Important information for customers setting up computers in labs or providing borrowed devices: In the 1.14.14 version of IIB there is an issue with an Admin user setting up IIB and a Standard user later trying to launch IIB. This is fixed in IIB 1.14.18.
Please note the 1.14.14 version has been running successfully for the vast majority and we will not make changes to the public version until the end of the year to limit changes in the upcoming assessment season.
1.14 improvements
Inspera Integrity Browser (IIB) 1.14 sees our next major release of Inspera Integrity Browser. Here is an overview of the new features and improvements we’ve made to IIB 1.14.
Application Updating
Universal Builds
We are happy to report that IIB updates will no longer need to be distributed via bespoke links. With IIB 1.14, the latest version of IIB for your tenancy will be available via your tenancy’s URL with /get-iep at the end. For example http://demouni.inspera.com/get-iep
Visiting this URL will automatically trigger a download of the correct and latest version of IIB (either MacOS or Windows).
Auto-Updating
(note: Auto updating does not work if a candidate is still using IIB 1.13.x)
With IIB 1.13, it was difficult for institutions to ensure all candidates were using the latest version of IIB . It remained a challenge to ensure candidates were using the most stable and secure version of IIB whilst also not excluding them from being able to access their assessment on exam day. No amount of communication can guarantee everyone will read and action the update.
With auto-updating, if a candidate opens an outdated version of IIB , they will be stopped from proceeding, and instead, a download of the latest version will start automatically.
What is considered an outdated version of IIB? That’s where setting minimum versions come into play.
Set Your Own Minimum and Recommended Version
While we suggest always using the latest build of IIB , sometimes institutions like to limit the frequency with which candidates are required to update their versions. Each institution will be able to set its own minimum and recommended version of IIB .
To do this, simply log a ticket with the Service Desk. Minimum and Recommended Version parameters will work as follows:
Scenario
IIB 1.14.14 has been released. The institution decides they don’t want any student using any versions older than 1.14.10.
Minimum Version is set to 1.14.10
Recommended Version is set to 1.14.14
Student X opens IIB 1.14.12. They will be able to continue with their assessment as their version is higher than the minimum version. If they want the latest version though, they just need to go to [tenancy].inspera.com/get-iep to download it
Student Y opens IIB 1.14.05. As this version is older than the minimum version, a download of IIB 1.14.14 will automatically start. They must wait until it’s complete and installation is complete before they can proceed with their test.
Multiple Configurations per tenant
Previously, a tenancy could only have a single IIB configuration. For example, if the option to skip the Connection Check was set, all tests carried out through IIB would skip the connection check.
From IIB 1.14 onwards, it will be possible to have different configurations for different requirements. How this will work in practice is as follows:
Scenario
An institution has its default IIB configuration and that can be downloaded from http://[tenancy].inspera.com/get-iep . However, for in-center tests in computer labs, the institution wants a different set of configurations.These requirements need to be logged with the Service Desk which will get a different set of IIB configurations set up. A new IIB download link will then be provided (such as http://[tenancy].inspera.com/get-iep?config=in-centre) This URL can then be used to install a differently configured version of IIB onto computer lab machines.
Future updates to this different configuration will be carried out via the auto-updating feature.
Security
Improved analysis of device and internet characteristics captured during system check and test session
We have enhanced the performance data captured through each IIB session. This enables us to improve performance analysis and identify issues faster. For example, if load times increase for certain candidates, we will be able to faster analyze the performance data to pinpoint the cause (is it geographical location, operating system, computer processor version, etc).
All these improvements are ‘under the hood’ so won’t be noticeable from a user point of view, but it will help us to continually improve the performance, security, and stability of IIB.
Improved content protection
We are continuing to improve control over Copy & Paste, and screenshot functionality. By disabling the ability to screenshot from within IIB , as well as clearing the clipboard both before and after each assessment, we’re ensuring any test content remains within IIB and cannot be shared outside the platform.
New System Checks for Security and Stability
When IIB is opened, it runs through a series of system checks. Those that can be turned off at a tenancy level are marked with a *.
- Virtual Environments*: to ensure candidates aren’t trying to circumvent security by launching IIB in its own contained environment.
- Network Connection Check*: to ensure the candidate’s network connection is sufficient for proctoring data to sync with the services throughout their assessment.
- Memory: similar to the CPU check, this will ensure there is enough RAM available on the device for IIB to run smoothly. If too much RAM is being used by other applications or processes, the candidate will be prompted to close the applications or processes and run the diagnostic again.
- Battery and Power Source*: a check to ensure the device is plugged into an active power source. This will avoid batteries running out of power midway through the assessment.
Candidate Experience
Help Screens when system checks fail
We have improved the guidance provided when system checks fail. The candidate will now receive on-screen guidance on how to troubleshoot or fix the issue.
Early Bird Access for Candidates to setup before assessment
With IIB 1.13 or earlier, candidates weren’t able to proceed beyond the login screen until the assessment window had opened. With IIB 1.14, we have introduced an Early Bird access window that allows candidates to go through all system checks before the assessment window opens. All checks can be done and the candidate will proceed all the way to the ‘Get Ready’ screen. Once the time of the assessment window opens, a ‘Start Test’ button will appear and the candidate will be able to immediately commence the assessment.
Institutions will be able to set how many minutes before assessments candidates are given to get through the checks. This can be requested via the Service Desk.