A Proposed Model for Improving the Reliability of Online Exam Results Using Blockchain

Mohamed Abdelsalam; Marwan Shokry; Amira M. Idrees

doi:10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3304995

IEEE Access (Jan 2024)

A Proposed Model for Improving the Reliability of Online Exam Results Using Blockchain

Mohamed Abdelsalam,
Marwan Shokry,
Amira M. Idrees

Affiliations

Mohamed Abdelsalam: ORCiD; Information Systems Department, Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
Marwan Shokry: ORCiD; Business Information Systems Program, Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
Amira M. Idrees: ORCiD; Faculty of Computers and Information Technology, Future University in Egypt, New Cairo, Egypt

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3304995
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 12
pp. 7719 – 7733

Abstract

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In recent times, Learning Management Systems (LMS) have gained significant popularity, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering improved effectiveness and efficiency. Within LMS, online exams have emerged as a critical tool for assessing students’ performance and understanding of course material, playing a vital role in determining their progression. Ensuring the reliability and transparency of online exam results is imperative. Any vulnerability, such as hacking, can adversely impact students’ grades. Conventional online exam systems often store data centrally in databases like MySQL, making them susceptible to unauthorized access and manipulation. This paper presents a blockchain-based framework to enable secure and peer-to-peer conduction and evaluation of academic exams. The framework uses hashing techniques to ensure data integrity and employs proof of stake mechanisms for enhanced security. Blockchain’s decentralized data storage and cryptographic hashing for each block make it effective in safeguarding data integrity. The paper demonstrates the use of blockchain for developing online exams, storing each question and answer directly on the blockchain. To achieve this, we have created a module that integrates with the Moodle learning management system. Through a comparative analysis with Moodle’s default centralized storage, our module modifies the exam result storage, ensuring secure and tamper-proof data storage on the blockchain. By leveraging the blockchain, exam data is reliably secured, maintaining integrity, and resisting manipulation. Our results show that data stored on the blockchain is entirely accurate, with no discrepancies compared to Moodle’s standard approach. The blockchain network provides a reliable and immutable platform, preventing unauthorized changes to student data. In conclusion, our blockchain-based framework offers a robust solution for enhancing the security and reliability of online exam results. By harnessing blockchain’s decentralized and tamper-proof nature, we ensure data integrity and transparency, providing a more trustworthy assessment of academic performance.

Published in IEEE Access

ISSN: 2169-3536 (Online)
Publisher: IEEE
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Technology: Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering
Website: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=6287639

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