System requirements

The Fast ForWord product varies in the amount of data transmitted and received based on multiple factors, such as the current exercise or reading selection, the protocol or schedule, and the current status in the product. Also, bandwidth requirements vary during an individual session, with larger data transfers occurring during the first few minutes of a session, and in the case of Reading Assistant Plus, after a recording session.

For optimal performance, the network should meet the following minimum bandwidth recommendations per student session:

• 3 Mbps, max 250 ms latency

Schools and districts working with bandwidth limitations may want to consider using Content acceleration, which can help reduce WAN traffic and increase performance by providing product content at a local level. On average, a content acceleration server at the district or school level will allow 3 to 7 times more concurrent users where available bandwidth is a limiting factor.

If you have any questions about using the Fast ForWord product in your network environment, please contact Scientific Learning Customer Support for assistance.

Follow these recommendations to configure your firewall or filtering software for mySciLEARN as needed.

Open the following ports:

• 80 and 443

Add the following IP addresses and domains to your whitelist:

• IP range 74.120.252.1 - 74.120.255.254
  or Network and mask of 74.120.252.0/22
  or Network 74.120.252.0 and subnet: 255.255.252.0
• my.scilearn.com
• www.myscilearn.com
• www.scilearn.com
• content01.scilearn.com
• content02.scilearn.com
• sso.scilearn.com
• ondemand1.scilearn.com
• ondemand2.scilearn.com
• ondemand3.scilearn.com
• ondemand4.scilearn.com
• ondemand5.scilearn.com
• ondemand6.scilearn.com
• fastforword.scilearn.com
• ffwd-api.scilearn.com

mySciLEARN might not actively use all IP addresses in the listed ranges, but any of the addresses could be used and should be configured. As an additional precaution, sites can be added to a web browser as trusted sites.

Some content is delivered through Amazon Web Services. See the AWS General Reference Guide for information on whitelisting AWS content.

Customers can receive a discount on approved Andrea headsets and adapters when purchased directly from Andrea Communications.

• Stereo output. Use stereo headphones only. Do not be misled by monaural headphones with two earpieces; the sound may come out of only one side.
• Ear cups that completely cover the ear. Circumaural headphones (over the ear) are preferred to supra-aural headphones (on the ear) or intra-aural (ear buds) because they provide greater reduction of background noise as well as superior comfort.
• Built-in volume control. Direct access to volume settings keeps the focus on the exercises rather than device management.
• Padded headband. Prevent the distraction of an uncomfortable headset by choosing one with a padded headband.
• Wired connectivity. Do not use wireless headphones, as the connection can be unreliable. Choose headphones with a cable that connects directly to the computer.
• Avoid noise canceling technology. Headphones with active noise canceling technology can distort speech stimuli, even when the noise canceling feature is turned off.

Tip: If you plan to use Reading Assistant Plus, see our list of headsets that will work with both.

Most headsets in this list are available for $30 or less. Customers can receive a discount on approved Andrea headsets and adapters when purchased directly from Andrea Communications.

Here are a few more tips that can help you choose a headset.

• The following headsets are also approved for Reading Assistant Plus, but they are not compatible with the other Fast ForWord components:
  • Logitech H390 (ClearChat Comfort USB)
  • Cyber Acoustics AC-204
  • Cyber Acoustics AC-201
• In place of the Andrea C-100 adapter, you can search online for one: “3.5mm 4-pin to 2x3-pin headset splitter adapter”
• In place of the Andrea EDU UNIV adapter, you can combine the Andrea C-200 adapter and any supported USB audio adapter
• For iPads without a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, an adapter may be needed
• Additional USB adapters approved for computer or Chromebook use:
  • Andrea EDU-USB
  • Parts Express USB Sound Adapter
  • StarTech ICUSBAUDIO or ICUSBAUDIOB
  • SYBA SD-CM-UAUD or SD-AUD-20066

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