NCTest Support for 2013-14

Secure Web Browser Required for Desktops and Laptops: The NCDPI requires the use of a secure web browser for desktop and laptop computers running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS 10.5 or greater for the 2013-14 school year. For some operating systems, schools may be required to use an installer package to install the secure browser on each computer before students complete the Online Assessment Tutorial requirement.  The secure browser will be required to be used after August 16th (the end of summer EOC online testing).

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 2013-14 school year will be required to download and install this free app on each device before students complete the Online Assessment Tutorial requirement.  The iPad app should be available for installation after August 16, 2013 and an update is planned for December.  The Android app will be made available in spring 2014.  The native tablet apps will be required to access NCTest.

Chromebooks: NCTest supports Chromebooks for the 2013-14 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.

BYOD Requirements: Schools permitting the use of devices NOT owned 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 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 2013-14 school year.

Platform

Browser
Required

 Type of Install
and Availability

Locally Managed
Requirements and
Restrictions

Minimum
Tech Specs

Windows XP

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 starting July 15, 2013 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

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 starting July 15, 2013 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 7

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 starting July 15, 2013 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 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 starting July 15, 2013 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 screen1024 horizontal screen resolution
  • Must use physical keyboard and mouse/touchpad (DO NOT use touch sensitive screens)
Windows RT NOT SUPPORTED for 2013-14

Mac OS v.10.5 +

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 starting July 15, 2013 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 2013-14
iPad iOS v.5.1+

iPad NCTest App

 Download from Store available starting August 16th that will handle all multiple choice item tests (from ClassScape) and an update in October to handle all item types.

Enforce availability of data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu. Enforce restrictions either through moblie management tools or on each device.  See https://center.ncsu.edu/ncaccount/mod/page/view.php?id=988 for restriction details which are the same as required for 2012-13.
  • 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
  • Other TBD

Android v.3.0+

Android NCTest App

 Download from Play. Expected to be available for Spring 2014.

Enforce availability of data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu. Enforce restrictions either through mobile device managment tools or on each device.  Restrictions must replicate iPad and Chromebook type limitations referenced here.
  • 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
  • Other TBD

 

Chromebook

Chrome

 No install necessary as Chrome browser is required for Chromebooks.

Enforce availability of data.ncsu.edu and center.ncsu.edu. Technical and Domain Login Procedure Required.

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.

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
  • Other TBD
Last modified: Thursday, 5 December 2013, 10:19 AM