The essential vision here is of a fully integrated learning environment in which the user does not perceive the joins between systems. Seamless One Stop Access would allow students, whether on-campus or not, to access Athens protected digital materials such as electronic journals. The integration of Athens resources, library facilities and the VLE allows for the integration of course modules from the point of view of the user and of the course designer. A fully developed e-learning or blended learning system will need to ensure a robust single log-in if the aim of seamless one stop access is to be achieved.
Athens Devolved Authentication has been implemented as part of the 4i project which was part of the DiVLE programme. Athens Devolved Authentication (DA) uses a local authentication service as a trusted service for access to Athens resources. It has now been implemented in a mode that establishes an Athens session pre-emptively (by a hidden referral) when a student logs into the VLE. By facilitating pre-authentication to selected resources when a student logs into the VLE the project effectively eliminated the need for distance learners to enter an Athens username and password to gain access to a range of required resources.
We recommend that projects beginning work in this area draw on the resources of the 4i project and the experience of Ulster University in this area of work.
The 4i project. The 4i project was part of the DiVLE programme and the project web site contains useful resources including conference presentations and project documentation.