This site is a proof of concept which shows how web based virtual learning environment login pages might be delivered with some practical considerations of the primary classroom, and shows how passwords and usernames can be introduced in a structured and staged way.
The login Scottish Glow learning environment is presented here as an example only, many other educational web services present similar login pages
Please note: the concept login pages above are envisaged for use only within a single classroom environment. This might be stored and made available on a single computer, or an internal facing file server or web server. The login pages reveal a list of student user ids, and their use needs to be carefully considered. Password unmasking also needs to be considered carefully in combination with policy on the "remember my password" and "form autocompletion" for users' browser and profile.
Is it feasible for a teacher to take a group of 7-8 year old students into a computing room, and have them sucessfully, and have them all enter an 8 digit numerical id, and a unique password which meets organisational security standards for complexity?
Are there ways in which our young users can be supported by the systems we build which will enable the students and teachers to make use of the technology more easily.
Perhaps some consideration about usernames and passwords should be given to the age and capabilities of groups of users.
Does the complexity of getting students to enter a complex username take time and attention away from appropriate password use?
Interesting article discussing issues about password masking,
and the problems encountere by usability tests with adults and
password masking:
Jakob
Nielson Alertbox June 23, 2009