Pearson Arc Secure Browser Extension for PRoPL

This article walks teachers through installing the necessary Pearson Arc Secure Browser Extension for student PRoPL sessions.

For a full page view of the demo, click here.

For a Spanish version of the demo, click here.

Article Contents

Overview of Browser Extension

Device Requirements

Installation on Individual Devices

Remove from Individual Devices

Overview of Browser Extension

The Pearson Arc Secure Browser Extension is a lightweight, privacy-first Chrome extension that enables secure, distraction-free assessment delivery directly from a school’s Learning Management System (LMS). It is designed to simplify the testing experience for students while ensuring test integrity without the need for complex lockdown software.

Key Features and Expected Behavior

When a student launches an Arc-compatible assessment the extension:

• Restricts access to other browser tabs, windows, and external applications.
  
  
• Runs in full-screen mode to minimize distractions.
  
  
• Monitors session activity and notifies proctors of breaches.
  
  
• Automatically returns students to the test in the secure environment if focus on the testing window is lost.
  
  
• Displays breach alerts and locks the test after repeated loss of focus on the testing window.

The Pearson Arc Browser Extension is required for delivery of the PRoPL assessments to students. Teachers do not need to install the extension to view the teacher dashboards for test administration and reporting.

When students starts their PRoPL assessment from the student dashboard, the Arc Secure Browser Extension will launch automatically and place the student into the Assessment Start screen.

If the Arc Browser Extension is not installed, the student will receive an on-screen message alerting them of the need to install the extension before they can being testing, even if they are only trying to access the practice assessment.

Student Navigation Outside of PRoPL Assessment

Once the assessment has launched, if the student attempts to open another application, or navigate to another browser window, the action is prevented and focus on the test window is regained.

The first two times a student leaves the test and tries to return, it kicks them out of the test, but gives them a button to resume. The third time will result in the student being kicked out of the test and the resume button will disappear. The proctor will then have to allow the student to resume by selecting the appropriate option from the proctor screen.

Device Requirements

The Arc Secure Browser Extension is designed to be compatible with the following devices and operating system and web browser combinations:

Installation on Individual Devices

1. On the supported device, navigate to the Chrome Web Store.

2. Search for Pearson Arc Browser Extension or navigate to the option by clicking this link: Pearson Arc Browser Extension.

3. Click the Add to Chrome button.

4. On the Add "Pearson Arc Browser Extension" pop-up, click the Add Extension button.

Once installed, a success message will populate.

Remove from Individual Devices

1. On the supported device, navigate to the Chrome Web Store.

2. Search for Pearson Arc Browser Extension or navigate to the option by clicking this link: Pearson Arc Browser Extension.

3. Click the Remove from Chrome button.

4. On the Remove pop-up, click the Remove button.

An alternative option would be:

A. Click on the Customize and control Google Chrome (kebob) icon.

B. Click on Extensions from the menu.

C. Click on Manage Extensions.

D. Click the toggle off to disable the extension or click the Remove button to remove it completely.

On the Remove pop-up, click the Remove button.