© 2013 mcoecn technology readiness considerations for implementation of on-line assessments in...
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© 2013 MCOECN
Technology Readiness Considerations for Implementation of On-Line Assessments in Ohio’s K-12 School Buildings
March 2013
Ohio Department of Education
Management Council • Ohio Education Computer Network
© 2013 MCOECN
Agenda
1. Goals of the Presentation & Disclaimer
2. PARCC Background
3. 3 Key On-Line Assessment Technology Components
4. Readiness Steps / Deployment Models / Rotation Cycles
5. Client Computing Assets
6. Local Area Network
7. Wide Area Network
8. PARCC Tools
9. Questions/Answers
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Technology Readiness Goals of This Presentation & DisclaimerGoals:
1. Provide an overview of the technology components needed for the implementation of on-line
assessments
2. Help districts understand their possible technology options for deploying on-line assessments
3. Provides information and tools for districts to prepare and implement for both on-line learning
and on-line assessment
Disclaimer:
4. The presentation considers various technology components necessary to implement on-line
assessments using various deployment models. PARCC standards and implementation
policies have not been finalized and therefore the conclusions drawn in this presentation are
subject to change.
5. Budgetary estimates are for illustrative purposes only – actual costs may vary based on
vendor selection and other factors.
6. This presentation does not consider additional investments likely to be needed in software,
staff support, management tools, or training.
Acknowledgement:
7. Many thanks to the staff of the Ohio Department of Education, Management Council of the
Ohio Education Computer Network, and eTech Ohio Commission for their collaboration and
input into this toolkit.
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Background
Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College
and Careers (PARCC)
22-state consortium working together to develop next-
generation K-12 assessments in English and math
Funded through a $186m grant from USDOE Race to
the Top assessment competition – one time funding
24 million students
PARCC Goals Builds a pathway to college and career readiness for all
students
Creates high-quality assessments that measure the full
range of Common Core Standards
Supports educators in the classroom
Makes better use of technology in assessments, and
Advances accountability at all levels
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3 Key On-line Assessment Technology Components While the final form of the on-line assessments’ software architecture has not yet been fully decided by PARCC, it is clear that the on-line assessments will be delivered over the Internet from a centrally hosted provider serving all PARCC consortia member states. In this delivery model it is likely that the PARCC assessment developer will implement a client-server architecture using either purpose-built client applications that are designed and compiled for individual computing device operating systems such as Windows, OS-X, Android or iOS; or designed for contemporary web browsers such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Chrome or Firefox.
Given the complexity and cost of developing unique software clients for the various and multiple operating systems types and versions, we conclude that is highly probable that web-browser enabled client delivery is the likely choice of PARCC’s assessment developer. This architecture is likely to use web browsers with various complimentary plug-ins such as Adobe Flash, HTML5 or other such tools needed to deliver multi-media assessment content that includes full-motion video, audio, and animation. Based on tests of on-line sample assessments from the Smarter Balance consortia – we estimate bandwidth requirements of between .06 and .2Mbps per item, per student. With assessment delivery expected over the Internet, the following primary technology system components are required for on-line assessment delivery:
Client Computing Devices Local Area Networks Broadband Building Connectivity
25 50 250 5000.0
25.0
50.0
75.0
100.0
125.0
Bandwidth Potential Low/High
Students Per Building
A single PARCC on-line assessment session is likely to require between.06 and .2Mbps
Ohio K-12 Network
Internet
ServersPARCC Hosting Provider
Clients
.06 t
o .
2 M
bp
s
.3 – 1Mbps
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Technology Readiness Steps
Choose A Deployment & Rotation
Model
• Whole building 1:1• Classroom• Lab• Rotational Model 1 to 10
Estimate your required
client computing
needs
• Create or Update your computer replacement roadmap• Immediate Replacement (Now)• Short-Term Replacement (24 months)• Long-Term Replacement (48 months)
Review LAN Requirements
• Determine LAN requirements• Location and type of
connections• Required bandwidth
• Plan and Acquire LAN components
Review Broadband
Requirements
• Required Bandwidth• Review with ITC or
tech department options for bandwidth increases
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On-line Assessment Deployment Models
Deployment Model 1: Whole Building: The Whole Building deployment model utilizes a 1:1 computing model – 1 computer per student – to enable on-line assessments for all students concurrently. The primary benefit of this model is that it provides for a shorter testing lifecycle of approximately two days. This model requires the most technology, and therefore capital to implement. In addition to higher quantities of computing devices, concurrent use increases both local area network and broadband connectivity costs.
Deployment Model 2: Classroom Rotation: The Classroom Rotation model utilizes computing devices within school classrooms to conduct on-line assessments. While the number of computers per classroom varies by district and building, many classrooms have five computers. These tend to be desktop computers connected to wired local area networks. The primary benefit of this model is leveraging current and past district and state investments in technology, and a medium-length testing. This model results in lower capital costs for devices, networks and broadband connectivity than DM1, as fewer devices are needed.
Deployment Model 3: Lab Rotation: The Lab Rotation model utilizes computing devices in fixed computing lab locations or mobile carts that can be moved from classroom to classroom. These labs typically include 25 to 30 computing devices that would support a single class taking an on-line assessment concurrently. Fixed lab locations are typically desktop computers connected to wired local area networks. Mobile labs are typically laptop computers temporarily connected to the buildings wired LAN via a wireless access point inserted in the classroom. The primary benefit of this model is the ability to provide whole-class testing without investing in a 1:1 initiative. This model has the lowest capital outlay, due to reduced computing devices, and lower bandwidth consumption of local area networks and building broadband connections.
The majority of schools that have implemented computer labs also have classroom-based technologies. Therefore, a combination of deployment models utilizing both a Classroom and Lab Rotation Model are possible. This Presentation does not consider this fourth deployment option.
The availability, age and location of existing technology assets in Ohio’s schools will influence what on-line assessment model school districts implement.
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Factors Influencing Choice of A Deployment Model
Model Number of Testing Rotations
Enhancement to Student Assessment Experience
Blended or Hybrid Learning Value
Impact on Classroom Instruction
Management Complexity
Total Cost of Ownership
Whole Building or 1:1
Shortest – 1 rotation
Highest –students have personal experience with devices assigned or owned by them
Highest – students have access to portable learning environments 24x7x365
Minimal – whole buildings or classes take assessments when scheduled and ready – no building scheduling required
Highest – more devices, operating systems, configurations, and networks to manage for all students
Highest
Classroom
Dependent on the number of classrooms, students per classroom, and computers per classroom – shorter rotations require more computers per classroom and approach “lab-like or 1:1 environments”
Higher– students have familiarity with devices used in their classrooms
Medium – students have access to limited devices throughout the school day in their classrooms
Disruptive – teachers must manage multiple groups of students each focused on assessment or instruction. Non-assessment activities may disrupt assessment
Medium – Approximately 20% of the devices in the whole building, 1:1 model
Medium
Lab Shorter rotations cycles can be achieved buy purchasing more labs
Lowest – students have limited experiences with devices that may or may not be similar to classroom or personally owned devices
Lowest – students have access at limited times based on whole building use
Minor – classes schedule in “linear” fashion use of the lab for assessment purposes on a classroom by classroom basis
Lowest – Approximately 5 to 10% of the devices in the whole building, 1:1 model
Low to Medium – depending on the number of required labs to achieve rotation
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Planned On-Line Assessment Lifecycle Influences Choice of Deployment ModelLEAs should anticipate that each assessment– PBAs and EoYA’s - will be completed in a mandated 20 day calendar window.
For example, a 20 school day testing window (4 weeks) for all students
Districts should anticipate that each assessment is likely to take at a minimum two-days per student, especially after bell, recess and lunch factors are considered. The MCOECN Planning Tool will help district determine how may days and rotations are needed for PBA and EOY assessments.
Assuming a maximum number of assessment days and a 2 day testing rotation cycle, the maximum number of testing group rotations is 10 (10 x 2 = 20 days)
Note that some rotations require groups to be “split” over a weekend boundary. Districts may want to choose rotations that avoid this outcome.
In general, shorter rotations of 1-5 days consumes less instructional time and is less management-intensive, and provide districts more “make-up” days
Shorter group rotations are likely to be the goal for most LEAs
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How many days and sessions (rotations) are needed?
Use the Rotations Estimator to determine the number of days necessary to complete the PBA or EOY assessments, each within a 20-day calendar window
Use these adjustments to shorten the length of each assessment session: Reduce the planned
additional time per session
Reduce the transition time between sessions
Use these adjustments to lengthen the available AM or PM blocks of available testing time: Reduce or eliminate
scheduled recesses Shorten lunch period Lengthen the school day
by changing the first bell or dismissal time
If these adjustments do not provide sufficient time to complete assigned assessment session within an available AM or PM time block on a given school day (goal is all green or red close to 0) – assign testing sessions to an additional day rotation (e.g. 2 to 3)
Once the number of days and rotations is determined, use the computers worksheet to estimate the number of computers needed to complete the rotation schedule
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LEAs can predict the number of client devices they will need based on the number of planned assessment cycle rotations
The number of rotations can be different for each school building as long as all students in required grades 3-11 complete the required assessment in the testing window, e.g. “20 days”
The number of client devices needed serves as a planning target for schools to determine whether existing computing assets are sufficient or additional devices are necessary
The Computers planning worksheet shows the number of computers needed per building to complete a testing rotation. More days per rotation requires more computing devices
Possible 2, 3 and 4-day rotations are shown on the worksheet11
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Rotation Model and Deployment Model: 1:1
For districts that choose to implement the Whole Building/1:1 assessment model the number of computers required is indicated in columns 4&5 on the Computers tab in the workbook
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Rotation Model and Deployment Model: Classrooms
Classroom scheduling is the most complex to implement. This is due to different class sizes and potentially different quantities of computers in each classroom
First determine the planned assessment rotation – 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days using the Rotations worksheet
Use the Computers worksheet to enter Classrooms instead of Buildings The worksheet will indicate the number of computers needed to complete
a 1-5 day rotation within the allotted 20 day testing window In the example above, a 3-Day testing rotation, with 5 computers in each
classroom would require 7 additional computers, with three classrooms requiring 2 additional computers each and one classrooms requiring 1 additional computer
In a 2-Day testing rotation, with 5 rotations, 1 additional computer is needed for 1 classroom 13
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Rotation Model and Deployment Model: Labs/Carts
The Carts & WAPs worksheet estimates the total number of labs (or carts) required to complete a rotation schedule
The WAPs only column estimates the number of classrooms that need a wireless access point based on the largest student class size – compare this total to the number of classrooms in a school building
Labs can either be fixed locations within the school building or district, or mobile labs on a cart that are moved from classroom to classroom
To accommodate all students in the largest class size taking the on-line assessments concurrently, the total number of computers in a lab should be equal to the largest class size for that school building
Another alternative is to create one mobile lab equal to the largest class size, and make that lab available just to the largest class. This method complicates lab scheduling among and between classrooms
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Work backwards for each school building to determine whether existing computing assets meet the PARCC Minimum Standards
Choice of a rotation cycle and the number of students determines the required number of client computing devices that meet the PARCC minimum standard
For example, in a building with 347 students and a 2-day testing rotation of 5 groups of students would require 70 computers that meet the PARCC requirements
Determine whether there are sufficient computers in the building to achieve the desired rotation schedule, and whether they meet or exceed the current PARCC standards
Acquire additional computers necessary to achieve the rotational cycle, including those that do not meet the minimum PARCC standards
≥
PARCC Standards
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On-line Assessment Technology ComponentsClient Computing Devices include desktop and laptop personal computers using the Windows, OSX or Linux operating systems and tablets based on iOS, Windows or Android operating systems. Generally speaking, mobile devices – either laptops or tablets – tend to be required to support 1:1 computing capability necessary to support all students taking on-line assessments concurrently in a school building. This is due to two factors – the lack of sufficient space to accommodate larger desktop PC sizes and the lack of sufficient wiring to connect desktop PCs to building local area networks. Mobile devices require less space and many utilize wireless local area network connectivity. There are over 605,000 personal computing devices in Ohio’s K-12 schools today. At least 28% are over 7 years old. As these assets reach the end of their useful life and fail, or PARCC technology standards require more advanced technology, these factors will require the purchase of new computing devices for on-line assessment. Of all necessary technology components for on-line assessment, client computing devices are the highest capital investment category.
Data based on 2010-2011 BETA Survey
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Current PARCC Technology Specifications
http://www.parcconline.org/sites/parcc/files/PARCCTechnologyGuidelinesDecember2012.pdf
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Current PARCC Minimum CPU SpecificationsOperating System Minimum OS Release
DateMinimum Recommended Hardware
CPU Age
Windows Windows XP-SP3* ≥April-2008 Pentium 300-mhz CPU, 128Mb RAM
Pentium II, May 1997
Macintosh Mac OS 10.5 ≥Oct-2007 PowerMac G4 ≥867Mhz, 512K RAM
2002 PowerMac, 2003 iMac,
eMac,& Powerbook
Linux Ubuntu9.10, Fedora 6
10-29-0910-24-2006
Pentium 4, 1Ghz, 5Mb RAM
Nov 2000
Chrome OS19 Rolling Proprietary Current
• Windows XP Not Supported >4/8/14• Windows XP may require browser other than Internet Explorer to support HTML5• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/end-support-help• Computers meeting only the minimum specifications for the 2014-2015 assessment are not l
ikely to be compatible beyond the 2015-2016 assessment. PARCC recommends that schools upgrade from the oldest operating systems and memory levels as soon as possible
• All devices used for assessment must exceed the minimum requirements
Notes:
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Current PARCC Recommended CPU SpecificationsOperating System Minimum OS Release
DateMinimum Recommended Hardware
CPU Age
Windows ≥Windows 7 10-22-09 1Ghz, 1Gb RAM (32-bit)-2 Gb RAM (64-bit) (Pentium III≥665Mhz, Celeron≥1Ghz, Pentium 4/Core2Duo ≥2Ghz)
Pentium III - Oct 1999
Celeron – Jan 2001
Pentium 4 – Nov 2000
Core 2 Duo – Apr 2007
Macintosh ≥ Mac OS 10.7 10-20-10 ≥1Ghz Core2Duo, 2Gb RAM
Core 2 Duo – Apr 2007
Linux Ubuntu 11.10Fedora 16
10-29-0910-24-2006
≥700Mhz, 512Mb RAM, ≥CeleronPentium 4, 768Mb RAM
Mar 2000Nov 2000
Chrome OS19 Rolling Proprietary Current
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Other CPU RequirementsComponent Minimum Recommended
Screen Size ≥9.5” Diagonally ≥9.5” Diagonally
Screen Resolution 1024 x 768 native resolution or better
1024 x 768 native resolution or better
PARCC Memory Requirements (OS Requirements may be ≤≥)
512K 1GB
Connectivity Wired or wireless network Wired or wireless network
Keyboard/Mouse/Touchpad Input device must allow students to control an onscreen cursor to point, click, drag, and select an area. The input device must allow students to enter letters, numbers, and symbols and shift, tab, return and backspace
Input device must allow students to control an onscreen cursor to point, click, drag, and select an area. The input device must allow students to enter letters, numbers, and symbols and shift, tab, return and backspace
Headphone/Earphone/Microphone
Headphones/earphones and microphones are required for all students taking the English Language Arts/Literacy Speaking and Listening AssessmentHeadphones/earphones are required for students using text to speech or auditory accommodationsMicrophones are required for students using speech to text accommodations
Headphones/earphones and microphones are required for all students taking the English Language Arts/Literacy Speaking and Listening AssessmentHeadphones/earphones are required for students using text to speech or auditory accommodationsMicrophones are required for students using speech to text accommodations
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On-line Assessment Technology ComponentsLocal Area Networks (LANs) connect computing devices to each other, and to building or district resources, the state’s K-12 broadband network, and the Internet. Wired LANs provide 100 or 1,000 Mbps of connectivity to fixed computing locations within a school building over structured cabling. Either are capable of supporting all three On-line assessment deployment models. Existing state programs from OSFC and prior programs such as SchoolNet ensure that public schools have access to wired LANs.
Wireless LANs provide connectivity by sending radio frequencies to computing devices with built-in wireless fidelity or wi-fi radios. Currently available wireless LANs are capable of speeds of up to 600Mbps (802.11n), although the most common maximum installed today range from 11Mbs to 54Mbps (802.11a,b, &g). 54Mbps is necessary to support the whole-building assessment model, and in Ohio, only 20% of school buildings currently have this capacity installed on a building or campus-wide basis. Of reported buildings with wireless LANs, 47% have wireless technology that is seven years old, and 37% only have wireless access in limited areas of the school building (e.g. labs). For existing school buildings without building-wide wireless access, installation will likely require purchase of wired local area network switches capable of providing power over Ethernet (PoE) necessary to support installation of wireless access points in classrooms and other areas.
2011 Beta Wireless Responses
Wireless Type Mbps802.11 a 5802.11 b 11
802.11 g 22802.11 n 54
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Determine LAN Bandwidth RequirementsPARCC Network Requirements
Minimum Specifications Recommended Specifications
External Connection to the Internet (Building Broadband Connectivity)
To be determined by October 2013
100 Kbps per student or faster
Internal School Network (Local Area Wired or Wireless Network)
To be determined by October 2013
1000 Kbps per student or faster
500 StudentBuilding Example
Required LAN Speed
LAN Type Design Guidelines Rotations Supported
Whole Building1:1 Simultaneous Connections
500 Mbps
Wireless 802.11n at 54 mbps with no more than 25-30 students per access point with AP’s connected via wired network at 100 or 1000Mbps
1-10 provided the design guidelines are met for the whole school building
Classroom100 Computers20 Classrooms5 Computers Per Classroom
100 Mbps Wired or Wireless
100 or 1000Mbps Wired or 802.11n at 54mbps with no more than 25-30 students per access point with AP’s connected via wired network at 100 or 1000Mbps
1-10 as long as design guidelines are met for all classrooms
Computer Lab50 Total Computers2 Labs
50Mbps
Wired or Wireless
100 or 1000Mbps Wired or 802.11n at 54mbps with no more than 25-30 students per access point with AP’s connected via wired network at 100 or 1000Mbps
2-10 as long as design guidelines are met for all labs
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On-line Assessment Technology ComponentsBroadband Building Connectivity connects computing devices connected to local area networks to the state’s K-12 network and the Internet. High capacity broadband connectivity is needed to support multiple student connections to the PARCC assessment system concurrently. 80% of school buildings in the state have broadband building connections of 100Mbps or greater. These buildings have sufficient broadband access to support all assessment deployment models. Buildings in the state with restricted broadband capacity with between 50 and Mbps and no additional building broadband traffic can support all three deployment models. Severely restricted buildings (6%) can support the Lab deployment and potentially the classroom model if they have 5 to 10Mbps. This also will have to manage their non-assessment Internet bandwidth during test deployment to ensure adequate capacity is reserved for testing. Buildings with less than 2Mbps of broadband building capacity will require upgrades to support any model.
100Mbps
1.55Mbps
Severely Restricted Capacity
Restricted Capacity
Sufficient Capacity
Bandwidth Less than10MbpsBetween 10Mbps
& 100Mbps 100Mbps or MoreNumber of Buildings 223 476 2,796 Percent of Buildings 6% 14% 80%Number of Students 77,256 216,662 1,474,934 Percent of Students 4% 12% 84%
Upgrade Required Yes Yes No
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Determine WAN Bandwidth Requirements
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500 Students Required WAN Speed
Required WAN Speed
Test Rotations
Whole Building1:1 Simultaneous Connections
50 Mbps
50 Mbps
1 Rotation
Classroom100 Computers20 Classrooms5 Computers Per Classroom
10 Mbps
10 Mbps
5 Rotations
Computer Lab50 Total Computers2 Labs
5Mbps
5Mbps
10 Rotations
• Use the Building Broadband worksheet to estimate the amount of peak bandwidth needed for different deployment and rotational models
• Peak bandwidth assumes all students in the deployment and rotations test concurrently
• Schools should plan to reduce non-assessment Internet traffic during testing sessions
• Schools can reduce the necessary building bandwidth with caching technology
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Other Thoughts: PARCC SecuritySecurity Requirements
Eligible devices of any type (desktop, laptop, netbook, tablet, thin client) or operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome) must have the administrative tools and capabilities to “lock down” the device to temporarily disable features, functionalities, and applications that could present a security risk during test administration, and should not prevent a PARCC secure browser or other test software to be determined from entering the computer into lock down mode. Features that will need to be controlled during test administration include, but are not limited to, unrestricted Internet access, cameras (still and video), screen capture (live and recorded), email, instant messaging, Bluetooth connections, application switching, and printing.
The operating systems listed here as approved for PARCC assessments meet this security requirement, but provide different mechanisms for managing user security settings at the individual device and/or enterprise levels. School technology administrators should be familiar with the particular requirements of the systems they will be using for PARCC assessments to ensure test security is maintained.
Lock down operating system and application specific features and functions:
Local Area Network Connectivity Bluetooth DNS Service/IP Addressing Built-in Cameras Screen Captures Application switching Electronic Mail Instant Messaging Printing
While these are inherently “configurable” Operating System level functions, a client OS platform management capability will be required to configure, manage and monitor these functions for all testing devices across a school district’s installed base of client devices– unless the school wants to manually configure each computing device.
Use of these management tools on student-provided computing devices will require the school to configure and manage an asset owned by the student, likely requiring a change in the schools acceptable use policy.
Many tools are NOT cross-platform!
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Technology Management Complexity
Classroom Device
Management Options
Generic Client
Management Platforms
Classroom Management Platforms
Hosted Virtual
Desktops
Manage At The Client
Level
Configure each Client-OS and randomly monitor for changes
Use server-hosted virtual desktops to configure and manage a unique environment for all students regardless of platform with or without Client Management Tools
Use education purpose-built tools to configure, manage
and monitor student use. Expand client management
to remote control and classroom presentation
Leverage commercial client
management platforms to
configure and manage
PC Devices Mobile Devices Virtual Devices
Windows(XP, 7, 8)
Mac OS(10.5,7,8)
Linux(Ubuntu, Fedora, Suse)
Android(2, 3, 4)
iOS(5,6)
Windows Mobile
Blackberry 10 VMW View
Citrix Hyper-V
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Classroom Management- The Challenge of Homogeneity (or not)
Homogenous
Environment
SingleOperating-
Specific Managemen
t Tool
Cross Platform
Management Tool
Heterogeneous
Environment
MultipleOperating-
Specific Management
Tool
Cross Platform Management
Tool
Purchase an OS-specific management tool for the district’s standard OS-type
One operating system for all client devices across the school district standardizes on one platform
Purchase a cross-platform management tool capable of managing multiple client-OS types
Purchase an OS-specific management tool for each OS-type
Multiple operating systems across the district or within a school building – a mix of platforms
Purchase a cross-platform management tool capable of managing multiple client-OS types
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Helpful Resources
PARCC Technology Readiness Tool Training Overview
PARCC Technology Standards
Macintosh Computers Grouped By CPU Type
Timeline of Personal Computer Operating Systems
Intel Processor History from Intel
Intel Processor History from Wikipedia
MCOECN Planning Spreadsheets
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Q&A
Sam Orth
Chief Technology Officer
Management Council • Ohio Education Computer Network
8050 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 285-4465
www.mcoecn.org
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Supporting Slides
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Tablet RequirementsComponent Minimum Recommended
Operating System Android 4.0, iOS6, Windows 8 ≥ Android 4.0, iOS6, Windows 8
Memory 512K RAM ≥1GB RAM
Screen Size 9.5” screen size or larger 9.5” screen size or larger
Screen Resolution 1024 x 768 native resolution or better 1024 x 768 native resolution or better
Connectivity Wired or wireless network Wired or wireless network
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Smaller tablets (screen size less than 9.5”), e-readers, and smart phones will not be supported and will not be compatible with PARCC assessments for 2014-2015.
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Tablet RequirementsKeyboard/Mouse/Touchscreen
Due to the onscreen space occupied by a Due to the onscreen space occupied by a tablet’s virtual keyboard, PARCC assessments will require external keyboards for test takers using tablets so as not to limit or obscure the view of test item content and related functionalities when text input is required. Research studies to be conducted by PARCC in Spring 2013 are intended to yield data on students’ use of virtual versus external keyboards. PARCC will refine this guidance as needed based on these results.
External keyboards must allow students to enter letters, numbers, and symbols and shift, tab, return, delete, and backspace. Tablet touchscreen interfaces can be used for student interactions with the assessments other than text input, including to select/deselect, drag, and highlight text, objects, and areas. To meet security guidelines, each Bluetooth/wireless keyboard must be configured to pair with only a single computer during assessment administration.
Other assistive technologies may be needed for students requiring accommodations. PARCC will release Accessibility Guidelines and Accommodations Guidelines in June 2013.
Due to the onscreen space occupied by a Due to the onscreen space occupied by a tablet’s virtual keyboard, PARCC assessments will require external keyboards for test takers using tablets so as not to limit or obscure the view of test item content and related functionalities when text input is required. Research studies to be conducted by PARCC in Spring 2013 are intended to yield data on students’ use of virtual versus external keyboards. PARCC will refine this guidance as needed based on these results.
External keyboards must allow students to enter letters, numbers, and symbols and shift, tab, return, delete, and backspace. Tablet touchscreen interfaces can be used for student interactions with the assessments other than text input, including to select/deselect, drag, and highlight text, objects, and areas. To meet security guidelines, each Bluetooth/wireless keyboard must be configured to pair with only a single computer during assessment administration.
Other assistive technologies may be needed for students requiring accommodations. PARCC will release Accessibility Guidelines and Accommodations Guidelines in June 2013.
Headphone/Earphone/Microphone
Headphones/earphones are required for all students for all PARCC assessments. Some student accommodations may also require headphones/ earphones (e.g., text to speech).
Microphones are required for all students taking the Speaking and Listening Assessment. Some student accommodations may also require microphones (e.g., speech to text, voice controls) for other parts of the PARCC assessments.
Headphones/earphones are required for all students for all PARCC assessments. Some student accommodations may also require headphones/ earphones (e.g., text to speech).
Microphones are required for all students taking the Speaking and Listening Assessment. Some student accommodations may also require microphones (e.g., speech to text, voice controls) for other parts of the PARCC assessments.
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Client Device ConsiderationsType Capabilities Acquisition
CostBest For
Desktops Browser and On-Line AppsExpanded off-line access to productivity, multi-media and K-12 applications, share files easily
WinTel: $1133Mac: $1249
Linux: $1080
Classrooms and Labs where wired network access is the main type of connectivity. Students have limited access to create and consume content in a multi-tenancy approach
Laptop Browser and On-Line AppsExpanded off-line access to productivity, multi-media and K-12 applications, work any time or place, share files easily
WinTel: $750Mac: $1132
Linux:
Mobility – blended and hybrid learning where students actively create and consume content regardless of location
Hosted Virtual Desktops
Browser and On-Line Apps via a customized user-interface that follows the student wherever they have network access – at school, home or in the library
VMW View:Citrix Receiver:
Enables mobility – blended and hybrid learning where students actively create and consume content – in an easier to manage environment that requires network connectivity
Tablet Extensive tablet “apps” built for OEM “ecosystems” – Primarily a consumption device. Configured with Keyboard & Mouse
Android:$625Apple: $699
Windows: $629
Mobility – blended and hybrid learning where students primarily consume content and have network access
Chrome OS
Browser and On-line enhanced appsLimited use off-line without network access
ChromeBook: $199 to $329
Mobility – blended and hybrid learning where students have limited tools to create and consume content; expanded capability with network access
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DM1: Whole Building
• 1:1 Computing – one client device per student• Requires whole-building wired local area network at 100 or
1000 Mbps to support fixed personal computers with an Ethernet port – or –
• Requires whole-building wireless Ethernet local area network to support mobile computers or tablets in classrooms• 802.11n providing 54mbps strongly recommended
(802.11ac when available)• 802.11g at 22mbps will provide marginal capability
with some potential network latency• Requires building broadband connection to state K-12
network• 100Mbps strongly recommended• 50 to 99Mbps will provide marginal capability with
some potential network congestion.• Non-assessment bandwidth least likely to have a
negative impact on assessment
Technology Requirements
450 Client DevicesWireless NetworkHighest CapacityBuilding Broadband ConnectionShortest Testing Lifecycle (1wk)
• 366 or 12.82% of school buildings reported having 1:1 computing capabilities
• These buildings reported availability of 77,124 computers but had apprx. 153,977 students
• Only 48.5% of 1:1 buildings reported having building or campus-wide wireless networks needed to support connectivity for the entire school building
• 71% of 1:1 buildings reported having building connections ≥100Mbps
2010-2011 BETA Snapshot
• New purchases of mobile computers or tablets by schools or parents are necessary to achieve 1:1 computing ratio
• Older personal computers may need to be upgraded depending on PARCC support of Windows XP and Macintosh OS v. 10.4/5
• Buildings without campus or building-wide wireless access must be upgraded to support building-wide connectivity
• Buildings with a broadband connection less than 50Mbps will require upgrades to recommended 100Mbps or greater
Model Investment Implications
34
© 2013 MCOECN
DM2: Classroom Rotation
• 1:5 Computing – 5 Computers Per Classroom• Requires whole-building wired local area network at 100 or 1000
Mbps to support fixed personal computers with an Ethernet port – or –
• Requires whole-building wireless Ethernet local area network to support mobile computers or tablets in classrooms• 802.11n providing 54mbps encouraged (802.11ac when
available)• Existing 802.11g at 22mbps will provide sufficient capacity–
acquire 802.11n or ac.• Requires building broadband connection to state K-12 network
• >20Mbps strongly recommended• 10 to 20Mbps will provide marginal capability with some
potential network congestion• Non-assessment bandwidth not likely to have a negative
impact on assessment
Technology Requirements
90 Client DevicesWired NetworkMedium CapacityBuilding Broadband ConnectionMedium Testing Lifecycle (5wks)
• 10.92% of buildings reported no 1:1 computing initiatives or access to computer labs
• Without additional investments in computing devices for 1:1 or computer labs, these buildings would utilize their in-classroom computers for on-line assessments.
• While the planning assumption assumes 5 computers per classroom, BETA reported student computer ratios indicate approx. ratios of:• K-1 4.20• 2-3 3.61• 4-5 3.33• 6-8 3.11• 9-12 2.94• Avg 3.44
2010-2011 BETA Snapshot
• New purchases of computers or tablets by schools to achieve target classroom computer rations if necessary
• Older personal computers may need to be upgraded depending on PARCC support of Windows XP and Macintosh OS v. 10.4/5
• Buildings without campus or building-wide wireless access must be upgraded to support building-wide connectivity if mobile classroom devices require wireless connectivity
• Buildings with a broadband connection less than 10Mbps will require upgrades
Model Investment Implications
35
© 2013 MCOECN
DM3: Lab Rotation
• 1 Computer Lab of 25 devices per building• Requires computer lab wired local area network at 100 or
1000 Mbps to support fixed personal computers with an Ethernet port – or –
• Requires wired building local area network with mobile wireless access point to support mobile computers or tablets in a classroom-based lab• 802.11n providing 54mbps encouraged• Existing 802.11g at 22mbps will provide sufficient
capacity– acquire 802.11n or ac.• Requires building broadband connection to state K-12
network• >10Mbps strongly recommended• 1.55 to 10Mbps will provide marginal capability with
some potential network congestion• Non-assessment bandwidth most likely to have a
negative impact on assessment
Technology Requirements
25 Client DevicesWired NetworkLowest CapacityBuilding Broadband ConnectionLongest Testing Lifecycle (16.7wks)
• 76.3% of school buildings reported having one or more computer labs within existing school buildings
• These buildings reported availability of 165,305 computers dedicated for computer lab use
• Buildings with computer labs have existing local area network wiring needed to support broadband connectivity for fixed computer labs or to support mobile labs which can be moved from classroom to classroom
2010-2011 BETA Snapshot
• New purchases of desktop or mobile computers or tablets are necessary to achieve desired fixed or mobile lab configuration Older personal computers may need to be upgraded depending on PARCC support of Windows XP and Macintosh OS v. 10.4/5
• New mobile labs will require a mobile wireless access point• Buildings with a broadband connection equal to 1.55Mbps
may need to be upgraded
Model Investment Implications
36