Since there are so many different simulations and models available through purchased programs or via the web, the type of software needed to operate these resources may vary. Therefore, this page will focus on one particular resource. Through my research, I discovered that ‘The Learning Federation’ (TLF) is a very useful website that offered simulations and models for the classroom. Below you will find the software needed and the technical requirements for running its curriculum content i.e. the learning objects and digital resources.

What software is needed for the simulations and models to work effectively?

(This information has been adapted from ‘The Learning Federation’ website)

 The Operating System: this depends on the type of computer beind used. For Microsoft computers, the content can run through Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista. For Mac computers, Apple OSX is needed. These operating systems are built into the particular model of the computer you are using so there is no additional cost.

The Internet Browser: the following browsers are those which TLF has tested to ensure their content works accordingly. They include Safari 2.0, Internet Explorer 6.0, Internet Explorer 7.0 and Firefox 2.0. Which browser you use may depend on the type of operating system you have.

Browser Plug-ins: this is “software that works in conjunction with your web browser. It allows you to operate and load a wider range of content than would be possible with your web browser alone” (http://www.sti.net/a-pr-05-07-04.html).

This table details which plug-ins are necessary to view the content of TLF:

FORMAT

PLUG-IN

SOURCE

QuickTime

QuickTime Player 7.1.6

Apple Quicktime

PDF

Adobe Reader 5

Adobe Reader

Flash MX

Adobe Flash Player 9

Adobe Flash Player

Shockwave

Adobe Shockwave Player 10

Adobe Shockwave
 

QuickTime: “is software that allows Mac and Windows users to play back audio and video on their computers” (http://www.apple.com/quicktime/player/faq.html). It is also a combination of many other things such as a file format and a place for media authoring.

Adobe Reader: allows people to share documents electronically. It is a PDF file viewer that can interact with all PDF documents and it is used to “view, search, digitally sign, verify, print and collaborate on Adobe PDF files” (http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/).

Adobe Flashplayer: is software that operates across major operating systems, browsers, mobile phones and other devices. It provides “engaging experiences on the web that combine interactive, rich content with video, graphics and animation” (http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/).

Adobe Shockwave Player: allows for powerful multimedia playback. It allows users to “view interactive web content like games, , business presentations, entertainment and advertisments from your web browser”  (http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_15508&sliceId=2#1).

If these plug-ins are not currently installed on your computer, the ‘Source’ column in the table contains links to the websites where they can be downloaded free of charge.