WIDA Technology Coordinator Webinar Q & A:

Transcription

1 WIDA Technology Coordinator Webinar Q & A: Q: What is the install process for INSIGHT on Chromebooks? Will there be an inside app to install? A: The INSIGHT in Chromebook consists of a kiosk app, which will deploy from a kiosk council. It is a secure kiosk app that will allow launching of INSIGHT on the Chromebook. Q: When do we get the for the application to install? A: You will need to get log in credentials for WIDA AMS. We will send those to you when your contact information is received from your state department or district in the early fall as well as when the materials are available for download. We will send a reminder out to everyone whose contact information we have. Q: What is the required internet speed? A: To estimate your testing capacity, we suggest using the Capacity Estimator from the Testing Site Manager (TSM) Toolbox. The Capacity Estimator takes into account upload connection speed, LAN connection speed, percent of bandwidth available for testing, and number of students to test concurrently. The toolbox will be available for download from WIDA AMS beginning October 5. Q: What are the TSM hard drive requirements? A: The hard drive requirement has to do with the test content sizes so as you download more tests, you ll just want to have about 20 GB available. Q: Will there be a dummy exam prior to testing to check the configuration? A: The Test Practice will function like a live application. That is how you will verify that everything is set up correctly. As long as you are able to successfully access the test practices, you should be ready for testing. Q: What support stations can run TSM and the Client Support System? A: All of the different support stations and clients that can run INSIGHT (Android, ipad, Chromebook, Mac and Linux) can run TSM. Q: Does Chromebook use the same traffic pad as other operating systems for testing? A: It will now be the same. Chromebook and other Operating Systems will use the same caching response methods. Q: How will student data get into the program? Does the district enter it or will it be uploaded by the state? A: For most states, it is uploaded by the state. However, there are some exceptions that will be uploaded at the district-level. You should go to the WIDA website and look at your state

2 page. Most state pages aren t updated right now because we are still talking with each state to determine what the plan is. State pages will be updated as information becomes available. Q: Can you show us the slide to the link of the PowerPoint? A: It will be available at the ACCESS 2.0 Preparation Resources webpage. Q: Does TSM need to be a dedicated machine? A: Yes. It is recommended to be a dedicated machine so that there is nothing else running in the background. Q: When and where will the test practices be available? A: Practice items will be available on October 5 th when INSIGHT and the TSM are available for download. You can access them through INSIGHT once you ve downloaded it. Q: Will you need Java? A: Regarding the INSIGHT client, no, there s no Java reflection needed. Q: Could you expand on wireless testing? A: Both configurations are supported. For wireless testing, you want to make sure that your wireless network is stable, healthy and not totally utilized. As long as you have capacity, it should work fine. Q: Will we be able to install the TSM on a virtual center? A: Yes, that is used frequently in the wireless center and it is supported. Q: What are the wireless testing, ratios, and number of devices per access point? A: In general, 15 to 20 is common. Your wireless networks will vary so those ratios can vary slightly, but we recommend 15 to 20. Q: Can districts opt out of ACCESS for ELLs 2.0? A: ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 is the required assessment for English Language Learners if you re a WIDA state, so there will not be an opt out. There is both an online version of this test and paper-based test. All states will be making decisions on if and when the paper tests will be available. States will be providing information about which circumstances a paper-test will be administered. Q: Is WIDA providing funds for headsets and TSM servers? A: For people who were able to participate in the field test this year, we were able to send them headsets to thank them for participation. That is not something that we are planning for the operational assessment for the large group of states and students. On our website, we have provided specifications for headsets. We do want to emphasize that headsets [with microphones] will only be needed for the Speaking Domain, but headphones will suffice throughout all other domains. Since you should not test more than five to seven students in the same room at a time for the Speaking domain, you may be able to purchase a smaller number of headsets to save costs. WIDA will not be providing funding for designated TSM servers. The TSM can run on a teacher or administrator s own computer and does not need a designated server. For headset recommendations, please see the following document: Q: Is there any indication of how close students can sit next to each other for speaking? A: We suggest no more than five to seven students per speaking test session.

3 Q: What is the estimated cost of the headsets? A: The cost of headsets varies depending on the number you purchase and their features. Generally, they can be purchased for less than $10 per headset. Q: When is the testing window? A: This will depend on each state. This information will be available on the WIDA website when we finalize these dates with each state. At this point, your state representative is the one who has most knowledge of that. The goal is to keep the dates as close as possible to the current testing windows [unless states would like to change due to other assessments]. Q: When, in advance of the actual assessment, can students take the practice assessment? A: The test practice will be available on early October. This will depend on your testing window when you want to have the students do it. We advise that you administer the practice test within a month of when the students will take the actual assessment to keep the information fresh in their minds. To clarify, the practice test will guide students on how to test online. We will have sample items that will reflect the difficulty on the test items that students may see live at the test. Q: What about respond caching the sizes of the files? A: This is going to depend on the different administrations. These are sent directly to DRC. Most responses will allow students to continue testing if there are interconnectivity issues and the difficulty of those responses is that once every fifteen to twenty minutes are saved to the TSM and it can also be manually transmitted if needed. The voice capture responses are sent directly to the TSM, but it depends on how long the recordings are and again those are saved to the TSM once every twenty minutes as well. Q: Who should I contact with technology questions? A: Technology coordinators will be contacting DRC Customer Service at WIDA@datarecognitioncorp.com or for most questions. Q: Are Kindergartners taking ACCESS online and 1 st and 2 nd graders? A: Kindergarten students will still take the paper-based test. Our younger learners (in first and second grade) will take the test online with the exception of the Writing test. Q: How do you ensure test security? A: Test takers will open a secure browser that locks them out of every other function that their device can perform. Q: Will Test Coordinators need to make a request for log-ins? A: Yes. Test Coordinators will need to obtain a username and password for the WIDA Assessment Management System (WIDA AMS). They can then create accounts for other staff. WIDA AMS will be your one-stop shop for training materials, reference guides, and test set-up. Q: How is TSM connection set up? A: The set-up depends on the operating system. It is a path, a location that can be configured so that the devices will know where and how to access the TSM based on the IP address, host

4 name as well as the host name and the port information. This can be configured as a one-time setting. Q: What are the deployment options for TSM? A: There are mass deployment options and unique settings based on the TSM update settings. It can be rolled on different packages to be deployed so there are a lot of different options based on different operating systems. You can reference that one once it is supported. Additional DRC Questions: Q: Is there a testing app for Chromebooks? A: Testing is supported on Chromebooks. (An external keyboard is recommended.) For system requirements, please see: Q: How do I get a logon? A: If you participated in the field test and had an edirect account, you will automatically be added to WIDA AMS. You will receive an indicating that you have been granted permission on or before September 4, If you did not participate in the field test or do not have an edirect account, your state or district will provide your contact information to DRC. You will receive an with a temporary password as soon as DRC receives your contact information in early fall Q: How should I respond if the System Readiness Check is successful and testing fails on student workstations? A: The System Readiness Check will provide an error message in the event of a failure. The Technology User Guide provides a full explanation of system readiness tests, as well as steps to resolve issues uncovered by the check. Q: On average, how long do you think the set up of the TSM and INSIGHT will take? If I am from a small district with only a handful of students, what guidance do you have for me for how I should set things up? A: This will vary. However, each program can be installed on a single machine in just a few minutes. It would probably help your planning to try downloading the TSM and INSIGHT from the field test if prior to fall Contact DRC Customer Support ( ) for access to edirect for downloads. Q: Is cache possible on all systems including Chromebook? A: The TSM (DRC's caching software) is required for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0. ios/chrome OS/Android cannot have the TSM installed to them. Clients on these operating systems must connect to a TSM installed on desktop, laptop, or server. Q: Is the TSM connection automatic? Do we need to setup a configuration file for each TSM? A: The TSM connection is not automatic. The TSM needs to be installed first and then INSIGHT can be installed on the student machines and configured to point to the TSM. Q: How many students can be served by one machine set up to a TSM? A: In fall 2015, DRC will provide a recommendation for ratio of TSMs to concurrent testers.

5 Q: How can mass deploy when there is are unique settings that have to be set in the INSIGHT app? A: It is possible to set unique settings in the configuration file for mass deployment. DRC Customer Service will be able to assist Technology Coordinators on these settings at the local contexts for mass deployment will vary. Q: Will this allow for downloading at a time before the test, testing offline, and uploading after the test is complete at a time when our system is not in heavy use? A: The TSM is designed to help offload Internet traffic. Test content is downloaded onto the TSM, which shortens the time it takes for the student machine to load first and subsequent questions. All Speaking responses are through the TSM. For other domains, responses are sent through the TSM in the event of Internet connection failure. The TSM attempts to transmit its stored responses every 15 minutes. Q: Can you clarify what systems TSM can be installed on? A: System requirements for the TSM will be posted here: Q: Does the user have to be an administrator to run the program (not install)? A: No. Administrator rights are needed for install only. Q: Even though I only have a handful of students in my district who will be taking this test, unlike the PARCC, it sounds like I must install the caching server. Is that correct? A: That is correct. Due to file size, Speaking responses are routed through the TSM on the way to DRC. Because of this, a TSM is necessary. Q: Will there be a demo site to test out the configurations? A: DRC recommends logging into Test Practice as a means to ensure that everything is working as expected. Test Practice is the same testing platform, and any test engine issues would be apparent in Test Practice. Q: How will we upload students to the site? A: Most state departments will load student demographic information into WIDA AMS. In instances where the state does not upload the data, or new students enroll, users may load students via a data file or manual entry. Q: Can we use our existing TSM for the ACCESS testing since we have used it for DRC Science testing? A: No. The ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 TSM is customized for the assessment. Q: How does the lock down work? A: During testing, DRC INSIGHT completely locks down student computers, preventing copying, pasting, or printing of screen images. The system also blocks access to other applications and prevents interference from automatic software processes such as virus scans. Q: Who provides the contact information to DRC? A: Your state department of education will provide a site and contact file to DRC. If the state includes you as a Technology Coordinator, you will receive an with a temporary password for logging into WIDA AMS. If you are not included on this file, your Test Coordinator will be able to add you to WIDA AMS.

6 Q: Should technology questions go to WIDA or DRC? A: Technology questions should be directed to DRC's WIDA Customer Support Team: (855) or Q: It was mentioned that the installation for INSIGHT is 1 per student. Does that mean it needs to be manually installed per workstation? Can we use a deployment tool to deploy to a Lab or group of PCs? A: INSIGHT can be mass deployed. Detailed information will be provided in the Technology User Guide (Available October 5). Q: What is the recommended minimum bandwidth? A: To estimate your testing capacity, we suggest using the Capacity Estimator from the TSM Toolbox. The Capacity Estimator takes into account upload connection speed, LAN connection speed, percent of bandwidth available for testing, and number of students to test concurrently. The toolbox will be available for download from WIDA AMS beginning October 5. Q: You say that 50 mbps is enough, but for how many students? A: To estimate your testing capacity, we suggest using the Capacity Estimator from the TSM Toolbox. The toolbox will be available for download from WIDA AMS beginning October 5. Q: For Chromebooks, how will the data be cached in the event of Internet disconnect? A: Chromebooks must be configured to connect to a TSM installed on a desktop, laptop, or server. If the Internet connection fails, responses are cached on the TSM. The TSM then attempts to send the responses to DRC every 15 minutes. Q: What if a computer crashes and cannot continue to the end of the test? Will a student need to start over? A: The student will be able to log back into the test and begin testing again at the point at which he/she left off. Q: If you are testing from multiple locations, do you need a TSM per site? A: No, multiple sites may connect to a single TSM. In fall 2015, DRC will provide a recommendation for ratio of TSMs to concurrent testers. Q: Do students need to be assigned to a specific TSM? A: The student workstations are configured to point to a certain TSM. When installing the TSM, you will record the server name and port numbers, and then you will enter them into INSIGHT during setup. Q: Could we have a basic "One page install and setup" with links to more information, if needed or desired? A: We thank you for this feedback and will consider developing something like this as a shorter list. Q: How will clients know which TSM to pull content from? Will the configuration need to be done on each device? A: The student workstations will need to be configured to point to a certain TSM. When installing the TSM, you will record the server name and port numbers, and then you will enter them into INSIGHT during setup.

7 Q: What are the system requirements for ipads and Chromebooks? A: System requirements will be posted here: Q: When will the ios and Android apps be available? A: Testing software will be available for download from WIDA AMS starting October 5. Q: Do we need credentials to access the WIDA website to review this information? A: No you won t need to have a login to get to the information. Q: How are you getting the student data? A: Most state departments will load student demographic information into WIDA AMS. In instances where the state does not upload the data, or new students enroll, users may load students via a data file or manual entry. Q: Do you have a ballpark figure on how many clients each TSM can handle yet? A: In fall 2015, DRC will provide a recommendation for ratio of TSMs to concurrent testers. Q: Can this be the same TSM as we are currently using for M-STEP? A: No. The ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 TSM is customized for the assessment. Q: Is a caching server required? A: Yes, it is required. Test content file size is relatively large due to audio in every domain. With the TSM, students experience faster load of first and subsequent questions. Additionally, due to file size, all student-speaking responses are sent through the TSM on their way to DRC. Q: When do we get the for the application to install? A: If you participated in the field test and had an edirect account, you will automatically be added to WIDA AMS. You will receive an indicating that you have been granted permission on or before September 4, If you did not participate in the field test or do not have an edirect account, your state or district will provide your contact information to DRC. You will receive an with a temporary password as soon as DRC receives your contact information in early fall Q: My state is already using DRC INSIGHT for the science portion of our state testing. Is there going to be a separate DRC INSIGHT installation for WIDA and will it require a separate TSM server? A: Both INSIGHT and the TSM have been customized for ACCESS for ELLs 2.0, so you will need to download the ACCESS for ELLs version of each. Q: Did all computers have to have administrative rights on the field test? A: To install INSIGHT and/or the TSM, you must have administrative rights. Administrative rights are not required to use either program. This is the same as it was for the field test. Q: If the state is uploading the data, do we have to place an order and what do we order? A: In most instances, Test Coordinators will still need to submit a materials order via WIDA AMS. Materials ordering instructions/training will be available via the Test Materials Ordering Module (PowerPoint and Video) available by September 4, 2015.

8 Q: What are the hours for tech support? A: DRC's WIDA Customer Support (including tech support) is available from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Central Time from June 1, August 14, 2015 and from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Central Time August 17, June 30, Q: Can you discuss response caching, such as the size of files or frequency of transmission for response files to DRC? A: The TSM attempts to transmit its stored responses every 15 minutes. You can also use the TSM to review the status of stored responses and transmit them manually. File sizes will depend on which test and subject but can range from a few hundred bytes to a few hundred KB. Q: What is the range of file sizes for the audio responses? Average size? A: The range is KB. Q: Is 20GB the minimum available space for the app or the desktop? A: This is for the TSM. Q: You reference installing, but Chromebooks do not install programs. Will it be an extension or fully web based? A: INSIGHT for Chromebook is a kiosk application. It is deployed using Google admin console. Q: Can TSM and INSIGHT be installed in a virtual environment? A: Yes. Q: Will students be able to use a touch screen laptop from Microsoft? A: The following Windows touch screen devices are supported: Lenovo Yoga (Netbook/Tablet), Dell Latitude (Laptop), and Microsoft Surface Pro (Tablet). Q: What about the Samsung Chromebook and Samsung Chromebook 2? A: Yes, both are supported. Q: For large districts can the TSM be load balanced at the network operations center? A: Some larger districts using DRC INSIGHT have implemented Load Balancing on their Content Caching servers. This can be used to allow students to connect to one server and address for Test Content that in turn would send them to multiple TSM Content Caching servers to receive the test content. However, load balancing does NOT work though for Response Caching, so load balancing CANNOT be used for response caching. Q: Does the TSM software conflict with Pearson Proctor cache software used for SOL testing? A: No, but the TSM should be installed on a dedicated machine or server for maximum performance. Q: Are there any known issues with the TSM being installed on the same machine as PARCC proctor caching? A: No, but the TSM should be installed on a dedicated machine or server for maximum performance.

9 Q: Is there an application to download for ipads? A: Yes Q: Is it compatible running on the same system as TestNav proctor caching? A: Yes, but the TSM should be installed on a dedicated machine or server for maximum performance. Q: Do we need credentials to access the WIDA website to review this information? A: No you won t need to have a login to get to the information. Q: How will ipads and Chromebooks be locked down so students cannot access anything other than test content? A: Chromebooks utilize a Kiosk application setup. ios requires Guided access. Q: Can the TSM be run on a VMWare Virtual server running Microsoft Server 2012? A: Yes. Q: For mass deployment, will this be a msi file? A: Several options exist for each OS. Details and steps will be available in the upcoming Tech User Guide. Q: Which proxies need to be unblocked if the Tech Coordinator cannot open all proxies? A: The URLs and IP addresses that need to be whitelisted will be documented in the Technology User Guide, which will be available by October 5, Q: What is meant by mass distribution of testing software? What kind of file/tool will be available? A: Several options exist for each OS. Details and steps will be available in the upcoming Technology User Guide. Q: We use DeepFreeze on our student workstations. Does DeepFreeze need to be disabled during testing? I'm curious if the client software writes to the harddrive during testing. A: No, it does not need to be disabled. Q: Under the security section, the following is stated: "Must be able to manage user security settings to temporarily disable some features, such as , messaging, screen capture, unrestricted Internet access, and so on". Please explain this. A: We need further clarification to answer your question. We recommend that you contact DRC Customer Service for assistance. Q: In earlier documentation a central install was not recommended, but you mentioned a central install is now acceptable. Are there sizing recommendations? A: We need further clarification to answer your question. We recommend that you contact DRC Customer Service for assistance. Q: For the Chrome Kiosk App: is there a place to enter the info to point the device to the TSM server? A: The device toolkit is used to deploy TSM settings to the Chromebooks once the Google admin console has deployed the kiosk app.

10 Q: Will all Chromebooks need to be plugged in vs. using a wireless connection? A: Both methods are supported. Q: Chromebook will run a kiosk app. Will this be the same for ipads and Android devices? A: Yes, the concept is similar; during testing the machine is locked down. Q: Will touch pad on computer work or do we have to have a separate USB mouse connected to it? A: Both options are okay. Q: Are there any browser or browser plug-in/extension requirements? A: INSIGHT is self-contained. Q: What is the GB requirement for Ipad use? A: The ipad app is about 2 MB. Q: What does the backup system look like if caching doesn't work (i.e., server goes down that is the caching machine)? A: If the TSM fails to cache responses, testing will stop, and test progress will be saved. Q: Can the TSM be a virtual machine? A: A virtual machine is acceptable for the TSM. Q: Are there any preferred web browsers? A: WIDA AMS requires one of the following minimum web browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 through 9.0, Mozilla Firefox 3.6, Mozilla Firefox 6.0 or higher, Apple Safari 4.0 or higher, and other Web browsers compatible with these browsers. INSIGHT is software that requires an Internet connection; there are no browser requirements. Q: Is there an application to download for ipads? A: INSIGHT is deployed with an MDM. Q: Does one specific browser work better than another? A: WIDA AMS requires one of the following minimum web browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 through 9.0, Mozilla Firefox 3.6, Mozilla Firefox 6.0 or higher, Apple Safari 4.0 or higher, and other Web browsers compatible with these browsers. INSIGHT is software that requires an Internet connection; there are no browser requirements. Q: You said Java isn't needed. Is Flash needed? A: Flash is not needed. Q: What is meant by mass distribution of testing software? What kind of file/tool will be available? A: Several options exist for each OS. Details and steps will be available in the upcoming Technology User Guide. Q: Are there any browser or browser plug-in/extension requirements? A: INSIGHT is self-contained.

11 Q: If a school has several computer labs, could they test 5-7 students in each lab at the same time (Speaking domain)? A: The test administrators should make sure that there are at least 1-2 computers between each student, or that the students are seated approximately 3 5 feet apart. During the Speaking Test, students should be seated far enough apart so they can speak at a normal volume. Q: What about sound accuracy since plenty of software does not take care of background sounds well? A: Please utilize the following test administration guidelines: The test administrators should make sure that there are at least 1-2 computers between each student, or that the students are seated approximately 3 5 feet apart. During the Speaking Test, students should be seated far enough apart so they can speak at a normal volume. The speaking assessment will also have a means for students/administrators to check the first response for audio quality. Q: Does control/alt/delete allow access to other programs etc.? A: No. Q: On a Chromebook, will the settings be migrated out through the user logins or will the students / tech personnel be required to enter that data on the initial load? You mentioned that the hostname can be used, but can an alternate DNS entry be used for more readability? A: Final decisions for fall testing have not yet been made but will be included in the upcoming Technology User Guide. Q: Do we need to ensure no other tabs are open or will the tabs close automatically? A: INSIGHT is not accessed through a traditional web browser, but rather via a local application installed on the student's testing device. INSIGHT locks down the testing computer, so that the student cannot access other applications during testing. Q: Will Mac Server software be supported later? A: We are not planning to support Mac Server for 2015 testing. Q: Does the management server need to be the same platform as the user desktops? Meaning does the management server need to be windows if the end user is on a windows device? Or can they be on different platforms? A: The TSM can be installed on any of the supported platforms regardless of which platform the client machines use. Q: What will be the install process for Chromebooks? Will there be an INSIGHT App to install or will it be web-based? A: The Google admin interface is used to deploy Chromebook software. You will be given a URL and ID to use as a custom application install. Other details on Chrome OS setup postinstallation are still being decided for Q: For the 20GB Hard Drive Space, is that recommended "free space?" A: Yes, for the TSM. Q: What happens if another application interrupts during testing on the client machine?

12 A: INSIGHT is designed to run in front of other processes and block other applications from becoming active. Q: If TSM can be installed on a server, why would it require a specific resolution? A: The stated TSM manager resolution will allow the rendering of all page elements correctly. Q: Do you recommend wired or wireless clients? A: Wired connections are recommended where possible. Q: Will all Chromebooks need to be plugged in vs. using a wireless connection? A: Both methods are supported.