The ACT Test Technical Guide

Transcription

1 The ACT Test Technical Guide For Online Testing [Type text] [Type text]

2 Contact Information Please direct all questions to ACT Test Administration, 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m., central time, Monday Friday. Phone ext Technical Requirements and Technical Guide webpage... TestNav Online Support... Updated

3 Contents Overview... 1 In This Section... 1 PearsonAccess next and TestNav... 1 Technical Requirements... 1 Requirements for an Online Administration... 1 Site Readiness... 2 Administrative Monitoring in Each Room... 2 Test Content Security... 2 Disable Automatic Application Launching... 3 Deciding to Use Browser-Based or Installable TestNav... 3 Other Configuration Dependencies... 4 Installable TestNav Information... 5 In This Section... 5 Process Overview of Setting up Installable TestNav... 5 Understanding Managed and Unmanaged Chromebooks... 5 Understanding App Check with Installable TestNav... 5 How to Download Installable TestNav on Windows or Mac OS X... 6 How to Download Installable TestNav on Chromebooks... 7 How to Run an App Check... 9 How to Sign in to TestNav and Verify Setup... 9 Browser-Based TestNav Information In This Section Process Overview of Setting up Browser-Based TestNav Description of System Check Processes Benefits of Running System Checks System Check Requirements How to Check Your System How to Check Testing Capacity How to Start and Verify TestNav Troubleshooting Java Information In This Section What Java Does How to Install and Enable Java Java Security Warnings How to Eliminate the Java Prompt Using Saved Response File (SRF) and Log Files In This Section... 17

4 Understanding SRF and Log Files Configurations and Primary Save Locations on Windows and Mac OS X Configurations and Primary Save Location on Chromebooks Secondary Save Location Storing this Information in PearsonAccess next Proctor Caching Overview In This Section Proctor Caching and its Benefits Process Overview Installing ProctorCache Software In This Section System and Staff Prerequisites Choosing Proctor Caching Computers How to Install the Software Updating Files If Using Upstream Proxy Server Configuring Proctor Caching Computers In This Section When to Set Defaults How to Set Defaults Using Default Proctor Cache Settings Freezing the Test Environment Working with Cached Test Content In This Section Caching Before Test Day How to Precache Test Content How to Verify the Status of Cached Test Content Monitoring ProctorCache Activity During Testing How to Purge Cached Test (or Client) Content... 30

5 Overview Overview In This Section This guide will help technical staff configure an organization s systems for the ACT test taken online. In this section, you will find information on: PearsonAccess nexttm and TestNav TM technical requirements requirements for an online administration site readiness administrative monitoring in each room test content security disabling automatic application launching deciding to use browser-based or installable TestNav other configuration dependencies PearsonAccess next and TestNav PearsonAccess next is the web application used by testing staff (i.e., test coordinators, room supervisors) to start and monitor tests and is located at TestNav is the secure test delivery engine used by examinees to take the tests and is located at Technical Requirements This guide supplements the information found on the technical requirements web page at Technical requirements may change on a quarterly basis. Requirements for an Online Administration To test online, your school must meet the following requirements: Your school equipment must meet hardware, software, and other technical requirements defined by ACT, and performed during site readiness. Site readiness includes performing system checks to ensure technical requirements are met. Note: There will not be a technical survey or checkpoints. Your school must install and use ProctorCache software as defined by ACT in this guide. Proctor caching is the process of storing encrypted test content on a local computer. This stored or cached test content is distributed to the examinee computers during a testing session. It accelerates the delivery of test content to examinees and reduces the amount of bandwidth required for online testing. Important! If your school does not meet the requirements during site readiness or install ProctorCache software, ACT will switch your administration from online to paper. It is recommended that you use the installable TestNav app instead of the browser-based version. The only supported web browser is Firefox ESR 45 (32-bit). 1

6 Overview Site Readiness To ensure technical readiness, be prepared to work with your technical coordinator to gather the following information. Category Information You ll Need to Know Internet connection type of internet connection at your school internet bandwidth/speed Devices number of devices available for examinees to use number of devices to be used for administrative access types of devices device owner Operating system, processor, memory operating system for each device processor for each device memory for each device Monitors screen resolution for each device display size of each device Browsers web browser to be used, if not using TestNav app Note: The only supported browser for TestNav is Firefox ESR 45 (32-bit). Your school will need to perform a check on all testing computers to confirm that they meet technical requirements. Information on this process will be provided in a later section. Administrative Monitoring in Each Room Each test room must have a separate computer the room supervisor will use to access PearsonAccess next, start and close test sessions, and monitor testing progress. This computer must pass the technical check and be located in an area where the room supervisor can see all examinees in the room. Test Content Security The ACT must be given using a locked down testing application, TestNav. Disabling the lockdown is strictly prohibited. Computers used for testing must also be configured to prevent examinees from accessing any application, content, or other service beyond TestNav during testing. To help ensure test security, all software applications, including Internet browsers, cameras (still and video), screen capture programs (live and recorded, such as Skype), , instant messaging, application switching, media players (such as itunes), and printing must be closed before testing begins. 2

7 Overview Disable Automatic Application Launching You must configure any applications that may automatically launch on a computer to not launch during testing sessions. Such launches commonly occur when: anti-virus software performs automatic updates power management software on laptops warns of low batteries screen savers start or go into sleep mode notifications appear calendar notifications appear Note: TestNav must be the only application running on the computer during testing. If an application launches during an examinee s test session, TestNav will exit the examinee from their test session. Disable the screen saver. If active, it may cause an error message and result in the need to resume a test. Deciding to Use Browser-Based or Installable TestNav You must decide whether you will use browser-based TestNav, installable TestNav, or a combination of both for testing. There are different requirements and setup instructions for each. Note: It is highly recommended that you use installable TestNav (instead of the browser-based) for an optimal testing experience. Only Firefox ESR 45 (32-bit) is compatible with TestNav. If using Which means Then you need to Installable TestNav Browserbased TestNav You download the TestNav app directly from the TestNav download site. The TestNav app must be installed on Chromebooks. The TestNav desktop app is available for installation on Mac or Windows. You aren t dependent on other software such as a browser or Java. Access is completely browser-based for Windows or Mac computers. You install and enable Java. There is no individual system installation required, beyond confirming the system requirements and running the SystemCheck tool on the devices to validate that TestNav can be launched. 1. Download the app for each device. 2. Run App Check on each device. 3. Verify the app opens on each device. 4. Run the Desktop App on each device. Note: See the section for Installable TestNav Information (page 5) on how to download the app and set it up. 1. Open Firefox ESR 45 (32-bit). 2. Review and implement all other browserspecific requirements. 3. Run SystemCheck on each device. 3

8 Overview Other Configuration Dependencies Use the table below to configure other requirements for TestNav to operate correctly on each device. If using Then Installable TestNav allow popups for act.org sites enable Local File access to home directory allow for read/write access to the User s Directory disable any popup blocking software that may be running Browser-based TestNav enable a javaw.exe exception in Windows Firewall allow popups for Pearson sites allow popups for act.org sites enable Local File access to home directory allow for read/write access to the User s Directory disable Skype plugins in Windows 7 and Firefox disable any popup blocking software that may be running 4

9 Installable TestNav Information Installable TestNav Information Note: If the device will use browser-based TestNav instead of installable TestNav, you may disregard this section. It is highly recommended that you use installable TestNav (instead of the browser-based) for an optimal testing experience. Only Firefox ESR 45 (32-bit) is compatible with TestNav. In This Section In this section, you will find information on: process overview of setting up installable TestNav understanding managed and unmanaged Chromebooks understanding App Check with installable TestNav how to download installable TestNav on Windows or Mac OS X how to download installable TestNav on Chromebooks how to run an App Check how to sign in to TestNav and verify TestNav setup Process Overview of Setting up Installable TestNav The table below provides an overview of the process of installing TestNav. Stage Description 1 Install TestNav. 2 Run App Check on each device to verify system readiness. 3 Sign in to TestNav to ensure that it installed properly. 4 Set up Proctor Cache on your proctor caching computer(s). 5 Set up Response File Backups, and set up a Secondary Save Location. 6 Run a practice test, if applicable. Understanding Managed and Unmanaged Chromebooks To set up TestNav on Chromebooks, you should first determine whether each Chromebook is managed (using Chrome device management, you manage your organization s Chrome devices from a single place) or unmanaged (typically only used in bring your own device settings). To check whether a Chromebook is managed or unmanaged, see Manage Chrome Devices at for more details. Understanding App Check with Installable TestNav App Check confirms that the device is running a supported operating system (OS) and OS version. After it checks the OS, App Check confirms that the device is configured to launch TestNav in kiosk mode. You must run App Check on every device in your testing environment. 5

10 Installable TestNav Information How to Download Installable TestNav on Windows or Mac OS X Follow the steps below to download installable TestNav on Windows or Mac OS X. 1 Go to 2 Scroll down to the Installable TestNav section. 3 Use the following table to determine your next step. If the Operating System is Windows Then 1. Select Windows.msi installer or.exe installer. Note: The.msi installer (Microsoft installer) file contains explicit instructions about installing and removing an application. The.exe installer file provides a built-in installation wizard. You can choose program file locations using this type of installation. 2. Select the file you downloaded. 3. The Open File Security Warning appears and asks if you want to run the TestNav file. Select Run. Note: If you downloaded the.msi installer, the installer window appears and automatically installs TestNav. 4. If you downloaded the.exe installer: a. The Setup TestNav window appears and asks if you want to continue installing TestNav. Select Yes. b. The TestNav Setup Wizard appears. Select Next. c. The Select Destination Location window appears. By default, TestNav program files save in C:\Program Files (x86)\testnav. You can keep the default setting, or select Browse to choose another location. Then select Next. d. The Select Start Menu Folder window appears. By default, the setup wizard also stores program shortcuts in a Pearson folder in the Start menu folder. You can keep the default setting or select Browse to choose another location. Then select Next. e. Select Install. f. By default, the Launch TestNav checkbox is selected. If you do not want to immediately launch TestNav, deselect the checkbox, then select Finish. Mac OS X 1. Select Mac OS X. 2. Select the file you downloaded. The TestNav install window appears. 3. Drag the TestNav icon into the Applications folder. 4. Eject the TestNav installer from Devices in the Finder sidebar. Note: You can also eject it from the Desktop. 6

11 Installable TestNav Information 4 Go to the section for How to Run an App Check (page 9). 5 Go to the section for How to Sign in to TestNav and Verify Setup (page 9). How to Download Installable TestNav on Chromebooks Follow the steps below to download installable TestNav on Chromebooks. 1 Go to 2 Scroll down to the Installable TestNav section. 3 Select the Available in the Chrome web store message box. The Chrome web store screen appears. 4 Select the Add to Chrome button to continue downloading the application. 7

12 Installable TestNav Information 5 Use the following table to determine your next step. If the Chromebook is Managed Then 1. Log into the Admin console for your domain. 2. From the Admin console, select Device Management > Chrome devices. 3. Select the icon at the top right of the page for Chrome device settings. 4. Scroll down to find the User Data section. If Do not erase all local user data is not currently selected, select it. 5. Scroll down to Kiosk Apps and select Manage Kiosk Applications. 6. The Kiosk Apps dialog appears and you should see TestNav in the Total to Install column. a. If TestNav does not appear in that column, select Chrome Web Store, and search for TestNav in the search field. b. Select Add. Then select Save. 7. Above the Kiosk Apps section, you see the Kiosk Settings section. From the Auto-Launch Kiosk App dropdown list, select TestNav. Note: Make sure the devices you want to administer the test with are under the organizational unit you select for TestNav. 8. Select Save Changes at the bottom of the page. Unmanaged 1. Open a new tab in Chrome and enter chrome://extensions in the address bar, then select Enter. 2. Select the Developer Mode checkbox. 3. Select Add kiosk application. 6 Go to the section for How to Run an App Check (page 9). Note: If you do not see Add kiosk application, you do not have the correct owner account information. Go back to 1 and create a new owner account. 4. Enter the TestNav ID mdmkkicfmmkgmpkmkdikhlbggogpicma in the Add kiosk application box. 5. Select Enter. TestNav appears in the tray under Apps for a user to open from the shelf. 6. Sign out of the Chromebook. 7 Go to the section for How to Sign in to TestNav and Verify Setup (page 9). 8

13 Installable TestNav Information How to Run an App Check Follow the steps below to run an app check on each device. 1 TestNav automatically creates a shortcut on the Desktop. Find the icon on your Desktop and select it OR from the Start menu, select TestNav. 2 Select or tap the user dropdown menu and select App Check. Note: Passing systems display a green success message at the top-right of the page. Failing systems display a red failure message. How to Sign in to TestNav and Verify Setup Follow the steps below to sign in and verify TestNav is set up properly. 1 Use the table below to determine your first step. If the Operating System is Windows Mac OS X Chromebook Then TestNav automatically creates a shortcut on the Desktop. Find the icon on your Desktop and select it OR from the Start menu, select TestNav. TestNav automatically creates a shortcut on the Desktop. Find the icon on your Desktop and select it OR select it from the Applications folder. 1. Power on the Chromebook but do not log in. 2. In the lower left of the screen, select Apps > TestNav to launch TestNav. Note: A message appears informing you that you can use <ctrl><alt>s to exit Chrome OS when you first launch TestNav. This works only while the message displays. 2 When TestNav opens for the first time on the device, the Customer Selection screen is displayed. Select The ACT from the list. 9

14 Installable TestNav Information 3 If the Sign In screen is displayed instead of the Customer Selection screen, verify the customer is The ACT. If it is not, select Choose a different customer from the user dropdown menu in the top right corner to return to the Customer Selection screen. Select The ACT from the list. Note: If your test was selected before the test session, you see the Sign In screen rather than the dropdown menu. 4 Sign in using username for Username and password for Password. 5 Select the Sign In button. 6 Select the Start Test Now button. 7 Select the Start Section button. 8 If the device is configured to run TestNav, you will see a Congratulations message. Select the Next (arrow) button. 9 Select the Submit Final Answers button and select Yes, Submit Final Answers. 10 Close the application. Note: If using a Chromebook, hold down the Power button. 10

15 Browser-Based TestNav Information Browser-Based TestNav Information Note: If the device will use installable TestNav instead of a browser-based TestNav, you may disregard this section. In This Section In this section, you will find information on: process overview of setting up browser-based TestNav description of system check processes benefits of running system checks system check requirements how to check your system how to check testing capacity how to start and verify TestNav troubleshooting Process Overview of Setting up Browser-Based TestNav The table below provides an overview of the process of installing TestNav. Stage Description 1 Download Firefox ESR 45 (32-bit) for the appropriate browser. 2 Install and enable Java. 3 Close app and stop processes. 4 Set up Proctor Cache on your proctor caching computer(s). 5 Set up Response File Backups, and set up a Secondary Save Location. 6 Run a practice test, if applicable. Description of System Check Processes Use the following table to determine what procedure you should use. Procedure Description How to check your system Validates computers meet the minimum requirements needed to run TestNav by checking the browser, Java version, and operating system. How to check testing capacity Allows you to perform a real-time speed check between the computer and TestNav servers. Provides an assessment of the data transfer speeds and will return an estimate of the number of simultaneous testers that could be supported. How to verify TestNav Assesses the readiness of the examinee computer by launching a sample test in TestNav. 11

16 Browser-Based TestNav Information Benefits of Running System Checks Running system checks helps you assess your technology s readiness for online testing. The system check: verifies that computers meet the minimum browser, operating system, and Java requirements provides bandwidth speed checks to help you plan capacity estimates the number of examinees that can be tested concurrently identifies if Java is needed assesses real-time speed and measures how many testing computers your proctor cache computer can handle checks connectivity from the server to the proctor cache computer System Check Requirements You must follow these requirements for the system check: Run it on the same computers that you plan to use for test day. Run it in the same facility that you plan to use for test day. Run it on the same day of the week (e.g., Tuesday), that you re planning for test day. Run it at approximately the same time in the morning that you ll be running tests on test day. To the extent possible, run it simultaneously on the same number of computers that you plan to use for test day. How to Check Your System Take the following steps to perform a system check on a device. 1 If you haven t already, download Firefox ESR 45 (32-bit) as described under the Software Requirements, Browser-Based TestNav section on the Technical Requirements webpage at 2 On a computer, go to Note: Set up proctor caching prior to running SystemCheck. Refer to the information found in the Proctor Caching Overview (page 20) and Installing ProctorCache Software (page 22) sections of this guide. 3 A Java message will appear. Select the Run button. 12

17 Browser-Based TestNav Information 4 Select the Check Your System tab, and select the Start button. Passing systems display a green checkmark and All Checks Passed at the top of the screen. Failing systems display a red X next to the failing component. How to Check Testing Capacity Take the following steps to check testing capacity before you follow the instruction for TestNav verification. 1 Go to the Testing Capacity tab. 2 Select the Start button and review the results for connectivity issues. Note: If the device passes the check, a green checkmark displays next to Server/Computer. Note: The proctor cache computer must be installed and running before you can check the connection speed. 13

18 Browser-Based TestNav Information How to Start and Verify TestNav Take the following steps to verify TestNav on each computer. 1 Go to the Check Your System tab. 2 Launch TestNav by going to 3 Sign in using username for Username and password for Password. 4 Select the Sign In button. 5 A Java message will appear. Select the Run button. 6 Select the Start Test Now button. 7 Select the Start Section button. 8 If the computer is configured to run TestNav, you will see a Congratulations screen. Select the Next (arrow) button. 9 Select the Submit Final Answers button and select Yes, Submit Final Answers. Note: SystemCheck errors can occur if you do not properly configure settings. Troubleshooting A frequent error that occurs during a system check is a message box with Web page not available. If this occurs, clear the recent history and cache. Take the following steps to clear recent history and cache. 1 Check which browser is being used. You should only be using Firefox ESR 45 (32-bit). 2 Follow these steps for troubleshooting in Firefox. 1. From the Firefox menu (found on the left side of the window), select Options. 2. Select the Privacy icon. 3. Under History, select Never remember history. 4. Select the Settings button. 5. Under History, check all boxes and the OK button. 6. Select the Advanced icon. 7. Select the Network tab. 8. Under Cached Web Content, select Clear Now. 9. Select the OK button. 10. Close the Firefox browser. 11. Reopen Firefox. 3 In the URL address bar, enter and select Enter. 4 If prompted, select Activate and Allow Java to run. 5 If needed, refresh the SystemCheck page. The TestNav SystemCheck and a green start button appears. 14

19 Java Information Java Information Note: If the device will use installable TestNav instead of a browser-based TestNav, you may disregard this section. In This Section This section contains information about Java. In this section, you will find information on: what Java does how to install and enable Java Java security warnings how to eliminate the Java prompt What Java Does Java is required for running TestNav, SystemCheck, and PearsonAccess next. TestNav opens a Java applet to run full screen, which is required to prevent examinees from accessing other programs while testing. The Java version compatible with your system depends on your browser, operating system, and security settings. How to Install and Enable Java To install and enable Java, take the following steps. 1 Go to the Java website at 2 Follow the instructions on the Java website for the free download. 3 Follow the instructions on the Java website to enable Java at Java Security Warnings The first time you launch TestNav or SystemCheck, you must allow the TestNav Java applet to run. One of the following boxes will appear. Select the Do not show this again check box, and then select the Run or Allow button. 15

20 Java Information How to Eliminate the Java Prompt By default, Java will ask permission to run TestNav every time TestNav starts. To stop this behavior and instead launch tests immediately, you can change a setting in the Java Control Panel. To do so, take the following steps. 1 Use the following table to determine your first step. If the Operating System is Windows Mac OS X 2 Open the Java Control Panel. 3 Select the Advanced tab. 4 Scroll to the Mixed code heading. Then locate the Java Control Panel in the Control Panel, select Configure Java System Preferences 5 Change the setting shown to Enable hide warning and run with protections. 6 Select the OK button. 16

21 Using Saved Response File (SRF) and Log Files Using Saved Response File (SRF) and Log Files In This Section In this section, you will find information on: understanding SRF and log files configurations and primary save locations on Windows and Mac OS X configurations and primary save location on Chromebooks secondary save location storing this information in PearsonAccess next Understanding SRF and Log Files When an examinee responds to a test question, TestNav saves the response in a saved response file (SRF) and sends these responses to the Pearson server. After the responses successfully save to the server, TestNav deletes the SRF. TestNav also writes to a log file during the testing session. These files help to troubleshoot issues, if they occur. Configurations and Primary Save Locations on Windows and Mac OS X For Windows and Mac OS X, you must 1. Configure a primary and a secondary save location (entering this information in the Configurations within PearsonAccess next later). 2. Configure examinee accounts to have complete read, write, and delete access in all save locations. It is strongly recommended that you configure a shared network folder that can be accessed from all testing devices as a secondary save location for SRFs to ensure that you do not lose responses, even if an examinee cannot continue to test on the same device. You must verify that you can access the location from multiple testing devices. You cannot configure the log file save location. The default primary save location is described below. Operating System SRF Location Log File Location Windows {USER.HOME}\Pearson\srf\ {USER.HOME}\Pearson\logs\ Mac OS X {USER.HOME}/Pearson/srf/ {USER.HOME}/Pearson\logs/ Configurations and Primary Save Location on Chromebooks On Chromebooks, the SRF default primary save location is not customizable. To find files, take these steps. 1 Launch the TestNav app. 2 Focus your cursor in the username or password field. 3 Press <ctrl><shift>z, and the File Viewer box appears. Note: If the File Viewer does not display, select on the window and then press <ctrl><shift>z again. 17

22 Using Saved Response File (SRF) and Log Files 4 Plug in a USB memory stick. 5 Select the download button next to the srf and log file(s) you want to download. 6 When the window opens, select the USB memory stick, and select Save. Secondary Save Location You can place backup SRFs in a directory on the network file server on the student s testing device, or on a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) site. The following table outlines the pros and cons of each option; however, as a best practice, we recommend using two options: 1. A primary save location (browser-based and TestNav Desktop) 2. A secondary save location Back up Location Options Pros Cons Directory on network computer Local directory on testing computer (TestNav client) SFTP Backup file is accessible from other computers Uses less internal network bandwidth. Responses save to local directory more quickly than to the network drive. As a result, test items take less time to load. Provides secondary save location for all supported testing computers and devices. Uses more internal network bandwidth. Responses save to the network drive more slowly than to the local directory. As a result, test items take more time to load. Does not provide secondary save for Chromebooks. Backup file is not accessible from any computer. Does not provide secondary save for Chromebooks. Requires SFTP site setup. Note: You should familiarize yourself with default response file backup locations. Some save locations are configurable. If you set a network file server as a primary or secondary backup location, do not use: Spaces in the save location path. A location that requires authentication. If authentication is required, TestNav cannot access the shared location. A Windows Uniform Naming Convention (UNC) or network path, such as \\ComputerName\SharedFolder\Resource. It s recommended that you specify a mapped drive location such as D:\TopDirectory\NextDirectory\SaveLocation. 18

23 Using Saved Response File (SRF) and Log Files Storing this Information in PearsonAccess next Once you have determined your SRF locations, you will enter that information when you enter your TestNav configurations. See Configuring Proctor Caching Computers (page 26). 19

24 Proctor Caching Overview Proctor Caching Overview Note: You must install and use ProctorCache software as defined. If you do not, ACT will switch your administration from online to paper. In This Section In this section, technical coordinators will find information on: proctor caching and its benefits the overall proctor caching process Proctor Caching and its Benefits Proctor caching is the process of storing encrypted test content on a local computer, using software called ProctorCache. This stored or cached test content is distributed to the examinee devices during a testing session. Proctor caching improves the online testing experience for examinees and testing staff by: allowing examinees to complete the tests even if the Internet connection fails (unless the student has not yet logged in and started testing) reducing delays caused by network congestion reduces the amount of bandwidth required for online testing by reducing the download redundancy caused by each examinee downloading an independent copy of the test. The following diagram illustrates the technical benefit of using proctor caching. 20

25 Proctor Caching Overview Process Overview The table below provides an overview of the process of installing and using ProctorCache. Stage Description 1 Prepare network environment. 2 Identify proctor caching computers. Use SystemCheck to determine the number of proctor caching computers you will need. Verify that identified computers meet minimum system requirements. 3 Install ProctorCache software on all proctor caching computers. 4 Use SystemCheck (browser-based TestNav) to verify connectivity between testing computers and proctor caching computers. 5 Review the proctor caching setup process with test coordinators to ensure understanding. 6 Add default proctor caching settings to each school in PearsonAccess next. 7 Create online test sessions in PearsonAccess next. 8 Precache the test content from PearsonAccess next no sooner than 48 hours before the beginning of the assessment window. 9 Verify that all test content was successfully cached. 10 Monitor cached content and connections to the proctor caching computers. 11 When testing is complete, purge content from proctor caching computers. 21

26 Installing ProctorCache Software Installing ProctorCache Software In This Section This section provides the instructions for installing the ProctorCache software. The technical coordinator will find information on: system and staff prerequisites choosing proctor caching computers how to install the software updating files if you re using an upstream proxy server System and Staff Prerequisites Before installing and using ProctorCache, you must meet the following requirements. The technical coordinator must have: full local administrator permissions granted working knowledge of your network a PearsonAccess next user account with a technical coordinator role (test coordinator creates the account) The school system must have: fixed internal IP addresses a network connection of 100 Mbps full-duplex or higher (the minimum is 10/100) a network set up to use IPv4 DNS (Domain Name System) servers Note: If you have not made any explicit changes to use only IPv6 for DNS, you should not have any issues. You will know if this is properly configured because TestNav and proctor cache computers will communicate properly with one another. TCP Ports open: o 80 (Internet); 443 o 4480 and 4481 (Local Network) Note: Using proctor caching does not require special hardware, equipment, or an underlying server-based operating system. Choosing Proctor Caching Computers When choosing proctor caching computers: Do not choose the same computers used for testing examinees. Choose computers on the same network as the examinees testing computers, preferably in the same room. Note: ProctorCache runs on Windows and Mac OS X only. Chromebooks cannot be used as proctor cache machines. 22

27 Installing ProctorCache Software How to Install the Software Follow the steps below to install the ProctorCache software. 1 Go to the intended proctor caching computer. 2 Go to 3 Scroll down to the ProctorCache Installers section. 4 Use the following table to determine your next steps. If the Operating System is Windows Then 1. Select Windows. 2. Open the file you downloaded to open the installer screen. A security message appears. Select the Run or Yes button as needed to launch the installer. 3. After the software loads, read the introduction, and then select the Next button. Mac OS X 1. Select Mac OS X. 2. Open the install file, and then select the installproctorcache file to open the installer screen. 3. Open the installproctorcache icon. A security message appears. Select the Next button to launch the installer. 5 Proxy information displays. The Server Name will default to the computer machine name. If your site is using a proxy server, verify that the proxy server information is correct or enter the correct value. Select the Next button. 6 Accept the default destination folder and select the Next button. Note: If the computer uses an upstream proxy computer to access the Internet, see Updating Files If Using Upstream Proxy Server (page 25). 23

28 Installing ProctorCache Software 7 Use the following table to select the location for the ProctorCache icon. If the Operating System is Windows Mac OS X Then Select the location to create the ProctorCache icon(s). Select the Create icons for all users check box, and then select the Next button. Select the Don t create aliases button, and then select the Next button. Note 1: If you want to install in a location other than the default, make sure the location has no spaces in its name. Note 2: If the proctor cache computer uses an upstream proxy computer to access the Internet, refer to the Updating Files If Using Upstream Proxy Server section (page 25). 8 Start ProctorCache by selecting the checkbox to start ProctorCache automatically when install completes. Select Next. 9 Review the pre-installation summary, and then select the Install button. ProctorCache begins installing. 10 When the software is installed, select the Done button to close the installation. 11 Restart your computer. 12 Go to the Configuring Proctor Caching Computers section (page 26). 24

29 Installing ProctorCache Software Updating Files If Using Upstream Proxy Server Proctor cache computers using an upstream proxy computer to access the Internet require additional changes to the original proctor caching files. Use the appropriate set of instructions below to make those changes. If the operating system is Windows, follow these instructions. If the upstream Then find this file And change the value of To the new value of proxy is Authenticated <install_dir>\squid\etc\squid.conf ##cache_peer address parent port 0 cache_peer <proxy server IP address> parent <proxy login=user:pass default noquery http11 ##never_direct allow all port number> 0 login=<user ID>:<password> default no-query http11 never_direct allow all Unauthenticated <install_dir>squid\etc\squid.conf ##cache_peer address parent port 0 login=user:pass default noquery http11 ##never_direct allow all cache_peer <proxy server IP address> parent <proxy server port number> 0 default no-query http11 never_direct allow all If the operating system is Mac OS X, follow these instructions. If the upstream Then find this file And change the value of To the new value of proxy is Authenticated <install_dir>/squid/etc/squid.conf ##cache_peer address parent port 0 login=user:pass default noquery http11 cache_peer <proxy server IP address> parent <proxy server port number>0 login=<user ID>:<password> default no-query ##never_direct allow all http11 never_direct allow all Unauthenticated <install_dir>squid/etc/squid.conf ##cache_peer address parent port 0 login=user:pass default noquery http11 ##never_direct allow all cache_peer <proxy server IP address> parent <proxy server port number> 0 default noquery http11 never_direct allow all 25

30 Configuring Proctor Caching Computers Configuring Proctor Caching Computers In This Section In this section, you will find information on: when to set defaults how to set defaults using default settings freezing the test environment When to Set Defaults You can specify a default proctor caching computer that will automatically be associated with new test sessions. Important! You should create default proctor caching settings before online test sessions are created. You need to perform these tasks just one time per test administration, unless a change is required. How to Set Defaults Take the following steps to set default proctor cache settings. Note: You must have the technical coordinator role in PearsonAccess next to view this functionality. 1 Log in to PearsonAccess next at 2 In the upper right hand corner of your screen, make sure your correct test administration and school is selected. If not, select the correct one from the dropdowns. 3 Select the Setup icon. 4 Select the TestNav Configurations title from the dropdown. 5 In the Tasks window, under Select Tasks, select the checkbox for the Create / Edit TestNav Configurations title. 6 Select the Start button. 7 Create a name for your configuration settings and enter it for your organization. 8 Locate the IP address on the proctor caching computer. Use the following table to determine your next step. If the Operating System is Then locate the IP address by Windows opening the Command Prompt typing IPCONFIG for the IP address to display Mac OS X opening System Preferences the IP address will display under Network Settings 26

31 Configuring Proctor Caching Computers 9 Enter the details of the proctor caching computer that you will use to precache tests, using port 4480 in the Port field. Important! Be sure to check the box next to Uses Pearson Precaching Software. If the box is not checked, you may not receive content correctly and the Test Status displayed in ProctorCache would not be green. 10 In the Response File Backup Locations fields, enter the locations determined earlier. See Using Saved Response File (SRF) and Log Files section (page 17). 11 Select Test Connection to make sure the configuration works. Note: If you experience an error during this step, contact ACT for assistance in resolving it. 12 Select the Create button. Note: Test content is not yet downloaded and precached. Precaching is not performed automatically, but something you must perform manually. See the How to Purge Cached Test (or Client) Content section (page 30). 13 If more than one proctor caching computer will be used, select the Add button and complete the precaching computer configuration. Using Default Proctor Cache Settings Once you have entered default proctor cache settings, the IP address and port you saved will automatically populate for each test session created when you select the precaching computer during setup. Initial settings can be changed later. Note: Proctor cache settings will not automatically populate for test sessions that have no default settings saved. Freezing the Test Environment Once you have configured the testing environment for TestNav, you should freeze the configuration until online testing is finished. This includes not accepting updates to browsers, Java, etc. 27

32 Working with Cached Test Content Working with Cached Test Content In This Section In this section, you will find information on: caching before test day how to precache test content how to verify the status of cached test content monitoring ProctorCache activity during testing how to remove cached test content Caching Before Test Day Test content should be precached after you have created all test sessions and 48 hours prior to the start of the first test. This prevents any delays in administering the test on test day. How to Precache Test Content Take the following steps to precache the test content. 1 Turn on the proctor caching computer. 2 Log in to PearsonAccess next at 3 Select the Testing button. 4 Select the Sessions button. A list of sessions is displayed. Note: You may need to apply filters to show sessions. 5 Select the sessions you wish to precache. 6 In the Tasks window, under Select Tasks, select the checkbox for the Precaching Test Content title. 7 Select the Start button. 8 Select the Precache button. Note: After you ve precached, you may instead select View Status, which allows you to refresh the content or reload it. 9 Once content has been cached, you can monitor ProctorCache activity from the Test and Clients screens of TestNav ProctorCache to verify the status of cached content. Notes: ProctorCache must be running for content to successfully cache. If the service is stopped, content will not cache. 28

33 Working with Cached Test Content How to Verify the Status of Cached Test Content To view and verify that test content has been cached and is current before the assessment window, take the following steps. 1 Go to the proctor caching computer. 2 Open the shortcut to ProctorCache. 3 Select the Tests tab. A list of all tests will display. 4 Review the caching status of all items in the test form. Each URL represents item content, along with the number of hits, which can provide some indication of the number of examinees who have accessed the item. o Test Status options are as follows: Green OK content is successfully cached Yellow not loaded content is not cached Yellow waiting... content is waiting to be loaded Yellow loading... content is currently loading Red Failed to load content caching content failed Red MD5 check invalid MD5 comparison failed Red MD5 Mismatch MD5 comparison succeeded, but files did not match Note: Any content that has not been precached will be cached as examinees fetch the content from the TestNav servers. Content cached in this manner will be downloaded on the proctor cache computer that the examinee is connected to, and will show up as undefined in the Contents tab of the proctor caching diagnostics screen. Once this content has been cached, other examinees will have access to the content as if it were precached. Monitoring ProctorCache Activity During Testing Prior to the test window and during testing, you can monitor proctor cache activity from the Tests and Clients screens of TestNav ProctorCache. The Tests tab provides a high level view of the test content downloaded by test form and last cache date. The Status column indicates whether the test content was successfully cached for the test form. The number of content entries successfully cached is also displayed with the date the content was last cached. If test content is successfully cached, a green status icon displays. If test content is not successfully cached, a yellow or red icon displays. 29

34 Working with Cached Test Content The Clients tab provides a list of all clients by name, IP address, and platform that have recently requested test content. The Status column indicates time elapsed since the client was last active. How to Purge Cached Test (or Client) Content Take the following steps to purge cached content from a proctor caching computer. Important! For test security reasons, test content must be purged from the proctor caching computers at the end of the testing window. 1 Go to a proctor caching computer. 2 Open the shortcut to ProctorCache. 3 Select the Tests (or Clients) tab. Note: To filter your list, enter search criteria and select a value from the dropdown list. Select the Clear button to reset your search criteria. 4 Check the box next to the test (or client) to purge. 5 Select the Purge (or Purge Client) button. 6 Enter the following proctor password in the popup window: t35t1n6 7 Repeat these steps on all proctor caching computers. Note: Do not purge content until the end of the testing window. Purging cached content during a test may impede or prevent examinees access to cached test content. 30

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