Electronic Authentication for
Flexible Learning
Workshop Presentation (5 August 2003)
Chris Connolly, CEO, Galexia Consulting
Overview
 Introduction to flexible
learning
 VET and electronic
authentication
 Case studies
 Legal and regulatory issues
 Strategic issues
 Strategy document
Flexible Learning
 Flexible learning expands choice on what, when, where and how
people learn. It supports different styles of learning, including elearning.
 Flexible learning is learner centred and client focused.
 The Flexible Learning Framework is built on five goals:
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Creative, capable people;
Supportive technological infrastructure;
World-class online content;
Enabling policies; and
Problem-solving regulation
Authentication
 A technical definition of authentication is the process of establishing
whether someone or something is who or what its identifier states it
is. An authentication process may be enabled by:
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Something you know, like a PIN or password;
Something you have, as with smartcards, challenge-response
mechanisms, or public-key certificates; or
Something you are, as with positive photo identification, fingerprints,
and biometrics.
 The key benefit of electronic authentication is that it enables
electronic transactions to take place in an environment of trust and
confidence. The Internet, for example, is an open network where
the community has a low level of trust. However, authentication
tools can provide greater confidence in the identity, validity and
authenticity of participants, sites and objects.
Electronic Authentication and VET
 There are benefits for the VET sector in migrating to a strong,
centrally managed, coordinated electronic authentication model.
These include:
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Reduction in cheating
Improved user convenience
Improved system integrity, operability and flexibility
Improved cross recognition of assessment and qualifications
 The Australian VET sector has not yet advanced beyond ad hoc
arrangements in its approach to electronic authentication.
 Different forms of electronic authentication are used in individual
applications. The choice of electronic authentication tool may be
based on availability, the level of understanding of participants, or
in some cases on a risk and cost/benefit analysis.
Electronic Authentication Opportunities
 Education materials
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access to content and
learning objects
 Education providers
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institutions
RTOs
tutors
Assessors
 Participants
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learners
assessment
skills passports
 Relying parties
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employers
other education institutions
(cross recognition)
licensing bodies
qualification authorities
 Transactions
» enrolment
» subscription
» payment
A “Whole of Sector” Approach
The “whole of sector” approach to authentication in the VET
sector faces significant challenges:
 Diverse range of organisations, from large TAFE Colleges to small
Registered Training Organisations
 State and federal complexities
 Diverse range of technology available (hardware, software, Internet
access, security)
 Multiple stakeholders
 Plethora of existing identification, enrolment and authentication
platforms currently in use
 Sensitivity re personal information
Case Studies
 University of Phoenix Online
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50,000 students learning in an email environment, relying on high levels of
interaction to supplement simple authentication system.
 WestOne
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State-wide ‘blended’ learning clearing house with single sign on password and
login authentication.
 JISC (UK)
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Joint Information Systems Committee of the UK Higher and Further Education
Funding Councils ("the JISC").
Athens is a single ID, single password service: the same ID and password are
used irrespective of which Athens-controlled resource the user wishes to
access. The service is location-independent, i.e. the user may authenticate
via Athens from home as easily as from the campus.
 Career Management Account (USA)
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Comprehensive skills passport – pilot used Public Key Infrastructure –
allowing life long learning record and validation of results/qualifications for
third parties.
Legal and Regulatory Issues
 Numerous legislation and codes considered:
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Electronic Transaction Act
State and federal privacy legislation
Cybercrime legislation
VET legislation
Gatekeeper requirements
 Privacy emerged as the most significant legal issue:
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Compliance with privacy legislation
Intruding into student’s personal affairs
Function creep
Potential for ongoing surveillance
Restrictions on user choice
Strategic Direction
 The primary conclusion of the Galexia
Consulting paper was that electronic
authentication (and hence flexible
learning) is unlikely to advance further
in the VET sector without
implementation of a model that involves
a central body making decisions about
the adoption of electronic
authentication across the whole VET
sector, determining appropriate
electronic authentication solutions, and
liaising with other sectors.
 A strong national electronic
authentication solution across the
entire VET sector will not be achieved
quickly. The recommendations
contemplate a staged migration path.
Recommendations
 Recommendation 1 – Develop an electronic authentication
strategy for the VET sector
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It is recommended that FLAG advise ANTA CEOs that it is important
to develop an electronic authentication strategy for the VET sector
and take a high level policy decision to pursue that strategy. ANTA
CEOs should determine how such a strategy will be developed.
 Recommendation 4 – Increase awareness of electronic
authentication in the VET sector
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It is recommended that a coordinated program of general awareness
raising and detailed professional development for key participants in
the VET sector is undertaken by ANTA.
Recommendations
 Recommendation 5 – Coordinate with other education sectors
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We recommend the VET sector coordinate its electronic
authentication activities with other education sectors, especially
higher education considering their advanced state (through COLIS).
 Recommendation 8 – Further research
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Further research may be required on a range of strategic issues in
electronic authentication in the VET sector. Examples:
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Cross recognition of qualifications
International developments
Jurisdiction issues
 Also:
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Coordination and liaison with other ANTA projects, especially:
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Unique Client Identifier
Skills passport
Strategy Document
 Development of a detailed strategy document - using today’s workshop
as a first opportunity to start “filling in” the details
 Awareness raising
 Coordination with other sectors
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Higher education
Schools
 Coordination with other projects
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Skills passport
Unique Client Identifier
 Establish an electronic authentication coordinating committee
 Further research
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International experience
Emerging technology
Needs of institutions and learners