Blackboard Releases Student Identification Tool Using Acxiom Technology

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 07/27/09

Blackboard has launched a service for student identity verification, powered by technology from Acxiom, a company that specializes in interactive marketing and risk mitigation services. The Acxiom Identify-X service allows institutions to deploy an enhanced verification program that integrates with Blackboard's course management system, Blackboard Learn. After students log into the Blackboard platform and access a course assessment, Acxiom's technology will periodically and randomly present real-time challenge questions that only the enrolled student will know how to answer.

The likelihood of students being required to verify their identity may be determined by instructors at the course level or system administrators at the institutional level. Instructors can control when, where, and how frequently they verify student identity while maintaining the privacy of student information. The service doesn't require the purchase of any additional software.

Institutions will receive a limited number of free verifications based on their total student enrollment and Blackboard license. According to the vendor, most institutions choose to perform random verification of test takers. The process doesn't require the release of student information, thereby avoiding potential issues with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

"We are excited to include a range of industry-leading technologies--from student identity verification to instant messaging and plagiarism prevention--to offer institutions a more powerful e-learning platform," said Matthew Small, Blackboard's chief business officer and general counsel. "And while the Blackboard platform already offers security protection through end user authentication, this solution allows institutions to further strengthen their identity verification efforts."

The Identify-X technology is available as a Blackboard Building Block or PowerLink download. The technology is also available to Angel Learning clients. Blackboard acquired Angel earlier this year.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • cybersecurity book with a shield and padlock

    Proposed NIST Cybersecurity Guidelines Aim to Safeguard AI Systems

    The National Institute of Standards and Technology has announced plans to issue a new set of cybersecurity guidelines aimed at safeguarding artificial intelligence systems, citing rising concerns over risks tied to generative models, predictive analytics, and autonomous agents.

  • open laptop with various educational materials like charts, quizzes, and documents emerging from the screen

    Pear Deck Learning Debuts New AI Features

    GoGuardian recently introduced new artificial intelligence features within its Pear Deck Learning curriculum and instruction platform, designed to aid educators throughout their teaching journey — from lesson planning to assessment.

  • students raising their hands and participating in a classroom discussion

    Report Explores Link Between Student Engagement and Learning

    Over 90% of teachers, principals, and superintendents agree that student engagement is a critical metric for understanding overall achievement, according to a new survey report from Discovery Education.