Comparing intentions to use university‐provided vs vendor‐provided multibiometric authentication in online exams

Abstract

Purpose

Concerns for information security in e‐learning systems have been raised previously. In the pursuit for better authentication approaches, few schools have implemented students' authentication during online exams beyond passwords. This paper aims to assess e‐learners' intention to provide multibiometric data and use of multibiometrics during online exams.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from 163 e‐learners from two institutions, the authors compared such measures when provided by their university versus by a third‐party service vendor. The multibiometrics discussed included fingerprint, face, and voice recognition.

Findings

The results show a clear indication by the learners that they are significantly more willing to provide their biometric data and intend to use multibiometrics when provided by their university compared with same services provided by a third‐party vendor.

Research limitations/implications

Research implications include the need for better understanding of multibiometrics implementations in educational settings.

Practical implications

The findings are profound for vendors of multibiometrics as they must adjust their approach when implementing such technologies at higher educational institutions, rather than simply opt to license the use of such solutions and to host them.

Originality/value

This study helps higher educational institutions better understand that learners do not appear to object to the use of multibiometrics technologies during online exams, rather the way in which such technologies are implemented and managed on‐campus.

Citation

Levy, Y., Ramim, M.M., Furnell, S.M. and Clarke, N.L. (2011), "Comparing intentions to use university‐provided vs vendor‐provided multibiometric authentication in online exams", Campus-Wide Information Systems, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 102-113. https://doi.org/10.1108/10650741111117806