1. Technology Requirements for Online Testing
Training Module
Welcome to the Technology Requirements for Online Testing training module. This presentation is designed to help Technology Coordinators prepare for the administration of online tests.
Copyright © 2017 American Institutes for Research. All rights reserved.

2. Topics System Requirements Network Requirements Network Diagnostics
Supported Mobile Devices
Secure Browser
This module outlines the steps you will need to follow in order to ensure that your school’s systems are ready for online testing.
We will cover five basic topics: System Requirements, Network Requirements, Network Diagnostics, Supported Mobile Devices, Secure Browser.

3. Objectives By the end of this presentation, you should be able to:
Understand your role and responsibilities
Prepare for online tests at your school
Install the secure browser
Troubleshoot technical problems during the tests.
By the end of this presentation, you should be able to:
Understand your role and responsibilities
Prepare for online tests at your school
Install the secure browser
Troubleshoot technical problems during the tests

4. System Requirements Desktops and Laptops Monitor Display
Mobile Devices
Secure Browser
The systems also require certain minimum hardware and software requirements for testing. You must ensure that your school’s computers meet these standards in order for assessments to function effectively. On the next few slides, we will discuss minimum and recommended system requirements for computers and mobile devices to be used for online testing.

5. System Requirements: Windows and Mac
System Requirements: Desktops and Laptops
Supported Operating Systems
This information can be found by clicking on “Supported Browsers” in the top menu of your state’s portal.
Minimum Requirementsa
1.1 GHZ Processor
512 MB of RAM
200 MB hard drive space
Recommended Specsa
1.4 GHZ Processor
2+ GB RAM
16+ GB hard drive space
System Requirements: Windows and Mac
You must ensure that your school’s computers meet the minimum hardware and software requirements in order for assessments to function effectively.
However, online testing performance can be improved by using computers with faster processors and more disk space than is minimally required. The table shown provides minimum and recommended specifications for Windows and Mac OS operating systems and related system requirements.
a The minimum requirements and recommended specifications for Linux are more detailed than listed here. Please check the System Requirements for Online Testing manual on the portal for more information.

6. Appropriate Monitor Display
Monitor settings may need to be adjusted if test items with shaded images are very light or cannot be seen.
Screen Dimensions
Apple iPad mini is not supported for ELPA21
Netbooks with screen dimensions smaller than 10” are not supported
Minimum Screen Resolution:
Desktops, laptops, and tablets: 1024 x 768 or better
Netbooks: 1024 x 600 or better
As monitors vary widely, support for specific monitors cannot be provided. We cannot guarantee that the default settings that monitors are shipped with are optimal. Use the student practice and training tests to verify that test items with shaded images (e.g., pie charts) can be seen clearly. Monitor settings may need to be adjusted if a student says test items with shaded images are very light or cannot be seen.
In general, the larger the monitor, the more “real estate” students have. Some assessments may include pages that have multiple items and/or reading passages that require scrolling. Resolution should be set to 1024 by 768 or better.
Individuals using small monitors or tablets may need to scroll vertically and/or horizontally in order to view all information on the screen. Students may also use the Zoom tool available in the tests to enlarge content on the screen. The most current system requirements can be found in your System Requirements for Online Testing.

7. Determining Required Bandwidth
In an online testing environment, the following factors contribute to determining the required bandwidth:
Number of Students Simultaneously Testing
Size of the Test Content
Hubs or Switches
ISP Router
Encryption
Required Response Time
Bandwidth is the measure of a network’s capacity or utilization, usually measured in terms of bits per second. Your network should have enough bandwidth to support online testing at the required performance level. For example, if a testing program requires that web browsers display test items within 10 seconds after sending the request, then the network must have enough bandwidth to support that requirement.
Average Bandwidth Used by Secure Browser for Testing:
For 1 student concurrently testing in the school/building, average estimated bandwidth consumed during subsequent startup of the secure browser is 8k bits/second, and average estimated bandwidth consumed during testing is 5-15K bits/second.
For 50 students concurrently testing in the school/building, average estimated bandwidth consumed during subsequent startup of the secure browser is 400k bits/second, and average estimated bandwidth consumed during testing is K bits/second.
For 100 students concurrently testing in the school/building, average estimated bandwidth consumed during subsequent startup of the secure browser is 800k bits/second, and average estimated bandwidth consumed during testing is K bits/second.

8. Bandwidth At least 20 Kbps bandwidth per student being tested
Affected by both Local Area Network (LAN) traffic and Internet traffic from the router
LAN should always be analyzed to determine potential traffic bottlenecks
We recommend having at least 20 Kbps bandwidth per student being tested. This is in addition to any network demands by other users within the school. Bandwidth performance can be affected by both Local Area Network (LAN) traffic and Internet traffic from the router. Regardless of hardware or network topology, we recommend a performance analysis of both the LAN and the Internet infrastructure in order to identify any bottlenecks that may impact test performance.

9. Network Configuration
Session timeouts on proxy servers and other devices should be set to values greater than the typically scheduled testing time. For example, if test sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes, consider session timeouts of 65–70 minutes.
Web proxy servers must be configured to NOT cache data received from servers.
For any device that performs traffic shaping, packet prioritization, or quality of service, the URLs to be used for testing should be given a high priority to ensure the best performance.
A stable, high-speed, wired or wireless network and Internet connection are required for the test.
For online testing applications to work properly, it is important that your network settings are configured correctly. Session timeouts on proxy servers and other devices should be set to values greater than the typically scheduled testing time. For example, if test sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes, consider session timeouts of 65–70 minutes. This will help limit network interruptions during testing.
Web proxy servers must be configured to NOT cache data received from servers.
If your client network uses any device that performs traffic shaping, packet prioritization, or quality of service, the URLs to be used for testing should be given a high priority to ensure the best performance.

10. Network Requirements System URL to Whitelist
Content filters, firewalls, and proxy servers should be configured to allow the URLs for testing sites and applicable non-testing sites.
System
URL to Whitelist
Non-Testing Sites
Portal and secure browser installation files
Single Sign-On System
Test Information Distribution Engine
Online Reporting System
Teacher Hand-Scoring System
TA and Student Testing Sites
Assessment Viewing Application (if applicable)
*.airast.org
*.tds.airast.org
*.cloud1.tds.airast.org
*.cloud2.tds.airast.org
Content filters, firewalls, and proxy servers should be configured to allow the URLs for testing sites and applicable non-testing sites.
This table lists URLs for all AIR systems that need to be accessible for testing. AIR strongly encourages you to whitelist at the root level using wildcards. If your firewall is configured to check only IP addresses, consult the Technical Specifications Manual for further instructions.
It is important that session timeouts on proxy servers and other devices are set appropriately, that web filters are not blocking test-related websites, and that test data are not being cached.

11. Pop-ups
Configure Internet browsers on Test Administrator devices to allow pop-ups from your testing websites.
Many of our sites use pop-ups to provide additional information. Devices used by Test Administrators should have their Internet browsers configured to allow pop-ups from your testing websites.

12. Performance Factors Network bandwidth
Number of students simultaneously testing
Wireless networking configuration
Secure browser
In general, the response time of systems used for online testing depends on a number of factors, including bandwidth, the number of students simultaneously testing, the wireless networking configuration (if used), and secure browser. We will go into further detail about these factors in the next few slides.

13. Number of Students Simultaneously Testing
Network performance may slow when large numbers of students are testing at one time.
Multiply the number of students being tested by 20 Kbps to get an estimate of bandwidth needed, and compare that estimate with the network speed test.
Perform network analyses at different times to ensure adequate capacity.
A factor that may affect network performance is the number of students who are testing at one time. Just as traffic speed decreases on a busy highway, network performance may slow when large numbers of students are testing simultaneously. It is recommended that network performance analyses be performed at various times prior to testing to ensure adequate capacity. Multiply the number of students who will test simultaneously by 20 Kbps to get an estimate of bandwidth needed. Compare that estimate with the results of the network speed test, and ensure that there is a sufficient margin.

14. Using the Network Diagnostics Tool
Navigate to the Practice and Training Test Site.
Select a test in the “Network Diagnostics” section.
Enter the number of students who will take that test at one time.
Click “Run Network Diagnostics Tests.”
AIR provides a network diagnostic tool available through the secure browser or the practice and training tests. The network diagnostics tool compares the number of students testing simultaneously (as entered in the box) to an estimate of that particular test’s required bandwidth. It then indicates if your network can adequately support testing for the designated number of students.
We recommend testing the system at various times during the school day to evaluate the available network capacity.
To run the network diagnostics tests, first navigate to the Practice and Training Test Site. Select a test in the Network Diagnostics section. Then, enter the number of students who will take that test at one time and click Run Network Diagnostics Tests.

15. Network Diagnostics Tool
When testing is complete, you will see your upload and download speed results along with a summary that indicates whether your network can adequately support testing for the designated number of students.

16. Supported Mobile Devices: Windows and Chrome
Operating System
Supported Tablets
Browsers for TA Sites
TA Site
Practice Test Site
TIDE, ORS
Windows
8 (Professional & Enterprise),
8.1 (Professional & Enterprise),
10 (Professional, Educational, & Enterprise)
AIR supports any tablet running these versions of Windows, but has done extensive testing only on Surface Pro, Surface Pro 3, Asus Transformer, and Dell Venue.
Chrome 60+
Firefox 52+
Internet Explorer 11
Edge ü
Chrome OS
59+
Chromebook
This table shows the Windows and Chrome mobile devices that are supported for use in testing. As new systems and browsers are released through the year, please see the Supported Browsers page on the portal for information.
If you have devices used for testing that run Chrome OS, AIR strongly recommends turning off or delaying automatic updates of the Chrome operating system for a period of two weeks. Please consult the Technical Specifications Manual for Online Testing for more information.
a Support for this version is anticipated upon the completion of testing following its release.

17. Supported Mobile Devices: iOS
Operating System
Supported Tablets
Browsers for TA Sites
TA Site
Practice Test Site
TIDE, ORS
iOS (iPads)
9.3 10
11.1
iPad 2
iPad 3
4th-generation (Retina Display)
5th-generation (Retina Display)
iPad Air
iPad Air 2
Safari 9
Safari 10
Safari 11 ü
This table shows the Android and iOS mobile devices that are supported for use in testing. The online assessments are available on multiple mobile devices using a variety of operating systems. Tablets must have at least a 10-inch screen. iPads with a 9.7-inch display are acceptable. A minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 is required for all testing devices. An external keyboard is required.
a Support for this version is anticipated upon the completion of testing following its release.
B For a complete list of supported tablets, go to

18. Secure Browser The Secure Browser:
Is required for students to access the Student Testing Site.
Should be downloaded and installed for the correct operating system on all devices used for student testing.
Prevents students from accessing other computer or Internet applications and copying test information during testing.
Can be used to access practice and training tests. Practice tests can also be accessed with Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer 11, or most native tablet web browsers.
Online tests are delivered using a secure browser in order to protect the security and integrity of the test. Therefore, the secure browser must be accessible on all devices that will be used for student testing. The secure browser prevents students from accessing other computer or Internet applications and copying test information during testing. If the system detects other applications popping up or running on the computer, the student will be logged out of the testing session. Students cannot access the operational tests without using the secure browser. However, the practice and training tests can be accessed with either the secure browser or with supported web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer 11.

19. Where to Download the Secure Browser
System Requirements: Secure Browser
Computer/Device
Secure Browser Location
Windows, Mac, and Linux computers
State Portal: Click on Card for Secure Browsers
iPad tablets
App Store
Chromebooks
Chrome Web Store
The secure browser for desktops and laptops is located on your portal. The secure browser for tablets and Chromebooks can be downloaded from the corresponding web stores.
For iPads, the secure browser should be downloaded from the App Store. The Guided Access or Autonomous Single App Mode feature must be enabled for iPads.
For Chromebooks, installation varies for managed and non-managed Chromebooks.
Detailed instructions for downloading and installing the secure browser can be found in the Secure Browser Installation Manual.

20. Secure Browser Installation for Desktops and Laptops
To download the secure browser on a desktop or laptop, navigate to your state portal’s Secure Browser page. Scroll down, select the appropriate browser for your operating system, and download it. Follow the installation prompts. Detailed installation instructions are in the Secure Browser Installation Manual.

21. Secure Browser Installation Methods
Download the secure browser from your portal and install it.
Download and save the secure browser onto a media device (such as a flash drive), and copy and install the files on each computer.
Download and save the secure browser to a network folder, and copy and install the files on each computer.
Running the Secure Browser application from a shared network location is strongly discouraged.
You can install the secure browser on individual computers or devices using several methods:
Download the browser directly from your portal and install it.
Download and save the secure browser onto a media device (such as a flash drive), and copy and install the files on each computer.
Download and save the secure browser to a network folder, and copy and install the files on each computer.
If you need to install the secure browser on a system for which you do not have administrative rights, see the instructions in your Secure Browser Installation Manual. If you prefer, you may push the secure browser out to all of the testing computers and devices on your network, using whatever software tools you normally use for managing deployments.
AIR strongly discourages the use of network shared drive installation for the Secure Browser, as this setup can compromise the stability and performance of the browser, especially during peak testing times.

22. Disabling OS X Features
Disable Exposé or Spaces
Disable application launches from function keys
Disable updates to third party apps
Disable updates to iTunes
Disable dictation and Siri
Mac OS X has a number of built-in features that can compromise a test’s integrity, including (but not limited to) Exposé, Spaces, and other features listed in this slide.
You can find detailed instructions and a comprehensive list of features to disable in your Technical Specifications Manual for Online Testing.

23. Scheduling Automated Tasks
Ensure all scheduled tasks take place outside of testing hours:
Virus Scans
Software Updates
Operating System Updates, such as Windows Updates
For all machines to be used for testing, ensure that all scheduled tasks running in the background, such as virus scans or software updates, are scheduled to take place outside of test windows. For example, if your testing takes place between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., schedule background jobs outside of these hours.

24. For further assistance, please consult your Help Desk.
Thank You!
For additional information, consult your portal’s Resources page, which contains:
System Requirements for Online Testing
Technical Specifications Manual for Online Testing
Secure Browser Installation Manual
For further assistance, please consult your Help Desk.
Thank you for viewing this training module. If you need additional information, please visit your state portal, where you can find announcements and copies of the technical documents. For further assistance, please consult your Help Desk.