Remote Biometric Verification for eLearning Applications: Where We Are

Abstract

In recent years there has been a huge spread of online learning methods - eLearning - that have allowed learners of any type to enjoy well-structured lessons and articulated training course, with solid teaching methodologies. Many solutions and platforms have extremely useful and powerful features for the student; the innovative methodologies have brought unexpected results to all levels, multiple contexts, and areas of interest. In the e-learning there is an ongoing revolution that determines a strong impact on the training system on different fields: methodological, educational, social and technological. However, the identity of an individual - in eLearning - has always been the basis of some controversies. In this regard, a critical aspect concerns the User Identity verification and recognition. Currently there is an element of attention, the problem of examination is still to be done in the presence of the teacher in order to be permanently accredited. Presently are already used various user authentication and identification techniques, such as conventional User ID and password, challenging questions, and some biometric techniques. From this point of view, biometric technologies that have the feature of verifying their personal identity without being “stolen” or “lend” can provide a possible solution. Despite this fact, a few approaches have been proposed for eLearning applications. The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of the state of the art of biometric methods applied to current eLearning solutions.