What measures can be taken to make CAA secure?

The following strategies can help maintain security during CAA:

Questions and/or options can be randomised to reduce cheating.

• Exam questions can be loaded onto the server just prior to the test being taken to prevent unauthorised access.
• Exams can be password protected.
• Customised screens can be attached to computers to prevent students from looking at other terminals during exams.
• Access to other electronic materials (such as those stored on the internet or the university system) can be restricted during the exam.
• Encryption facilities are available with some assessment systems. These can prevent unauthorised access to question and answer files.
• Network security measures may be used to protect unauthorised access to test and result files.
• If assessments are being used summatively, it is likely that invigilation will be required. Visit the Learning Technology Dissemination Initiative to read Stan Zakrzewski's account of the implementation of large-scale, invigilated, computer-based exams at the University of Luton.