SimBio’s SimUText application needs a Windows or Macintosh operating system in order to run. For students who only have access to incompatible devices such as Chromebooks and iPads and cannot borrow a Windows or Mac computer to complete their assignments, we have listed alternative options below, in the order that we recommend them. (Note: We do not recommend attempting to complete SimBio modules on a phone or tablet as our materials are not well-adapted to those screen sizes or the touch interface).
- Arrange to have the SimUText Application installed on networked university computers. As long as students have write privileges to the current user’s home directories of these computers, they will be able to log in to their SimUText accounts and complete their assignments. This option works both for university computers that are accessed in person and remotely. Current SimUText installers can be accessed from here.
- If it is not possible to have the SimUText Application installed on university computers that are accessible to your students and/or your students do not have write privileges to the home directories on university computers, students can install the SimUText Application on a USB drive as described here. They can then plug the USB drive into any Windows or Mac computer and run the SimUText Application off the USB drive.
- Arrange to have SimUText installed on a friend or family member’s Windows or Mac computer and then run SimUText remotely (via the internet) from the incompatible device through Chrome Remote Desktop app. The application is free and can be found here: https://remotedesktop.google.com. Once the Chrome Remote Desktop App and SimUText application have been installed on the remote computer, you should be able to complete your assignments from your device.
- If the above options are truly not feasible, SimBio Support will work with students on a case-by-case basis to find a solution. We have set up a remote option that will work similarly to the remote options offered by most universities. However, it will be more complicated and less efficient for your students than any of the above options as it will require setting the students up with external accounts (in addition to their SimUText accounts), scheduling sessions for them, etc. In addition, SimUText will run more slowly through this remote option and will be completely dependent on the students having sufficient internet connections. If you have students who need to use this option, please have them contact us by submitting an online technical support request.