1. Using Nextera for the GAA 2.0 Spring 2019 Administration
Sandy will introduce the meeting
Recording can be found at:

2. Spring 2019 Key Dates Prior to Testing Training Webinar
Nextera Admin Training
Session 1: January 16, 2019
Session 2: January 23, 2019 (live repeat)
Install Secure Browsers
February 11, 2019
Pre-Administration Training Webinar
Final Test Prep
Session 1: February 25, 2019
Session 2: February 27, 2019 (live repeat)
Test Window
Spring 2019 Test Administration
March 25May 3, 2019
After Testing
Final Deadline to Return Materials to Questar
May 10, 2019
Sandy will go over the dates

3. Installing the Secure Browser
The first topic for today is around installing the secure browser on your device or devices.

4. Installation Guidelines
The Setup and Installation Guide will be posted on the Help tab in Nextera Admin.
You will have access to Nextera Admin after February 11th.
This guide provides detailed instructions to assist district readiness for testing.
A Setup and Installation Guide will be posted on the Help tab within Nextera Admin.
This Guide provides detailed instructions to ensure your district is ready for testing.
We will be using the Setup and Installation Guide as the basis for today’s training.
We will be covering its contents at a high level.
Please make sure to familiarize yourself with the complete contents of the Guide - at your own pace - after today’s training.
You will receive your login credentials on February 11th and at that time you will be able to go into Nextera Admin and download the secure browser.

5. Items to Note
Test Coordinators and Information Technology Coordinators should work closely to ensure proper device set up.
DeepFreeze™, CleanSlate™, or similar applications must be disabled, or an alternate save location selected, prior to testing.
If you are using a Firewall, Proxy Server, and/or Web Filter, please ensure that you add an expectation for our IP address.
Information Technology Coordinators and System Test Coordinators should work closely to ensure proper device setup throughout the district.
When setting up systems for testing, please make sure that DeepFreeze, CleanSlate, or similar applications have been disabled or you have designated an alternate “save” location prior to testing.
Make sure your systems are set to work with our system and that workstation readiness has been completed prior to the opening of the testing window.
If you are using a Firewall, Proxy Server, or Web Filter, please ensure that you add our IP address.

6. General System Requirements
System Memory/Hard Disk Space
Minimum 512MB Free Ram
Recommended 1GB Free RAM
Minimum 1GB Free Storage Space
LAN Network
Recommended available LAN bandwidth at each workstation 2 MBPS
Internet Speed
Minimum per device: 150 KBPS
Recommended: 300 KBPS
Please note: we do recommend that you use the Chrome browser when accessing Nextera.
This slide lists the requirements for desktop and tablet-based operating systems to ensure a successful testing session. The requirements specify the processor, LAN network, and internet speed needed. We do recommend using the Chrome Browser.

7. System Requirements Operating System OS Version Processor
Screen Size Resolution
Windows
7/8.1/10
Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 Ghz equivalent or higher performing CPU
Minimum 10" screen size Minimum 1024 X 768 screen resolution Recommended 11.6" or larger screen size
Mac OS
Intel Core 2 Duo 1.6 GHz equivalent or higher performing CPU
iOS
10.3.3, to 11.X (iOS and are not supported)
1.0 Ghz dual core equivalent or higher
Minimum 9.7" screen size Minimum 1024 X 768 screen resolution
Chrome OS
Version 59+
1.6 Ghz dual core equivalent or higher
Minimum 10" screen size Minimum 1024 X 768 screen resolution
These are the system requirements for the Nextera Test Delivery system.
The System Scan and Test Readiness check, which we will discuss in a few moments, verify that these requirements are met with just a few clicks of the mouse.
This is a lot of information to take in at once but it can also be found on Questar’s public facing website or in the Nextera Setup and Installation Guide on the Help tab in Nextera Admin so you can reference it at any time.

8. *.mobileapp.questarai.com (for Apple iPad devices)
System Notes
Ports 80 and 443
Domains to Whitelist
*.questarai.com
*.questarai.net
*.mobileapp.questarai.com (for Apple iPad devices)
A proxy server typically sits between the workstations and the Internet.
Proxy servers are commonly used for caching, filtering and authentication.
The Questar Secure Browser uses the same protocols to communicate on the Internet as standard Web browsers, so it is critical that proxy servers be configured to allow all HTTP traffic between the secure browser and the Internet on ports 80 and 443.
The domains listed on screen should be whitelisted at the firewall, authenticating proxy server or content filtering server.
In addition, when using authenticating proxies, ensure the proxy is configured to allow access without authentication.

9. System Scan http://www.questarai.com/readiness/
Now we are going to take a look at Questar’s tools for readiness.
The first tool we'll look at is the System Scan. This tool validates that the workstation being tested meets the technical requirements for a successful experience. Items checked will include: system type, operating system, screen resolution, browser type and version, and whether or not the browser is properly set up to accept cookies.
You should run the System Scan on at least one of each type of the devices planned to be used. So if you are using both Chromebooks and Windows, the scan should be run on each.
The System Scan is available from Questar's public facing website under Test Readiness and through the Nextera Admin Help tab.
The System Scan is quick and easy to complete with just a few clicks of the mouse.
To perform the scan, select Scan Now.

10. System Scan
Another page displays providing us with a link to the system requirements, which is the chart we looked at a minute ago.
To continue the scan, select Scan Now.

11. System Scan The System Scan provides immediate feedback and results.
In this example, the device scanned was a desktop using Windows Operating System 7.
The results also tell us the screen resolution, confirms that the device is set up to accept cookies, and that Google Chrome was the browser.

12. Test Readiness Check
The second tool we’ll look at is Test Readiness. This is an optional step for the GAA 2.0 as test examiners will be entering student responses into the Nextera Test Delivery System.
This is also available from Questar's public facing website and the Help tab in Nextera Admin.
Test Readiness verifies that the schools’ and districts’ network bandwidths can support test examiners during the testing window.
Just like the System Scan, this check is a quick and easy process to complete.
To start this tool, select Test Now.

13. Test Readiness Check
Another page displays providing us with additional information on what is being checked.
We suggest that you perform this test on the school’s network (not at the main Internet connection in the district offices).
To continue the scan, select the link to

14. Test Readiness Check
Speedtest.net should open in a new tab or window of your browser. Once you are on speedtest.net, click GO to begin the test.
The test will take about 30 seconds and will measure your download and upload speeds.

15. Test Readiness Check
You will want to remember or write down your results for the upload and download speeds. These will be needed when you return to the Test Readiness Page.
Close the speedtest.net window or tab to return to the Test Readiness Check page.

16. Test Readiness Check
As you scroll down the page you’ll see the fields needing input. These include entering the download and upload speeds.
The Test Examiner will be entering student responses into the Nextera system, so the Individual Student Testing Time may be interpreted as typical time needed for Test Examiners to enter student response data.
Hours available for testing may be interpreted as hours available for Test Examiner input of data.
Total number of students testing may be interpreted as total number of Test Examiners entering data.
Once these details are entered, select Test Now to continue.

17. Test Readiness
The results display. In this example, the testing would need to occur over a four-day period based on the information entered on the previous screen. It also informs you that a maximum of 535 devices could access the Nextera Test Delivery System concurrently based on your bandwidth without any lag time.
Again, Test Readiness is an optional task for the GAA 2.0.

18. Nextera Admin
Now that we know about technology readiness, let’s turn our attention to Nextera Admin.
Nextera Admin is a web-based application that contains links, support manuals, and downloads, including the Questar Secure Browser.
The Nextera Test Delivery System or Nextera TDS is the application test examiners will use to enter student responses. We will cover Nextera TDS later in this presentation.

19. Nextera User Roles & Responsibilities
Roles in Nextera
System Test Coordinator (SysTC)
System Test Coordinator Assistant (DLU)
School Test Coordinator (SchTC)
Building Level User (BLU)
Test Examiner (TE)
District Information Tech Coordinator (DITC)
School Information Tech Coordinator (SITC)
The roles in Nextera include System Test Coordinator, System Test Coordinator Assistant, School Test Coordinator, Building Level User, Test Examiner and District and School Information Technology Coordinators.

20. System Test Coordinators
Only one System Test Coordinator role per system
Can assign multiple System Test Coordinator Assistant roles per district
Create School Test Coordinator user accounts
Serve as a backup to School Test Coordinators
Can view district and school level information
Receive, distribute, and return materials to Questar
These are some responsibilities specific to system test coordinators. Please make sure to note that there can only be one System Test Coordinator role in each system.
The System Test Coordinator, with the System Test Coordinator Assistant’s help, has the ability to assign roles to school staff. These roles have access to secure information so please be mindful of how you assign the roles to staff.

21. School Test Coordinators
One School Test Coordinator role per school
Can assign multiple Building Level User roles per school
Assign, edit, and view Test Examiners
Create and manage classes
Ensure that student data are correct
Can enter, edit, and view student demographics and Learner Characteristics Inventory
Help school staff troubleshoot technology issues
School test coordinators have their own set of responsibilities.
School test coordinators must collaborate with Test Examiners to enter the LCI information and verify student demographics.

22. Test Examiners Must be a GaPSC certified educator
Can view Learner Characteristics Inventory (LCI) data for students
Can view students assigned to their class(es), including their demographic data
Enter student responses in Nextera in the presence of another GaPSC certified educator
Test Examiners must be GaPSC certified educators. Their main responsibilities are to verify student information in Nextera Admin and to enter student responses into the Nextera Test Delivery System.
(GaPSC=Georgia Professional Standards Commission)

23. Nextera Admin
Secure, web-based administration system provides access to all users with no additional download.
Login
Home
Students
Classes
Accounts
Help
We’ve talked about the roles and responsibilities of various staff members so now we’ll move on to see what those responsibilities look like within Nextera. Nextera is a web-based administration system. As you will see throughout this portion of the training, the main components of Nextera include a Home page, and tabs for working with students, classes, user accounts, and a Help tab where valuable resources can be found. You will receive an with the URL, and your user ID and a temporary password from Questar once the site opens on February 11th.
Upon initial login, you will need to change your password.
There is a link on the sign in screen in case you lose or forget your password.

24. Reset a Password l
Once you have clicked on the Forgot your password link you will be taken to a screen where you can reset a forgotten password. Enter your address as indicated and if you have an account in Nextera you will receive an to confirm that you want to reset your password. After you have confirmed that you want to reset your password by clicking the link in the you will receive another with a temporary password. Follow the directions in the s to complete the process of resetting your password.

25. Security Statement
The first time you sign in you will be required to sign the security acknowledgement before you have access to the site. You must check the box in front of I’ve read this page and then click or tap the I Agree button.

26. Help tab
The Help Tab houses the most important information for Technology Coordinators including contact information, support documentation, links to the tools we discussed, and a page for the secure browser downloads.
Here you’ll find contact information for Questar Customer Support, including phone number, a link to , and chat functionality.

27. Help Tab
The Help Tab also includes support documentation such as the Setup and Installation Guide, which provides step-by-step procedures for the processes we are presenting today.

28. Help Tab
Any updates to the Setup & Installation Guide throughout the administration year will be provided in the form of Release Notes which will be housed on the Help page in Nextera Admin.
IMPORTANT: Please do not upgrade to new operating systems on devices that will be used to administer online assessments without validating that the new operating system is supported.
A full Setup & Installation Guide will be posted to the Nextera Admin Help page.
If a new operating system becomes available after the secure browsers for this year are released and it is not listed in the System Requirements table in Appendix B or addressed in a subsequent release note by Questar, it may not be supported.
Please do not upgrade to new operating systems on devices that will be used to record student responses without validating that the new operating system is supported.

29. Help Tab
The Help Tab also includes a link to the System Scan and Test Readiness tools we discussed earlier.

30. Help Tab
After selecting the Downloads option in the Help Tab this screen displays. Please ensure that your secure browsers have been updated using these downloads.
This is where you download the secure browser for the devices that you will use to enter student responses. This includes Windows, Mac and iPad, and Google Chromebooks.

31. Nextera Test Delivery System (TDS)
The Nextera Test Delivery System or Nextera TDS is the application test examiners will use to enter student responses.
As we discussed earlier, the Secure Browser is broadly compatible across devices and operating platforms.
Let’s take a closer look at the installation processes available to you.

32. Secure Browser Installation
Windows
Basic Installation –Individual Device
File Server Installation
Push Installation
Mac
Administrative tools (such as CasperSuite™ from JAMF Software)
Student responses are entered through Nextera Test Delivery System that that runs on the Questar Secure Browser. Test Examiners enter provided usernames and passwords to access tests, and the testing system locks down the device. This will prevent access to any other applications, computer functions, network access, or until the Test Examiner exits the testing mode.
Windows provides a number of installation types to support nearly every possible configuration scenario. These include local workstation installations, server-based installations and terminal server installations. Each Windows installation scenario makes use of the appropriate .msi file from the Help Tab in Nextera Admin.
For Macs, the secure browser can be manually installed through Nextera Admin, or can be distributed using administrative tools such as the Casper Suite™.

33. Secure Browser Installation
iPad
Automatic Assessment Configuration (AAC) *Questar Recommended
Autonomous Single App Mode (ASAM) or Single App Mode (SAM) using Apple Configurator 2 or a similar MDM
Requires manual configuration of device access restrictions
Chromebook
Questar’s Kiosk App for Chrome
Single App Kiosk Mode
Questar recommends use of Automatic Assessment Configuration (or AAC) when installing the Secure Browser for iPad. AAC will automatically be enabled when launching the app and all necessary restrictions will be set automatically.
iPad devices can also be managed using Apple Configurator 2 or a similar Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform, such as AirWatch, Mobile Iron, or others. If using ASAM or SAM with an MDM platform device access restrictions must be configured manually. For more information please consult the Nextera Setup and Installation Guide.
As we saw earlier, the Chrome app can be obtained from the Help Tab in Nextera Admin.
Clear the Chrome cache to avoid issues of test examiners logging in and getting a blank page.
Detailed instructions for all of these processes are provided in the Setup and Installation Guide under the Chromebooks installation section, available on the Help Tab in Nextera Admin.

34. Accessing Nextera TDS
Locate the shortcut on your desktop and open the Nextera TDS application.
Use the sample test login credentials to verify the installation was successful
User ID: practice
Password: practice
Navigate through the screens to ensure the student response sheet loads at an acceptable speed and renders correctly.
Once you have installed the secure browser there will be a shortcut on your desktop that will launch the Nextera TDS application. You can log in to a sample test by using the user ID practice and password practice. This allows you to navigate through the screens within Nextera TDS and ensure the student response sheet loads and renders correctly.

35. Support
In the last section of our training today we will discuss the ways Questar is available to support you throughout your test administration.

36. Help The Help tab in Nextera contains resources including:
Links to download the Questar Secure Browser
Contact Support information, such as the phone number, link, or chat options available for Customer Support.
Chat is available during regular Customer Support hours from 8:00am-5:00pm EST Monday through Friday (except state holidays)
Commonly Asked Support Questions and
Support Documentation, such as the Test Administration Manual, Forms, and a recorded version of this training once available

37. Contact Information
Questions about test administration and procedures:
Call the GaDOE Assessment and Accountability Division toll free at or
Questions about Nextera or distribution and collection of materials:
Call Questar, GAA Customer Service, toll free at
Questar, GAA Customer Service, at
Chat is also available through the Help tab in Nextera Admin during regular customer support hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday (except state holidays).
If you have questions regarding the administration of the GAA 2.0, assistance is readily available by contacting the divisions as listed.
Nextera Admin will be available to you on February 11th. You do have access to the Setup & Installation Guide ahead of time so you can familiarize yourself with the processes for installing the secure browser.
Please remember that the webinars for pre-administration and Nextera review will be held on February 25th and 27th.

38. Thank you!
Thank you for attending this webinar. We are available for any questions you may have.

39. ©2018 Questar Assessment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nextera® is a registered trademark of Questar Assessment Inc. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft®, Google Chrome® and Chromebook™ are trademarks of Google®, Casper Suite® is a registered trademark of JAMF Software, LLC, iPad® and Mac® are registered trademarks of Apple®. All trademarks, product names, and logos are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved.