CMSs have statistics as well as logs that faculty can review. The data often includes IP addresses, an identifier of a computer's location on a network. These IP addresses are now assigned dynamically—meaning that the address of a specific computer can change over time. Many residence areas such as apartment complexes that share network services may show an IP address that is actually used by multiple computers. Therefore, be cautious in assigning too high a value on duplicate IP addresses, and never accuse students of improprieties based solely on IP address. 

An Idea for Your Course

Be upfront with learners that you have tools that will give you data about logins and session durations, among other information; however, there is no need to give too many specifics of the tools in your arsenal. When misconduct is suspected, good instructor sleuth-hounds will learn to look at all angles of the data at their disposal. Do your research; ask your technology support for assistance; gather all your information including talking to the student(s). Look at the resulting artifacts holistically, and you'll make good decisions.

In the following sections, we will discuss additional resources that you may consider in ensuring student identity, starting with knowing the voice of your learner.