Semiautomatic testing of student software under Unix(R)

A method is described for creating a secure hierarchical group environment in Unix(R) where faculty have free access to student files but in which students have no access either to faculty files or other students' files. The environment is employed to implement a semiautomatic testing system for student software. Testing is used both for grading and for hands-on help for students. The tests generate a permanent, time-stamped record of the results. Samples are provided of a typical programming assignment, a testing script in Perl, and samples of the record for compliant and noncompliant programs.