Inspiration 9 and Mavericks

One more reason not to upgrade to Mavericks just yet is that Inspiration 9 is not compatible with the newest OSX.  Although I am able to run inspiration and save the document I do not have full functionality.  I can't use the templates, which is often where the students begin when creating a project.  I have had 2 students come to me unable to use any of the features of Inspiration 9.  I reinstalled Inspiration and no luck. So a word of caution if you are looking to upgrade to Mavericks be sure you are not needing Inspiration for class.  The company website says they will release a compatible version in the near future.

Adobe Flash Objects not working in Windows SMART Notebook Software

Yesterday a teacher came to me and was unable to use some of the SMART Notebook files he had used in the past. Thanks to blog post on Marble Head Public Schools I found out that it was an issue with Flash, and the solution for which was a downgrade. If you have lost some SMART Notebook functionality and you are unable to interact with Adobe Flash Player objects in SMART Notebook software after updating to Adobe Flash Player 11.9.X downgrade Adobe Flash Player from version 11.9.X to 11.8.800.168.

To downgrade Adobe Flash Player Using your browser, download the Adobe Flash Player uninstaller.

1. Using your browser, download the Adobe Flash Player uninstaller.
2. Close all applications that run Adobe Flash Player, including your browser and SMART Notebook software.
3. Run the uninstaller and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Restart your computer.
5. Using your browser, download and run Adobe Flash Player ActiveX 11.8.800.168.
6. Using your browser, download and run Adobe Flash Player Plugin 11.8.800.168.
7. Restart your computer.
8. Start SMART Notebook software.

OSX Mavericks

OSX Mavericks is out and for the first time Apple is issuing an OSX upgrade for free.  The release of this could be problematic for us as an educational institution for two reasons:  first, the release comes at a time when the faculty and students already have their laptops and there is no time to test and troubleshoot the OSX before it may be deployed by some;  second, this release is free so more students and faculty maybe inclined to upgrade without thinking of the consequences.

So far, we have not seen any problems but I have cautioned the students against upgrading at this point.  Here is a handy list, https://wiki.brown.edu/confluence/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=88506535, detailing some applications that might or might not run once you upgrade.  I was most concerned about the Shockwave Player compatibility since we use Explore Learning Gizmos in every division, and Shockwave Player is required to run the simulations.  Luckily, it seems the issues reside with 11.5 but I have had no problems on my Mac Book Pro.  Although it is not mentioned in the list we have also seem problems with older versions of Smartboard so it is advised to upgrade to version 11.0.  Fingers crossed, hoping we do not see other issues.