Audio Modules: Overview

ELPAC test examiners are encouraged to use the Audio Modules screen to test the audio system by playing the sample audio file to determine the appropriate volume, sound quality, and placement of speakers prior to testing. This audio test is not part of the actual assessment and can be replayed several times until the necessary adjustments are completed.

During test administration, test examiners can access and play the module associated with the tests they are administering by selecting the appropriate module, assessment type, grade level or grade span, and test version.

To access the Audio Modules screen, select the [Audio] navigation tab in the top navigation bar (figure 1).

Figure 1. Audio Modules Navigation

Then, to continue, select one of the following links for detailed instructions:

• Play the Sample Audio—Play the sample audio files to adjust the audio system.
• Play the Assessment Audio Modules—After the audio system has been adjusted, play the assessment audios during the test session.

Play the Sample Audio

Immediately before administering the Listening and Speaking domains, use the sample audio file, which repeats “This is a test of the ELPAC recorded audio sound level,” to test the speaker setup.

Take the following steps to listen to the sample audio:

• Select the [PLAY SAMPLE] button (figure 2).

  

  Figure 2. Request the Sample Audio

• Select the [Play] arrow [] icon in the Audio Playback interface (figure 3). To pause the audio, select the [Pause] parallel lines [] icon. After the sample audio begins to play, use the [Pause] parallel lines [] icon only in the event of an interruption (e.g., announcements over the intercom, fire drill).

  

  Figure 3. Play Sample Audio

• Adjust the volume, as necessary, by moving the slider next to the [Volume] speaker [‍] icon.
• When the volume is satisfactory, select the [CANCEL] button to close the Audio Playback interface.

Play the Assessment Audio Modules

LEA ELPAC coordinators, site ELPAC coordinators, and ELPAC test examiners have access to the Listening and Speaking domains. Take the following steps to play an audio module during the administration of the Listening or Speaking domain:

• Choose the module, assessment, grade span, and test type by selecting the appropriate radio buttons (figure 4).

  

  Figure 4. ELPAC Test Audio—Radio Button Options

• Do one of the following:
  • Confirm the audio selection by selecting the [CONFIRM] button in the Confirm your selections pop-up message (figure 5).

  • Cancel the request without starting the audio by selecting the [CANCEL] button.

    

    Figure 5. Listening Module Confirmation Pop-Up Message

• Once the audio starts (figure 6), do not pause the audio recording unless a valid disruption occurs (e.g., announcements over the intercom, fire drill). If it is necessary to pause the audio for a valid disruption, test examiners should refer to the instructions in the ELPAC Examiner’s Manual on what to do. To pause the audio during playback, select the [Pause] parallel lines [] icon.

  Further information regarding audio is as follows:

  • Adjust the volume, as necessary, by moving the slider next to the [Volume] speaker [‍] icon.
  • To stop the audio playback and close the audio test, select the [CANCEL] button.
  • If the audio file stops at 99 percent or does not complete downloading, try the following troubleshooting steps:
    • Check the antivirus software. Temporarily disable it, if possible, and determine whether problems persist.
    • Check whether there is a proxy server. Temporarily bypass it, if possible, and determine whether problems persist.
    • Check alternate browsers, if possible.
    • Run a test on the network speed using a web-based speed testing service such as Speedtest or Speakeasy Speed Test.

If these steps do not resolve the audio problems, contact the site ELPAC coordinator. Site ELPAC coordinators can contact their LEA ELPAC coordinator for further assistance.

Figure 6. Play the Assessment Audio

• When the audio playback finishes, a confirmation message appears at the bottom of the screen (figure 7).

  

  Figure 7. Audio Playback is Complete