NCTest Support for 2014-15

Most recent changes shown in this format.

Secure Web Browser or NCTest Chrome App Required for Desktops and Laptops: The NCDPI requires the use of a secure web browser or the Chrome App for desktop and laptop computers for the 2014-15 school year.

Tablet Apps Required: The NCDPI requires the use of a free app for iPads and Android devices. Schools using iPads or Android devices during the 2014-15 school year will be required to download and install this free app on each device (or make available through mobile/domain device management) before students complete the Online Assessment Tutorial requirement.  The Android app is currently being developed.  The native tablet apps will be required to access NCTest.

Chromebooks: NCTest supports Chromebooks for the 2014-15 school year meeting all technical and settings requirements. Schools will be required to use settings and login process that restricts a student’s ability to access additional resources during the test administration. Details of the approved procedure for Chromebooks is provided below. Chromebooks can also be set to use the NCTest Chrome App as an option.

Windows XP use for 2014-15: For the purpose of online testing and accountability data collection, all computers must have the latest security updates installed before testing. Districts are strongly encouraged to test students using computers with current security updates installed. Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft and security updates stopped in April 2014. Therefore, Windows XP computers will not be allowed for online testing and data collection effective Monday, February 16, 2015. The only exception to this policy is for districts who have signed an agreement with Microsoft for a one-year extended support for Windows XP systems. These districts may continue to use their computers after February 16, 2015, provided the latest security updates have been installed.

BYOD Requirements: Schools permitting the use of devices NOT owned or leased by the LEA/school to be used for state online assessments must have a plan in place that addresses security concerns including ability and permission to: 1) monitor device use, 2) install and uninstall programs or apps for testing and security monitoring/enforcement, 3) secure the device before and after testing as needed to install or uninstall programs or for close inspection.  Additionally, LEAs/schools permitting use of devices NOT owned or leased by the LEA/school to be used for state online assessments must have Acceptable Use Policies that include detailed provisions that address state online testing security and student/parent consequences for tampering and violation.

Virtual Environments: Virtual Machines managed by the LEA/school either remote or locally run that meet the requirements of device environments listed here are permitted to be used for state online assessments.

NOTE: Devices running Linux or Microsoft Windows RT will NOT be supported during the 2014-15 school year.

Platform

Browser
Required

 Type of Install
and Availability

Locally Managed
Requirements and
Restrictions

Minimum
Tech Specs

Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8

NCTest Secure Browser

Two types of install/use are available:

  1. Windows install application
  2. Manual - Download zip, copy/extract files to local system(s), and make shortcuts.

Available to LEA Test Coordinators via TNN.

Enforce availability of data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu. Enforce minimum number of locally running applications running at the same time as NCTest Secure Browser (only minimum OS, antivirus, security tools, etc. should be running on computers for the best performance of NCTest Secure Browser). Antivirus and security software must be set to permit NCTest Secure Browser to install and run.
  • Pentium 4 or newer processor that supports SSE2,
  • 512MB of RAM,
  • 200MB of available file space
  • 9.5" or larger screen
  • 1024 horizontal screen resolution

Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Mac OS X 10.6 +

Google Chrome Browser 27+ with NCTest Chrome App version 3.7
  1. Install Chrome Browser from Google
  2. From Chrome Store search for NCTest and add the App to your Chrome Browser

 

 

Enforce availability of data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu. Enforce minimum number of locally running applications running at the same time as Chrome Browser with NCTest Chrome App (only minimum OS, antivirus, security tools, etc. should be running on computers for the best performance). Antivirus and security software must be set to permit Chrome Browser to install and run and load the NCTest Chrome App.
  • Pentium 4 or newer for Windows and Intel for Macs,
  • 512MB of RAM,
  • 350MB of available file space
  • 9.5" or larger screen
  • 1024 horizontal screen resolution
Windows RT NOT SUPPORTED for 2014-15

Mac OS v.10.6 +

NCTest Secure Browser

1. Download the dmg file  2. Double click on the dmg file  3. Drag the icon to where you want to install (usually Applications)  4. Double click on the icon to run.

Available to LEA Test Coordinators via TNN.

Enforce availability of data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu. Enforce minimum number of locally running applications running at the same time as NCTest Secure Browser (only minimum OS, antivirus, security tools, etc. should be running on computers for the best performance of NCTest Secure Browser). Antivirus and security software must be set to permit NCTest Secure Browser to install and run.
  • Macintosh with Intel x86 processor,
  • 512MB of RAM,
  • 200MB of available file space
  • 9.5" or larger screen
  • 1024 horizontal screen resolution
Linux NOT SUPPORTED for 2014-15
iPad iOS v.6+

iPad NCTest App

 Download from Store.

Place iPad into Guided Access.

See iPad Restrictions for information concerning Guided Access.

If Guided Access is not used, iPads must be restricted per the iPad Restrictions.
  • The NCTest tablet apps are designed for the use of the touch interface to respond to technology-enhanced items and access online tools.   Physical keyboards and optional touch devices may be used by students if proven by local technical and accountability staff to create no advantage or cause no technical issues. Keyboards and optional touch devices selected for use by an LEA must be tested locally for functionality through the Online Assessment Tutorial well in advance of test day.
  • 9.5" or larger screen

Android v.4.3+

Android NCTest App

 Download from Play. Currently being developed.

Enforce availability of data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu. Enforce restrictions either through mobile device managment tools like Google Domain management per the Chromebook instructions or on each device.
  • The NCTest tablet apps are designed for the use of the touch interface to respond to technology-enhanced items and access online tools.   Physical keyboards and optional touch devices may be used by students if proven by local technical and accountability staff to create no advantage or cause no technical issues. Keyboards and optional touch devices selected for use by an LEA must be tested locally for functionality through the Online Assessment Tutorial well in advance of test day.
  • 9.5" or larger screen

Chromebook

Chrome
Chrome with NCTest Chrome App version 3.7 is an option

 No install necessary as Chrome browser is required for Chromebooks.  If using the NCTest Chrome App 3.7, this will require set up and configuration.

NCTest Chrome App version 3.7 is available in the Chrome App Store. Updated information regarding use of the NCTest Chrome App will be posted here when available.

Screen Resolution Adjustment: Chromebook  models come with a pre-set single screen resolution. On some models, the resolution will be unacceptable for NCTest use. In order to "change" the resolution, local administrators/technicians must use the Settings option (from the menu in the top right hand corner), and click on 'Show Advanced Settings...'. Once the advanced settings are visible, adjust the Page Zoom lower than 100%. Some experimentation may be required to find what value works best; the width of the pre-set Chromebook model resolution divided by 1024 is a reasonable starting place. NOTE: The reverse is also true. If your resolution is correct by default, zooming in may make the resolution too low.

Set up instructions as a Kiosk Chrome App (optional)

Chrome Device Managment Required:

  • Chromebooks must be managed by the LEA or school.  See http://support.google.com/chrome/a/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1289314 for more information from Google about management of Chrome devices.
  • Create a genereic/shared user login for your Google Domain like nctest@yourdomain.k12.nc.us
  • Administration uses the Google Control panel "URL Blocking" setting to set the user to access only data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu.  Optionally allow access to classscape.org
  • Test administrators getting Chromebooks started use this username to login to the Chromebook
  • Go to https://data.ncsu.edu/nctest/Destination.html
  • Maximize the Chromebook screen and instruct students NOT to minimize or open a new tab as this will log them out of the test.

 

 
  • 9.5" or larger screen
  • Version 27 or higher required.  Latest version is recommended.
Last modified: Tuesday, 6 January 2015, 12:35 PM