TITLE:
Improved Mechanism for Detecting Examinations Impersonations in Public Higher Learning Institutions: Case of the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy (MNMA)
AUTHORS:
Jasson Lwangisa Domition, Rogers Philip Bhalalusesa, Selemani Ismail
KEYWORDS:
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Model, Impersonations Detection, Dynamic Challenging Questions, Traditional-in-Class Examination and Impersonation Detection
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Computer and Communications,
Vol.12 No.9,
September
27,
2024
ABSTRACT: Currently, most public higher learning institutions in Tanzania rely on traditional in-class examinations, requiring students to register and present identification documents for examinations eligibility verification. This system, however, is prone to impersonations due to security vulnerabilities in current students’ verification system. These vulnerabilities include weak authentication, lack of encryption, and inadequate anti-counterfeiting measures. Additionally, advanced printing technologies and online marketplaces which claim to produce convincing fake identification documents make it easy to create convincing fake identity documents. The Improved Mechanism for Detecting Impersonations (IMDIs) system detects impersonations in in-class exams by integrating QR codes and dynamic question generation based on student profiles. It consists of a mobile verification app, built with Flutter and communicating via RESTful APIs, and a web system, developed with Laravel using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The two components communicate through APIs, with MySQL managing the database. The mobile app and web server interact to ensure efficient verification and security during examinations. The implemented IMDIs system was validated by a mobile application which is integrated with a QR codes scanner for capturing codes embedded in student Identity Cards and linking them to a dynamic question generation model. The QG model uses natural language processing (NLP) algorithm and Question Generation (QG) techniques to create dynamic profile questions. Results show that the IMDIs system could generate four challenging profile-based questions within two seconds, allowing the verification of 200 students in 33 minutes by one operator. The IMDIs system also tracks exam-eligible students, aiding in exam attendance and integrates with a Short Message Service (SMS) to report impersonation incidents to a dedicated security officer in real-time. The IMDIs system was tested and found to be 98% secure, 100% convenient, with a 0% false rejection rate and a 2% false acceptance rate, demonstrating its security, reliability, and high performance.