Real-Time Alerts

We have successfully pushed a hotfix to all instances residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This hotfix includes refined workflows for Canvas New Quizzes, students attempting to take a proctored assessment, ID Verification, and several optimization and bug fixes.

1. Refined Verity Workflow for Canvas New Quizzes
   Previously, instructors were required to create a Canvas New Quiz before enabling Verity. We have refined this process to allow instructors to enable Verity as they are creating their quizzes.
   
2. Updates to the Student Workflow Interface for the Browser Extension and Lockdown App
   Text and icons are thoughtfully centered, providing a more intuitive and visually pleasing process as students prepare to access their assessments.
   
3. Refined Workflow for ID Verification
   In addition to our AI-enhanced ID verification, we offer students the convenience of capturing photos of their ID and face for manual verification by their proctors.
   
4. Improved Facial Analysis Recognition Under Low-Light conditions
   We’ve improved our AI-enhanced ID verification to deliver faster and more dependable student identification, even in low-light conditions.
   
5. Optimization and Bug Fixes
   We have optimized the performance of YuJa Verity and made several bug fixes to improve the user experience. Highlighting some of these optimizations and fixes are:
   
   • Resolved issues related to color adjustment and user-friendly messages.
   • Enhanced the precision of Course and Institution reports.
   • Flagged events will accurately appear on recordings.

We have released a new Hardware Hub RCS 550 firmware that is available for update within the Devices Panel. This update provides our users with real-time health and performance monitoring and the option to publish and live stream to EnterpriseTube and CampusTube folders. 

1. Real-Time Health and Performance Monitoring for the Hardware Hub
   The Hardware Hub is trusted for seamless, end-to-end video capture and distribution. To ensure the reliability of your device during sessions, we now offer live tracking for the performance of the Hardware Hub. View analytics such as:
   • CPU Temperature reading
   • Video streaming quality
   • Storage management
   • Hardware issues

   By monitoring the performance of the Hub, administrators will be able to take note of crucial readings to better manage their recordings.
   

2. Manage and Resolve Issues for Configured Devices
   We have added a check for source issues within the Device Status report by providing instant viewing of how many devices are experiencing issues. If any device is experiencing problems, simply click ‘Resolve Issues’ to be directed to the device configuration page, where adjustments can be made or seen for pressing issues such as connecting a device to the correct source or viewing which device has disconnected.
   
   
3. Live Stream and Publish to the EnterpriseTube and CampusTube
   The Hardware Hub has previously been able to live stream and publish to Channels inside the Video Platform. We are now expanding this capability to allow users to publish to any location within their EnterpriseTube or CampusTube folders.
   

We have successfully pushed an update to all YuJa Engage Student Response System instances residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This release provides our users with a new matching question type, a YuJa Engage desktop app for Mac Keynote presentations, and enhancements to the Engage mobile app.

1. New Matching Question Type
   To further expand on our growing list of question types, Engage now offers Creators the option to include matching questions. This new question type prompts Poll Participants to pair items with predetermined options, contributing to a more engaging interactive experience.
   
2. YuJa Engage Desktop App for Poll Integration with Apple Keynote
   The YuJa Engage desktop app is now accessible for Mac Keynote to provide users with a seamless Student Response System during live presentations. The app will allow users to integrate individual questions within their Keynote presentations while providing a comprehensive view of corresponding results. The Engage desktop app will be available for download on the App Store in the coming week. We hope you enjoy creating interactive and engaging presentations.
   
3. Features for the YuJa Engage Mobile App Are Now Aligned with the Web App
   To provide consistent and reliable features to the mobile app comparable to the web app, we have added and resolved many issues to enhance the overall user experience. Highlighting some of these features are: Word Cloud question type support, Hide correct answers, Thumbs up and thumbs down reactions, as well as resolved issues to allow reattempts.
   

We have successfully pushed an update to all YuJa Himalayas Data Archiving Platform instances residing in Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This update provides a new recurring policy action to move files to the owner’s recycling bin,  the option to bulk restore archived media, and improved naming conventions for rules in the Policy Creator.

1. New Recurring Policy Action – Move Files into Owner’s Recycle Bin
   Administrators can now establish a recurring policy action designed to remove content from users based on custom-set rules for the policy. Following the policy’s execution, designated content will be cleared from all locations and moved to the Content Owner’s recycling bin. Should Content Owners opt to restore their media, they will be visible across all previously published locations.
   
2. Bulk Restore Archived Media
   We now provide an easy approach for Content Owners aiming to restore multiple archived pieces of content. Simply select your desired archived media and restore all items simultaneously with the new Bulk Restore action.
   
3. Improved Naming Convention for the Content Type Rule in the Policy Creator
   The Policy Creator allows admins to take advantage of reccurring jobs that can securely remove or archive items within the Video Platform. Our recent refinements ensure that rules for specific content types are clearly stated, making it easy to understand the actions that will take place.
   
   

We have successfully pushed an update to all instances residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This update includes assessment support for the standalone proctoring for students not enrolled in the LMS, AI-enhanced ID verification support for the browser extension, improved third-party integration with Pearson, live monitoring of student devices during proctored tests, and a new UI to enhance the student workflow.

1. Support for Proctoring Tests for Students Who Are Not Enrolled in the LMS
   In certain instances, institutions may require proctored assessments for individuals not enrolled in the institution’s LMS (example: an entrance examination or placement test to the institution). For these cases, instructors now have the option to create standalone proctored assessments that can be sent via email. These assessments are secured with a personalized password and require users to utilize the Lockdown App or Verity Browser Extension to create a secure testing environment. To learn more, please visit our guide on How to Create a Standalone Proctoring Session.
   
2. Verity Browser Extension Now Supports AI-Enhanced ID Verification
   Our optional AI-enhanced facial recognition used for ID Verification is now available for the Verity Browser Extension. This integration allows instructors to seamlessly incorporate authentication capabilities into any proctored assessment with Verity, ensuring a secure match between the test taker and their uploaded ID. Keep in mind that the use of AI-enhanced ID verification is an optional workflow.
   
3. Improved Third-Party Assessment Integration with Pearson
   Verity has expanded its integration with Pearson Assessments with an even tighter and more streamlined third-party assessment integration. Unlike standalone third-party assessments, the improved Pearson integration streamlines the initiation process for students taking a third-party assessment in the Lockdown App.
   
   
4. Auto-Detection for Disconnected or Additional Devices Added
   During an assessment, Verity will monitor all external devices to ensure proctoring restrictions are adhered to. Should devices be added or removed during the assessment, Verity will pause the session and prompt the student to follow essential steps to continue with their assessment.
   
5. Revised Student Workflow for Taking Proctored Assessments
   To enhance the student workflow for taking proctored assessments through the browser extension, we’ve introduced a more intuitive UI that leads students through each step of the process. By guiding students through verifying proctoring restrictions, setting up their recording devices, and using AI-enhanced ID verification, Verity is committed to ensuring a seamless process for students accessing their proctored assessments. In upcoming releases, we will also implement this UI for the Lockdown App.
   

We have released a new Hardware Hub RCS 550 firmware that is available for update. This update provides our users with the option to self-manage firmware updates for the Hardware Hub, the option to remotely reboot the Hardware Hub, improved resolution and frame rates for USB cameras, deeper audit tracking for Hardware Hub events, offline support for pre-scheduled recordings, support for additional cameras and input devices, and support for embedding DVI-D audio.

1. Self-Manage Firmware Updates for the Hardware Hub Directly through the Video Platform’s Admin Panel
   Administrators will no longer be required to contact YuJa for firmware updates to their Hardware Hub. With our user-friendly approach, simply navigate to the Devices tab on the Video Platform and effortlessly update the Hub firmware with just a click of a button. To learn how to update to the Aspen RC3 release, please visit our guide on How to Update the Hardware Hub Firmware.
   
2. Remote Reboot Capability for the Hardware Hub
   As part of our ongoing commitment to increase remote management capabilities, administrators now have the option to conveniently restart the Hardware Hub device directly from the Video Platform.
   
3. Improved Resolution and Frame Rate for USB Cameras
   Our latest update introduces enhanced camera capabilities through the Hardware Hub, offering support for maximum resolutions of up to 2K at 30FPS or 1080p at 60FPS when utilizing USB cameras. If multiple cameras are selected, each can be configured to custom resolutions and frame rates, ensuring optimal flexibility and high-quality recordings.
4. Audit Tracking for Tracing Individual Events
   The new version of the Hardware Hub now provides audit logging of actions. This will make it possible to review and trace individual recording events and actions, such as:
   
   • Connected and disconnected devices.
   • The status of webcams and uploads to the Video platform.
   • Requests made to the Hub. (e.g. record, pause, resume, etc.)



5. Offline Support for Pre-Scheduled Recordings
   If the Hardware Hub is offline, pre-scheduled recordings will proceed as planned, ensuring timely and consistent capture. Once the Hub reconnects to the network, recordings are automatically uploaded to the Video Platform.
   
6. Expanded Support for Multi-Source Setup
   Previously limited to two USB or NDI cameras, we are pleased to announce the Hardware Hub now supports 4-5 USB or NDI cameras simultaneously. This expansion extends further by providing up to three media device inputs to our newest Hardware Hub devices, granting the flexibility to create engaging content with a wider range of sources.
   
7. Support for Embedding DVI-D Audio Imports
   While the Hardware Hub has always supported video recordings through DVI-D connectors, we now offer seamless audio embedding for devices that support audio transport using HDMI over DVI-D. This enhancement ensures a comprehensive recording experience, allowing captures for both high-quality visuals and synchronized audio.
   

We have successfully pushed a minor update to all instances residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This update focuses on enhancing the user experience for the Verity Lockdown App and includes a modal to launch the app from any LMS, a new welcome page, and a comprehensive system check to ensure all requirements are met.

1. Launch Lockdown App Assessments Directly from the LMS
   In response to providing students with seamless access to the Lockdown App, we have implemented an automatic launch feature. Now, when students click to begin their assessments within their Learning Management System, the Lockdown App will launch, if installed, granting them access to their assessments.
   
2. First-Time Steps to Access Lockdown App Assessments
   For students attempting to access a Lockdown assessment for the first time, we have introduced a new, user-friendly two-step process. This process ensures quick access to the app by guiding them through a seamless download and launch experience that will give them direct access to their assessment.
3. New Welcome Page for the Lockdown App
   In the event that the Lockdown App is unable to launch an active assessment, we have implemented helpful instructions in our new welcome page directing students to navigate to their Learning Management System and launch the assessment.
   
4. Detect System Requirements for the Lockdown App
   In certain situations, the Lockdown App might encounter permissions that need attention before launching an assessment. To address this, we have introduced a comprehensive system check that can be accessed when the Lockdown app is launched. This check will inform students of any unresolved issues that need to be addressed, ensuring that all necessary permissions are met before the assessment can begin.
   

We have successfully pushed an update to all Software Capture for PC instances residing in the Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This update includes our new feature to distribute recordings with multi-application hosting/join capabilities, auto-detection of repeatedly disconnected devices, a new screen capture engine for dual-display adapters, automatic notifications to switch to software encoding, improved detection of Windows display adjustments during recordings, and improved labeling for Shared Profiles in the Confidence Monitor. This update will be released to US zones next Monday.

1. Distributed Recordings with Multi-Application Hosting / Join Capabilities
   The Software Capture application introduces a new feature called Distributed Recording to capture recordings across two independently operating Software Capture applications. Use cases for this include one Software Capture application capturing the podium computer in the front of the classroom while another application captures the A/V feeds in the rear of the classroom.
   With distributed recordings, users can effortlessly host or join sessions to create dynamic streams using two independently running Software Capture applications. Whether it’s multiple screen capture sources, video feeds, or audio inputs, recordings are seamlessly joined in the cloud for a rich, multi-stream experience. To learn how to use this feature, please visit our guide on How to Use Distributed Recordings for the Software Capture Application for PC.
   
2. “Fuzzy Profiles”: Detection of Repeatedly Disconnected Devices Across Underlying System Device ID Reassignment
   When devices linked to Profiles are disconnected or updated repeatedly, the Software Capture application could encounter retrieval issues leading to a profile invalidation error. While technically accurate, it would be ideal if the profile could self-heal and use the re-connected devices for recording, even if the underlying system Device ID has changed.
   To improve this, we have implemented an update to enhance profile validity by implementing additional device ID identification methods. These methods ensure seamless device retrieval by updating their unique IDs to the Software Capture application and ensuring the integrity of the Profiles.
3. New Screen Capture Engine for Dual-Display Adapters
   Some devices contain dual graphic adapters to increase their performance under heavy use. To ensure the Software Capture application maintains accurate screen recordings, we’re introducing our new Windows Graphic Capture engine to ensure the correct adapter is always used.
   
4. Automatic Notification to Switch to Software Encoding for Computers Maintaining High-End Framerates
   By default, the Software Capture application utilizes hardware encoding for both screen and video captures. However, for devices that might face difficulties in maintaining high-end framerates and video quality, the application automatically detects this issue and will recommend switching to Software Encoding.
5. Improved Labeling for Shared Profiles in the Confidence Monitor
   In identifying the need for users to distinguish between identically named regular and shared profiles in the Confidence Monitor, we’ve implemented a minor update to recognize shared profiles. Simply look for the label “(shared)” next to all shared profiles to ensure the correct selection is made.
   
6. Improved Detection of Windows Display Adjustments During Recordings
   The Software Capture application now detects adjustments to Windows Display settings. When settings such as resolution or extending the display are modified, the Software Capture application will automatically recognize these adjustments and restart the screen recording process to reflect the new settings.

We have successfully pushed an update to all YuJa Engage Student Response System instances residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This release provides our users with a new “Word Cloud” question type for surveys, the option to save questions in Question Banks, Live reactions to Polls, multiple attempts for Polls with LMS Gradebook Sync support, real-time response viewing for Short Answers and Fill in the Blank questions, and downloadable QR codes for Polls and Surveys.

1. New “Word Cloud” Question Type for Surveys
   Word Cloud question types are designed to gather participants’ ideas and present them for everyone to view. As participants contribute their answers, they will be visually displayed, allowing the perspectives of those engaging with the Poll to show. When multiple participants provide the same answer, it will appear larger in the Word Cloud, representing the collective view shared among participants.
   
2. Create Question Banks to Save Questions for Future Use
   With Question Banks, Creators can save frequently used questions for easy access when creating Polls and Surveys. Simply select the relevant Question Bank and effortlessly copy your desired questions into new Polls or Surveys.
   
3. Live “Thumbs Up” or “Thumbs Down” Reactions to Poll Questions
   Participants can now effortlessly express their opinions on questions using the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” feature.
   
4. Configure Poll Attempts for LMS Gradebook Sync
   YuJa Engage allows Creators to grant participants extra attempts on their Polls and choose between recording all attempts or the most recent attempt. When selecting “Record All Attempts,” Engage will securely store all attempts for Creators to review within the Engage Gradebook, enabling comprehensive analysis.If IT Managers have integrated Engage with their LMS, these attempts will then be seamlessly synced with the LMS gradebook through one of several options:
   • Send First Attempt to LMS.
   • Send Most Recent Attempt to LMS.
   • Send Highest Score Attempt to LMS.

   

5. Real-time Response Viewing for Short Answers and Fill in the Blank Questions
   Similar to other question types, Creators can now seamlessly view responses in real-time for short answers and fill-in-the-blank questions within the Release Poll dashboard. As participants submit their answers, they will appear under each question, providing instant responses to Creators.
   
6. Downloadable QR Codes for Polls and Surveys
   Creators can now download Poll or Survey QR codes as images and seamlessly embed them anywhere they desire, ensuring convenient access for participants. Whether on discussion boards, PowerPoint slides, or via email, YuJa Engage makes it easier than ever for anyone to join.
   

We have successfully pushed an update to all instances residing in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union. This update includes third-party assessment support for the Lockdown App and Live Proctoring, AI-enhanced ID verification for the Lockdown App, a new Assessment tab for the LTI app, presets settings for Automated Proctoring and the Lockdown App, and new analytics for Institution and Course Reports.

1. Monitor Third-Party Assessments Integrated With Either Verity Lockdown App or Live Proctoring
   Building on our support for third-party assessments through the Verity Browser Extension, we now provide the monitoring of assessments through the Verity Lockdown App and Live Proctoring. The Lockdown App offers robust measures to enforce strict assessment protocols, including:
   
   • Access to only the Lockdown App during assessments.
   • Recording of user inputs, such as keystrokes and clipboard activity.
   • Disabling file downloads.

   In addition, Live Proctoring provides live video recordings of students as they complete their assessments. By choosing either one or both, users can create the most secure environment for their third-party assessments.

   

2. Optional AI-Enhanced ID Verification
   The Verity Lockdown App provides ID verification through AI-enhanced facial recognition software. Users can seamlessly capture and upload an image of their ID and face, allowing Verity Lockdown to perform advanced analysis to determine the authenticity of the match. We expect to release a similar capability to the Verity Browser Extension in a near-term release.
   
   
3. Access All Proctored Assessments Directly from the LMS-Integrated Verity App
   To optimize the student experience, we have established a centralized location that contains all proctored assessments. From the new Assessment tab, students can select their desired quiz or third-party assessment and access it through their browser or the Verity Lockdown App.
   
   
4. Proctor Setting Presets for the Browser Extension and Lockdown App
   To conveniently access the preferred proctoring mode for assessments, we have added presets to select either Automated Proctoring or Lockdown App settings.
   
5. New Live Proctoring Analytics for Institution and Course Reports
   To provide a greater depth of analysis for our reports, institution reports will now feature a monthly count of quizzes taken and live sessions created. Administrators can review these analytics to determine the needs of their institution for various proctoring modes.
   
   The Course Report offers a comprehensive table showcasing Students’ Live Experience, which includes a detailed list of registered sessions for each student and their corresponding attendance record.