Back to pen and paper: Recovering assessment questions from computer-based examination applications

Shalabh Saini, George Grispos, Charles Zhechao Liu, Kim Kwang Raymond Choo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Computer-based examination platforms are increasingly utilized to deliver examinations. The advantages of implementing such a solution over a traditional pen-and-paper approach include support for remote candidates, reduced financial costs, shorter grading time and reduced carbon footprints. While the benefits are attractive, the nature of computer-based examinations makes them more susceptible to cheating. One conjecture previously discussed in the literature is that candidates could recover questions from hard drives. However, minimal research has been conducted to affirm these assumptions. Hence, this research investigates the extent to which questions can be recovered from a computer-based examination and makes recommendations to counter such problems based on the Routine Activity Theory. The study contributes to the discipline by empirically demonstrating that questions can be recovered from three computer-based examination applications using freely available computer forensic tools, and highlighting the need for additional security measure to enhance the creditability of the computer-based examination applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAMCIS 2017 - America's Conference on Information Systems
Subtitle of host publicationA Tradition of Innovation
PublisherAmericas Conference on Information Systems
ISBN (Electronic)9780996683142
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
EventAmerica�s Conference on Information Systems: A Tradition of Innovation, AMCIS 2017 - Boston, United States
Duration: Aug 10 2017Aug 12 2017

Publication series

NameAMCIS 2017 - America's Conference on Information Systems: A Tradition of Innovation
Volume2017-August

Other

OtherAmerica�s Conference on Information Systems: A Tradition of Innovation, AMCIS 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston
Period8/10/178/12/17

Keywords

  • Cheating
  • Computer Forensics
  • Computer-based Examination
  • Security.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Information Systems
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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