Practicing Remote Administration

To have the best experience with testing, it is recommended that you, as the TE, run at least two practice sessions with students. The first session can be set up using a video meeting application, with students using the web-based version of the Student Testing Interface. The second session can be set up with students using the secure browser when testing grades three through twelve students remotely.

Why Two Practice Sessions?

By completing at least two sessions, students and TEs can become comfortable with logging on to a test session remotely and using the widgets in the Student Testing Interface. During the first practice, students can stay on the video session as the TE guides them through logging on, testing the camera and microphone, and using the widgets.

During the second practice attempt, students need the test session ID and their SSIDs. Because students use the secure browser to log on, students are not able to communicate with the TE until they have entered the actual practice test. This works the same way when they take the actual assessments.

Preparing Students for the First Practice Session

Prior to running a practice test with students, provide students with their SSIDs. Refer to the SSIDs subsection for recommended ways of providing the SSID in a way that keeps it confidential.

Provide a video meeting link to students with a set date and time for the practice session, and prepare the session before the meeting with students, to save time.

Take the following steps to administer the first round of practice tests:

  1. Log on to the Test Administrator and Test Examiner Practice and Training Site.

  2. Select a practice or training test for the students by selecting the [Start a Remote Session] button (figure 1), the type of assessment, and any subsequent levels.

    Start a Remote Session button

    Figure 1. Selecting the Session Type

  3. Select the [Start Practice Session] button.

  4. To initiate the remote tools, select the I agree checkbox in the communication widget and select the [Allow] button (figure 2).

    Checkbox with the words 'I agree' to give permission to the testing system to access the student's webcam and microphone; the allow button is indicated.

    Figure 2. Permission box for remote tools

  5. Save the session ID to provide to students prior to testing.

Although students use the standard secure browser during the actual assessment when testing grades three through twelve students remotely, for the purposes of this first practice test session, students should use the web-based version of the Student Testing Interface. This allows students to join a video meeting while testing.

Have all students join a video meeting (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, etc.). Talk students through the logon process in the video meeting.

Signing Students In to the Practice Session

Ask students to turn off their cameras in the video meeting. The remote tools cannot function if the camera is on in a program other than the practice and training tests.

Using the chat feature in the video meeting, provide the link for the Practice and Training Test Site. Students need to use either the Chrome or Firefox browser for this session.

Practicing Using the Remote Widget

Once in the assessment, a small circle with the student’s own image appears in the lower-right corner of the student’s screen. This allows a student to view what is being shown to the TE. If the student selects the circle, the remote widget expands and offers other tools (figure 3).

Remote widget displaying what messages between the student or test administrator or examiner look like

Figure 3. Remote widget

Test out the different tools in the communication widget with students.

Screen Share

Use the screen share feature to view a student’s screen during the test session. This is a one-way feature that only TEs can initiate by selecting the [screen share] icon. The student needs to grant the TE permission by selecting the [I agree] box and [Allow] button on the widget. Once the student grants permission, a red dotted line appears around the student’s screen indicating that the TE can now see the screen.

Refer to the TE Shares the Screen for the Writing Domain subsection for information about using this feature.

Messaging Tool

If a student selects the [Raise Hand] hand icon, the student’s information moves to the top of the page under the “Tests with potential issues” section of the Test Administrator Interface. Select the [Lower Hand] hand icon, individually message the student, or enter into a video and audio chat with the student. The student is not able to interact with the assessment when the widget is expanded. The widget must be minimized for the student to return to the assessment.

Chat Tool

The student may also select the [Messages] speech bubble icon to send an individual chat message to the TE. A student with unread messages remains in the “Tests without issues” section of the Test Administrator Interface but has a red [Message] icon in the student’s information column.

Ending the Practice Session

Once students are comfortable with the tools, they should select the [Pause] button at the top left of the screen (indicated in figure 4). Students then select [Yes] to leave the assessment.

Top-left corner of screen with the Back, Next, Save, and Pause buttons; the Pause button is indicated.

Figure 4. [Pause] button

Once all students have paused their assessments, select the [Stop] button to end the test session. Logging off the Test Administrator Interface is now possible.

Facilitating the Second Practice Session

After a student has had a chance to enter an assessment while in a video meeting, the student should try to log on using the standard secure browser application on the device. This practice session can occur on the same day as the first session or on another day.

All students should have the secure browser installed on their device prior to beginning a second practice session. Educators should confirm with the school’s technology coordinator that all students have the supported version of the secure browser installed. A student using a personal device can follow the instructions on the Secure Browsers web page to download the application.

Because the secure browser does not function when other applications are running, students cannot be in a video meeting while the secure browser is running.

To assist students with this logon, start a video meeting with students and provide the test session ID. Students then need to leave the meeting and close any running applications.

To begin, a student should open the secure browser and then enter the student’s first name, SSID, and provided test session ID before following the same steps used when logging on with the TE in the first practice session.

Approve the students and admit them into the assessment after they have logged on successfully. As students enter the assessment, they also appear on screen in a section of the Test Administrator Interface.

Keep the video meeting open in case a student is unable to enter the assessment. A student can reenter the video meeting for technical assistance or to ask questions.

How Often Should Students Practice?

Each class is different. Students should practice logging on and becoming familiar with the communication tools until they are comfortable with the testing interface. This allows students to concentrate on the operational assessments during the actual testing window and not get distracted by the resources and tools available for use.