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To help ensure a successful classroom experience with Mismatch, educators must understand and conform to several minimum technical requirements, across multiple categories.
Mismatch provides a mandatory pre-test for classroom systems, enabling educators to identify and eliminate technical roadblocks in advance of scheduled conversations. Additionally, all Mismatch conversations are covered by real-time technical service and support through a “Contact Us” button built into the platform.
Mismatch technical requirements and guidelines:
- Mismatch is currently optimized for in-classroom use, not for students to use independently outside of classroom hours
- Mismatch is designed to be used on classroom desktop or laptop computers that meet minimum hardware thresholds, not on tablets or mobile phones
- Mismatch is designed for a 1:1 ratio of students to computers; sharing computers does not work well from an audio or video perspective
- Mismatch requires classrooms to provide each student with an audio headset, preferably with built-in microphone, to eliminate feedback loops and ambient noise in classroom settings (earbuds and other personal headset devices can work, if compatible with classroom laptops)
- Mismatch requires strong and reliable WiFi to sustain multiple simultaneous video connections
- Mismatch works best on Chrome browsers (v70 or higher); other browsers may work but are technically unsupported
- Computers should be plugged in and / or well-charged before Mismatch conversations take place
- Some schools have elaborate firewall configurations that may prohibit classrooms from sending out their audio and video over the Mismatch platform; pre-testing will identify this issue
Technical Component |
Technical Requirements / Supported Platforms |
|---|---|
| Hardware | – Mismatch is not currently supported on tablets or mobile phones – Chromebook (minimum 4G RAM) – PC – Mac |
| Power / Battery | – Make sure all desktop or laptop computers are fully charged prior to Mismatch conversations (realtime video uses a lot of power) – If possible, plug in computers during Mismatch conversations |
| Computer:User Ratio | – Every participating student should be on his or her own computer (Mismatch is not optimized for shared video or audio on a single computer interface) |
| Browser / Version | – Chrome browser only; v70 or higher – Encourage students to close other browser windows not in use – Discourage students from attempting multiple log-ins to Mismatch, since this will confuse the platform; instead, if having trouble, utilize the “Contact Us” button |
| Network / WiFi | – Test network strength using this pre-test – If possible, minimize other heavy usage on school WiFi during scheduled conversation |
| Audio / Video | – Provide headset, preferably with built-in microphone, to each participating student (without headsets, multiple Mismatch conversations in a single room will generate feedback and audio loops) – When using Mismatch for the first time, click “Allow” when prompted, to enable Mismatch to use the computer’s camera and microphone – Students assigned to the same small-group conversation should move apart from each other in the classroom, to avoid creating feedback – Remind students to use the Mute button when not speaking |
| Environmental | – Spread out participating students as much as possible, to avoid audio feedback loops and other distractions |
| Password / Security | – Mismatch is a browser-only platform and does not require students to sign in, authenticate, or use a password in order to access the platform; only the assigned URL is needed – Students will provide their first name and last initial when entering the platform, both to generate a screen name display and to support troubleshooting as needed |
