As an alternative, though not necessarily cheap, you could set up thin
clients (Citrix/VMWare VDI) which are built to a simple specification
with no access to internet or other areas. It might be possible to
create a virtual network which is self contained. That way no physical
resources (other than a server or two) need to be dedicated to the
process. The VMWare version certainly allows you to remove USB devices
and my experience of Citrix was that it did not work anyway.
Just a thought.
Tim
-----Original Message-----
From: JISC RSC-Eastern Technical [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Burhan Loqueman
Sent: 05 January 2009 10:33
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Online/PC-Based Examinations Suites
My apologies to all if this is an old subject; however we are facing
increasing
pressure to provide PC facilities that can be used flexibly for a
variety of
requirements including PC-based online examinations as well as normal
learning/teaching activities.
It is my impression at this point in time that the ideal computer
environment to
conduct examinations is one that is segregated from the main network
(with
either no internet access or access to specific exam sites only), with
only the
software that is required for the exams installed. Additionally, in the
ideal
world software would be used to lock-out access to removable media and
USB
ports.
However, dedicating enough computing resource in this manner is
difficult - at
least in our environment.
I have been considering the used of tagged VLAN switch-ports, in
combination
with multiple OS partitions, and NIC drivers on PCs capable of tagging
packets - such that when booted in the 'exams' OS partition, only a
segregated 'exams' VLAN is available; and whilst in the 'classroom'
partition,
the PC is a able to communicate normally on the network. Thus a single
PC
with a reboot can be used in entirely different network/software
environments.
If you have five minutes to jot down an email, I'd like to know the
approaches
and experiences of my colleagues at other colleges in the region.
Thanks.
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