TechSmart Platform Technical Requirements

This list of requirements and required domains was last updated: October 14th, 2024 

To ensure the best experience on the TechSmart Platform, we recommend using computers and software that meet certain minimum requirements. These standards help ensure that everything runs smoothly, and you’ll receive full technical support if you need it.

Here’s what you need to know:

For All Classes

Student Computers

  • Screen Resolution: Minimum 1366x768; we recommend 1600x900 or higher.
    If you’re not sure how to find your screen resolution, you can visit https://www.whatismyscreenresolution.org 
    • Basically, this means: Your screen should be clear and sharp enough to view the coding interface and lesson materials comfortably. A higher resolution is better for seeing more details without scrolling.
  • Web Browser: We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome, or a version released within the past 12 months. We also recommend always keeping your browser up to date and using the latest version available for the best security and performance.
    • Basically, this means: Using a recent version of Google Chrome ensures compatibility with all platform features. We suggest allowing Chrome to auto-update so you don’t have to worry about it. 

Teacher Computers

  • Screen Resolution: Minimum 1600x900; we recommend 1920x1080 or higher.
    • Basically, this means: A higher resolution is needed for teachers to be able to manage multiple windows and screens for the most effective teaching experience.
  • Computer Displays: Minimum one primary display and one external display, such as a projector, smartboard, or TV that is easily viewable by all students. We recommend two external displays.
    • Basically, this means: Having multiple displays allows you to present the curriculum and live coding environment side-by-side, which helps keep students engaged and focused.
  • Web Browser: We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome, or a version released within the past 12 months. We also recommend always keeping your browser up to date and using the latest version available for the best security and performance.
    • Basically, this means: Using a recent version of Google Chrome ensures compatibility with all platform features. We suggest allowing Chrome to auto-update so you don’t have to worry about it. 

Classroom Projectors or Television

  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9 or 16:10, or similar wide-screen formats
    • Basically, this means: A wide-aspect ratio helps ensure the coding interface, slides and curriculum, and all areas of the platform are visible.
  • Screen Resolution: Minimum 1600x900; 1920x1080 or higher is recommended.
    • Basically, this means: A high resolution ensures clear and visible presentations from anywhere in the room, and that platform content is always viewable.
  • Screen Size: Large enough for students to see clearly from the back of the classroom.
    • Basically, this means: Your display should be big enough so that even students farthest away can follow along. You can learn more about finding the right size in this guide

School Network

  • Internet Connection: Consistent speeds of at least 5Mbps for download and upload; 15Mbps is recommended.
    • Basically, this means: A fast, stable internet connection is needed for smooth operation, especially for playing back videos.
  • Allowed Domains: Ensure that TechSmart’s domains are accessible and allowed in your school’s firewall.
    • Basically, this means: Your network should allow access to TechSmart’s online resources for the platform to function properly. TechSmart Domains are listed below.
  • Web Developer Tools: Chrome DevTools, which are built into Google Chrome
    • Basically, this means: Web development classes require access to Chrome’s DevTools, which help diagnose coding issues interactively. These are essential for both teaching and learning web development.

Note: If your school’s IT policy restricts the use of Chrome DevTools, we recommend installing a separate browser, such as Google Chrome for Developers, specifically for these classes. This allows you to enable the necessary tools for web development while keeping them disabled for other activities.

 

TechSmart Required Domains

In order for TechSmart to work properly, your IT department should ensure the following domains are accessible and allowed through your school’s firewall:

TechSmart Core Services

*.techsmart.codes
*.techsmart.cc

Note: For the TechSmart platform to function properly, these domains, and a wildcard for any subdomain of these domains is required for TechSmart to function.

TechSmart Help and Support

For live support and technical documentation we utilize Chatlio, Zendesk, and Arcade. These tools help us provide rapid responses to teachers any time assistance is needed. These required domains also provide access to in-platform tutorials and other helpful information. In order to provide this service, the following domains and subdomains should be allowed:

  • *.chatlio.com
    • w.chatlio.com
    • api.chatlio.com
    • api-cdn.chatlio.com
    • uploads-cdn.chatlio.com
  • *.zendesk.com
    • techsmartkids.zendesk.com
    • assets.zendesk.com
  • *.arcade.software
    • demo.arcade.software
    • app.arcade.software

TechSmart Video and Media Content

To ensure access to TechSmart videos, Teacher-Created videos, and other rich media, the following domains and subdomains are required:
Note: It is NOT necessary to allow access to all of *.vimeo.com, only the subdomains below.

  • player.vimeo.com
  • *.tus.vimeo.com
    • us-files.tus.vimeo.com
  • *.vimeocdn.com
    • f.vimeocdn.com
    • i.vimeocdn.com
  • *.akamaized.net
    • 23vod-adaptie.akamaized.net

Resources for Python Development Classes (CS100 & CS200)

Students should have access to the official Python website for documentation, and general Python resource access. For this, the following domains are needed:

  • *.python.org
    • python.org
    • www.python.org
    • docs.python.org
    • discuss.python.org
    • wiki.python.org

Resources for Student Projects and Web Development Classes (CS300)

For Web development courses and Student Projects, we utilize documentation, tooling, licensing, and assets from the following providers, which need to be able to be accessed:

  • github.com
  • docs.github.com
  • api.github.com
  • p5js.org
  • css-tricks.com
  • dev.mozilla.org
  • developer.mozilla.org
  • stackoverflow.com
  • commons.wikimedia.org
  • creativecommons.org
  • pics4learning.com
  • wordpress.org
  • github.io
  • blog.hubspot.com
  • breakingcatnews.com
  • ck12.org
  • duckduckgo.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • google.com
  • gutenberg.org
  • info.cern.ch
  • jakegroup.com

 

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