The California Department of Education (CDE) and ETS know that local educational agencies (LEAs) are working hard to prepare for the spring assessments. The Spring Assessment Update video is now available. This presentation is a high-level overview of the recent changes and decisions made to accommodate remote testing and is not intended to replace more detailed information that will be available on the spring administration websites. This KB article will highlight the new features for the teacher and student interface.
Teacher Interface
Session Type-When the teacher logs in to the Test Administrator Interface, the teacher will have an option to select session type. The session type automatically defaults to “In-Person”. If the teacher is giving a remote test, they will select “Remote or Hybrid”.
Session Information-After creating a session, a pop-up box with the session ID and the link to share with students to access the session either through a Web-based Student Testing Interface or the secure browser will appear.
Test Administrator or Test Examiner Webcam and Microphone-Test administrators and test examiners will need to agree to allow the system to access their webcam and microphone.
New Features for Test Administers, Test Examiners, and Site Coordinators– Available for summative assessments, interim assessments, and practice and training tests. Also available in the secure browser and the Web-based Student Testing Interface.
- With the video permission turned on, the test administrator or test examiner will be able to monitor students by video during the testing session.
- Individual messaging is also available and can be initiated by the student or by the test administrator or test examiner.
- The raise hand functionality is available for students that need assistance and will be an indicator to the test administrator or test examiner that they need to work with the student directly.
- One-on-one video calls allow the test administrator or test examiner to initiate a direct online call with a student. Students cannot initiate a call with their test administrator or test examiner.
- Test administrators and test examiners can use the broadcast feature to send a message to all the students within the testing session. The broadcast is seen as text in the student’s communication widget but will also be read aloud automatically using text to speech.
Video Monitoring- The Test Administrator Interface will show each student’s thumbnail once the student is logged in. The video feed refreshes every five seconds. If at any time, the student loses video or connectivity, a sad face will be displayed instead of the student’s picture. If the test requires video, the student will not be able to proceed with the test until the student’s video is reconnected.
Video Monitoring (cont.)-Test administrators and test examiners also have the option to toggle the Gallery View. You will see something similar to your own students, with ten students showing at a time. If you are administering the test session to more than ten students, you can scroll to see additional students. The three icons in the upper-right corner allow test administrators or examiners to toggle between the ListView, Gallery View, and Large Gallery View that shows four students at a time with larger pictures.
One-to-One Video Call-The one-to-one video call can only be initiated by the test administrator or test examiner, not by the student. Both the test administrator and the student can be viewed on a split-screen during the video call.
Student Interface
Student login process Audio/Video Checks-The Audio/Video Checks screen now includes a request for permission to access the camera. In a remote test session, students will need to select the box to agree to grant the browser permission to access their camera.
Student login process Recording Device Check-Check the student’s microphone and ability to record audio spoken by the student. The student will select the [Microphone] icon button, record a brief statement, press the [Stop] icon button, and then replay the recording. The student will then select whether the student heard the recording or wants to skip the check. This check is now required for all students in case they enter into a call with their test administrator or test examiner during a remote test session.
Student login process Text-to-Speech Sound Check-All students are prompted with the text-to-speech soundcheck, whether or not text-to-speech is an assigned test setting. The student will select the [Speaker] icon button, have the opportunity to change the voice pack, and adjust the volume, pitch, or rate. The student will then indicate whether the student heard the voice, did not hear the voice or wants to skip the check, and then select continue.
Student Communication Widget-In the test delivery system, the student does not have the option to turn off their video or audio like the test administrator or test examiner does. The student can select the [raise hand] icon to indicate to the test administrator or test examiner the need for assistance. The student can select the [video] icon to view the student’s own video feed. The student can select the [messages] icon to send a message to the test administrator or test examiner.
One-to-One Video Call-The one-to-one video call can only be initiated by the test administrator or test examiner, not by the student. Both the test administrator and the student can be viewed on a split-screen during the video call.