|
|
| |
Technical Requirements
WISE is designed to work in as many types of school computer lab settings as possible, using technology you probably already have. Some of the requirements listed are mandatory, while others are merely strong suggestions. Optimize whenever you can; it can make the difference between a positive and negative experience with WISE, for both you and your students!
The computer lab must be connected to the Internet. The faster and more stable the connection, the quicker and more reliably the web pages will load. WISE can be used with "wireless" computer labs (such as iBooks connected using AirPort hardware).
Most WISE projects are designed for students to work in pairs or very small groups. Therefore, we recommend a lab with enough computers so that no more than 2 students need to work together. While the WISE software itself can support larger groups, the learning experience suffers.
Note: If your lab does not have enough computers, you may want to consider alternatives to larger group size. For example, some WISE teachers have split their class in half to work on the project. One group works on the computers while the other group works on an off-line activity, and then they switch.
WISE requires a 5th-generation browser. (Specifically it checks for CSS Level 2 and Javascript 1.3 or greater.) Compatible browsers included Internet Explorer version 5.0 or greater, Netscape version 6.2 or greater, and any version of Mozilla or Safari.
If you need to upgrade your browser and are using Windows 98 or later, use Microsoft's Windows Update feature to install the latest Internet Explorer. If you are using Mac OS X, use Apple's Software Update feature to install the latest Safari. Otherwise, try downloading one of these: Netscape Navigator, Mozilla, Internet Explorer
Some individual WISE projects use advanced browser plug-ins, such as Shockwave or QuickTime. Any time these are required, the project lesson plan and other materials will indicate which plug-ins are required and where to download them.
Older computers may have some difficulty running WISE. WISE recommends a lab with Power Macintoshes (Power PC, G3, or G4 processors) running Mac OS 8.0 or later, or Pentium PCs running Windows 95 or later.
There is no specific "minimum" machine needed to run WISE. On very early machines (PCs under 200Mhz, or very early PowerPC-based Macs), some WISE projects will work while others will fail. Even on more powerful machines, software conflicts or other problems can cause crashes; in addition, projects requiring browser plug-ins (see above) will have higher system requirements mandated by the plug-in software itself. If you have a lower-end computer lab (under 400Mhz PCs, or PowerPC-based Macs and very early G3s), you should run through each WISE project thoroughly using the classroom hardware before using it with your class.