NeOS: Neuchâtel Online System

Most online courses include training assignments and offer various forms of tests to evaluate the students’ performance. Some courses, in particular computer sciences courses, require elaborate hands-on training experiences. The NeOS Framework presented in this paper proposes an e-learning tool developed supporting in particular hands-on training through programming exercises. The user locally develops his code in an editor-like user interface and then tests his program code on a well secured remote machine. In the case of programming exercises, the NeOS Framework supports computer aided evaluation as well as the cross check of solutions submitted. Furthermore, it offers several security measures at the system level by securing in particular the lab machines from being affected by attacks from the outside, and at the usage level by reducing the cheating opportunities.