TestNav News - July 2016

[Brian Norman]

Tech Update

Information for district technology staff related to the technical side of testing

Installable TestNav Recommended (repeat)

Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, Pearson recommends that districts use installable TestNav apps for assessments that require kiosk mode. Kiosk mode is used with “high-stakes” assessments or assessments that contain secure test questions, and it can be enabled on all Pearson-supported operating systems and devices. Download TestNav apps from the TestNav 8 Online Support page (PearsonAccess Next > TestNav 8 Online Support (under Quick Links) > System Requirements > From TestNav downloads). 

In most cases, customers can download a TestNav app instead of using a browser; however, customers who need to use a browser with assessments that require kiosk mode must use Firefox Extended Support Release (ESR) 45 (32-bit only) for the 2016-2017 school year.  Pearson will continue to support browser-based TestNav for item samplers and any other tests that do not require kiosk mode.

Details regarding the recently posted Technical Bulletins regarding browser changes are available on the TestNav 8 Online Support page under Technical Bulletins. View the Technical Bulletins (PearsonAccess Next > TestNav 8 Online Support (under Quick Links) > Technical Bulletins).

• TestNav 8 - System Requirement Changes for 2016–17 School Year
• TestNav 8 - Firefox Support for 2016–17 School Year
• TestNav 8 - Support Change for Browser-based TestNav

Upcoming Changes to Testing on iOS (repeat)

In August 2016, an updated TestNav app for iOS will be available. After the updated TestNav app is downloaded, users will see changes in setup and sign-in processes, including:

• For secure testing, the Automatic Assessment Configuration (AAC) displays the Confirm App Self Lock prompt at sign in, which prompts the student to start Single App Mode. AAC ensures that the student cannot access other apps, pages, or features after Single App Mode starts.
• For all assessments (kiosk mode and non-kiosk mode), TestNav displays a prompt requesting permission to enable the microphone the first time the TestNav app launches. Students cannot sign in to a test until they grant TestNav microphone permission, even though the MCA does not include audio recorder questions. Students will not see this prompt again after permission is granted.

Details regarding iOS changes are available in the Upcoming Changes to Testing on iOS bulletin on the TestNav 8 Online Support page under Technical Bulletins. View the Technical Bulletins (PearsonAccess Next > TestNav 8 Online Support (under Quick Links) > Technical Bulletins).