Has anyone experienced the MakeCode simulator being blocked by a school’s IT? The students were able to assemble code blocks and download their programs to micro:bits, but the simulator would not work. Any thoughts on what might have led to this?
Here’s a quick test page of domains that are used to access all the features on makecode (for microbit, there are similar ones for other sites as well): MakeCode domains
If students are not able to see the simulator, it’s like the third one, trg-microbit.userpxt.io, is getting blocked; we use a separate domain for the simulator running user code as an extra security measure for users.
Thanks! Just to make sure I understand correctly, are you saying that an educator could go to the test page when on a school account (ideally a student account) and verify that all is working as expected? If so, that’s really helpful.
Yes, that’s the we made the domains page for; can definitely be a challenge to identify which domain is causing issues.
And yes, student account is best, we regularly see teacher accounts have more default access to sites which can be confusing.
Thank you. This is helpful. My next question may be difficult to answer. If a teacher sees one of these tests fail, what next step would you recommend? If tell their IT department a particular test failed, is that enough info for IT to go?
Send the URL of the test page to your IT department and indicate that your students need access to all of the included domains. If your IT department needs additional support, then direct them here and they can request additional assistance. No reason for you to have to be the go-between unless you really want to be.
Got it. Makes sense! Thank you!