Announcement: ActivInspire Users: Important Software Migration News

[jonspurs]

The FAQ specifically says "Ensure that you are connected to your Promethean Interactive Display with both a USB and an HDMI cable." and "Note: You must connect your computer to your Promethean Interactive Display every 90 days to continue using the software." which to me leaves no room for error. ActivBoards are not interactive displays, nor do they possess an HDMI input. Whilst I suspect the software functionality won't be impaired if you're using ActivBoards as an input method, all indications I see point to the software not activating against ActivBoards.

 

I assumed the ActivBoards would be classed as 'Interactive Display'. As we've got loads of the boards. I see what you have quoted from them, but hopefully someone from Promethean can clarify.

[jonspurs]

I think this says that you can EITHER plug into an ActiveBoard OR pay for a subscription service. This looks similar to the license costs for ActivInspire which also needs a license for non promethean boards.

 

Yea that would make sense - anyone know how much is a license?

[mjk]

Yea that would make sense - anyone know how much is a license?

for ActivInspire it was about £500 for each machine that is not connected to an ActivBoard. Not sure about the subscription but its bound to be annual rather than perpetual.

[markiof]

Hi

 

Just wanted to try to bring a bit of clarity to this thread.

 

Firstly, Classflow desktop can be activated by any Promethean Interactive Display - this means any ActivPanel*, ActivBoard or ActivWall. * (with the exception of the 1st generation of ActivPanel - if you have these then please contact Promethean Technical Support)

 

Secondly, we need to be clear that Classflow and Classflow Desktop are not the same - though they are linked. Classflow is an online only, cloud-based lesson delivery platform whereas Classflow desktop can work offline. However, if an internet connection is available then Classflow Desktop can integrate with your Classflow account.

 

I hope that this helps

[DavR]

Useful clarifications @markiof, thank you.

 

Have you got a link to a comparison of Classflow and Classflow Desktop? Given that one is free and the other is licensed / restricted, it would be good to know the difference feature wise.

[jonspurs]

Hi

 

Just wanted to try to bring a bit of clarity to this thread.

 

Firstly, Classflow desktop can be activated by any Promethean Interactive Display - this means any ActivPanel*, ActivBoard or ActivWall. * (with the exception of the 1st generation of ActivPanel - if you have these then please contact Promethean Technical Support)

 

Secondly, we need to be clear that Classflow and Classflow Desktop are not the same - though they are linked. Classflow is an online only, cloud-based lesson delivery platform whereas Classflow desktop can work offline. However, if an internet connection is available then Classflow Desktop can integrate with your Classflow account.

 

I hope that this helps

 

Thanks for the info.

 

1. How would staff use ClassFlow Desktop on their home PC?

 

2. Also, I assume all staff would each need a new ClassFlow account - can that be signed in with an Office365/Google Apps account?

[Garacesh]

Hi

 

Just wanted to try to bring a bit of clarity to this thread.

 

Firstly, Classflow desktop can be activated by any Promethean Interactive Display - this means any ActivPanel*, ActivBoard or ActivWall. * (with the exception of the 1st generation of ActivPanel - if you have these then please contact Promethean Technical Support)

 

Secondly, we need to be clear that Classflow and Classflow Desktop are not the same - though they are linked. Classflow is an online only, cloud-based lesson delivery platform whereas Classflow desktop can work offline. However, if an internet connection is available then Classflow Desktop can integrate with your Classflow account.

 

I hope that this helps

Thanks for clarifying that.

Can Classflow Desktop be used without a Classflow (Online) account? Our staff here struggle with Office 365. For the most part they're not going to be very receptive to 'an online only cloud-based lesson delivery platform'. If anything, they'll just use Classflow Desktop like they currently use ActivInspire. And they'll want their notebook/flipchart/whatever-you're-calling-them-now to be locally hosted/downloadable so they can share them with their department. (Not to mention the technical issues with having a SPOF etc)

Edited April 27, 2017 by Garacesh

[Martin48]

Anyone else concerned with classflow encouraging online accounts and storing and sending passwords as plain text? this is a big no for us for any website or service.

[mjk]

Anyone else concerned with classflow encouraging online accounts and storing and sending passwords as plain text? this is a big no for us for any website or service.

 

yes. The DfE guidlines on this are here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/608686/Cloud-services-software-dept-advice_26.pdf

Promethean have not self certified so it is up to the school or LA to do this.

 

Firstly, Classflow desktop can be activated by any Promethean Interactive Display - this means any ActivPanel*, ActivBoard or ActivWall. * (with the exception of the 1st generation of ActivPanel - if you have these then please contact Promethean Technical Support)

LOL at using a 15 yr old circuit board as a giant dongle whilst buying some cheaper interactive displays.

[garethEds]

Wowsers - that threat kicked off a bit.

 

We will stick with ActivInspire on our boards. It works. We are slowly moving away from replacing Promethean boards with Promethean boards and instead going for interactive projectors. Might not be as good - but cost wise they save us a packet.

 

G

[pete]

Anyone else concerned with classflow encouraging online accounts and storing and sending passwords as plain text? this is a big no for us for any website or service.

 

Have you got a source for that?

[JATSO]

Hi All,

 

So i emailed a couple of questions over to Classflow Support about our Activeboards and Activeinspire that we use in one of my schools, here is their reply hope it helps:

 

Thank you for the email. Yes, Classflow will work with your ActivBoards. Basically, the way it works is that if you want to activate ClassFlow Desktop, you just need to have ActivDriver installed on the teacher machine and hook it up to the ActivBoard via USB. ActivDriver/ActivManager will detect the board automatically and allow the activation.

 

If the teachers are already using the boards, they will likely have ActivDriver already installed. If not, you can download it here: https://support.prometheanworld.com/help-library/?t=2&u=activinspire

 

There is no cost associated with this migration, other than the time to convert your existing materials. I've written up some additional information for you below that explains the migration as well as the differences between ClassFlow.co.uk and ClassFlow Desktop. The other important thing to note is that ActivInspire is not going away. You can use it as long as you like. We're encouraging to you try Classflow as we feel it is the next generation lesson delivery platform and provides greater flexibility over ActivInspire.

 

I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

 

Todd Giacometti

ClassFlow Support Manager

 

Additional info:

 

Over the past several years, we have been working hard on creating our next-generation content delivery system- ClassFlow. Our primary focus is on making ClassFlow a comprehensive tool for Teachers to use for creating, delivering and finding premier lessons to deliver to students on a multitude of devices.

 

ClassFlow has been available as a cloud-based solution for several years now, and by launching

ClassFlow Desktop, we’re giving schools a solution which works offline as well.

Thus, we are launching an initiative to encourage existing ActivInspire users to upgrade to ClassFlow, and it’s offline version- ClassFlow Desktop.

 

When should schools upgrade?

• We encourage you to start the transition as soon as possible. While you will always be able to use your ActivInspire software, we won’t be providing software updates past September 4th, 2017.

• Likewise, customer support will remain active until 30th June 2018.

 

How do schools upgrade?

Teachers and students can create a FREE account anytime at ClassFlow.com. When teachers have an account, they can login and download ClassFlow Desktop as well, which is compatible with Windows and Mac Operating Systems.

 

To facilitate product migration, new tools and resources have been set up to assist the process.

• Teachers and students can create their own ClassFlow account here: https://classflow.com

• A host of help articles and videos to help you get started with ClassFlow can be found here: https://promethean.helpjuice.com/

• For step-by-step instructions for successful migration from ActivInspire to ClassFlow Desktop visit https://classflow.com/en-gb/desktop.

• A user guide that outlines the ClassFlow Desktop installation and activation process can be found here: https://static.helpjuice.com/helpjuice_production/uploads/upload/image/2542/103620/CFD_Install_User_Guide.pdf

• Guidance is also available on how to convert existing ActivInspire Flipcharts files into ClassFlow lessons, simply visit https://classflow.com/en-gb/convert.

• For a list of upcoming events, including How To webinars, simply visit: Events | ClassFlow Blog & Events

• Support For ClassFlow can be found here: https://classflow.com/support

ref:_00D302Zt._5001416o487:ref

[markiof]

Hi again

 

Just wanted to address some of the issues being expressed on here.

 

For teachers to prep in a staff room, at home etc they can register for a free Classflow account. They can then use this account to log into Classflow from within Classflow desktop on the machine in the classroom which is connected to Promethean hardware.

 

You need a Classflow account (free) to download Classflow desktop as you have to be logged in to Classflow to get the download but you do not need to have a Classflow account to use Classflow Desktop once installed.

 

Some users of Promethean interactive displays have inconsistent or limited access to the internet. Therefore, an “in-the-cloud-only” version of ClassFlow was not sufficient as a means to enable many of the capabilities that teachers regularly need when operating an interactive classroom display. As a downloadable software, ClassFlow Desktop delivers the most “in-demand” features of interactive display software without requiring consistent access to the internet. When internet connectivity is detected, ClassFlow Desktop’s features automatically unlock and provide the classroom with an expanded suite of lesson-delivery and collaboration capabilities.

 

All downloads of ActivInspire will continue to work as they do today. However, users will no longer receive maintenance updates and bug fixes for ActivInspire software past Sept. 4, 2017. After September 4, 2017, changes to the computer’s operating system may cause incompatibilities with the previously downloaded version of ActivInspire. Customer support for ActivInspire Software will remain active through June 30, 2018.

[jonspurs]

Hi again

 

Just wanted to address some of the issues being expressed on here.

 

For teachers to prep in a staff room, at home etc they can register for a free Classflow account. They can then use this account to log into Classflow from within Classflow desktop on the machine in the classroom which is connected to Promethean hardware.

 

You need a Classflow account (free) to download Classflow desktop as you have to be logged in to Classflow to get the download but you do not need to have a Classflow account to use Classflow Desktop once installed.

 

Some users of Promethean interactive displays have inconsistent or limited access to the internet. Therefore, an “in-the-cloud-only” version of ClassFlow was not sufficient as a means to enable many of the capabilities that teachers regularly need when operating an interactive classroom display. As a downloadable software, ClassFlow Desktop delivers the most “in-demand” features of interactive display software without requiring consistent access to the internet. When internet connectivity is detected, ClassFlow Desktop’s features automatically unlock and provide the classroom with an expanded suite of lesson-delivery and collaboration capabilities.

 

All downloads of ActivInspire will continue to work as they do today. However, users will no longer receive maintenance updates and bug fixes for ActivInspire software past Sept. 4, 2017. After September 4, 2017, changes to the computer’s operating system may cause incompatibilities with the previously downloaded version of ActivInspire. Customer support for ActivInspire Software will remain active through June 30, 2018.

 

Hi,

Sorry I'm a bit confused or being a bit slow - are you saying that staff who download ClassFlow Desktop (for home PCs) don't need to connect to an Activ device every 90 days?

Thanks,

Jon

[toast4tea]

The other important thing to note is that ActivInspire is not going away. You can use it as long as you like.

Todd Giacometti

ClassFlow Support Manager

That's the reassurance I wanted to hear. I think some of us may have jumped to the wrong conclusions before based on some pretty awful marketing communication from Promethean.

 

My plan is to keep using ActivInspire whilst we investigate what ClassFlow Desktop has to offer.

[mjk]

"ActivInspire is not going away. You can use it as long as you like."

 

@toast4tea Just because the app doesn't self destruct doesn't make the statement accurate. As soon as support is withdrawn it is effectively useless; any security vulnerabilities will be exploited, the file formats are a dead end and it probably won't install on future operating systems.

[markiof]

Hi Jon

 

No, Staff can use a free Classflow account on ANY PC (it is web based) and they can use Classflow Desktop to link to their Classflow account if they wish by logging in (thus linking them to all their prepared material etc). It is only Classflow DESKTOP that needs to be activated.

[toast4tea]

"ActivInspire is not going away. You can use it as long as you like."

@toast4tea Just because the app doesn't self destruct doesn't make the statement accurate. As soon as support is withdrawn it is effectively useless; any security vulnerabilities will be exploited, the file formats are a dead end and it probably won't install on future operating systems.

 

Good point, @mjk. So I guess that means we have until June 2018 according to the announcement. Maybe that gives me time to move everyone from Win 8 ;-)

[Voodoo]

So, I think we still haven't established if "competitors boards" licences are still required.

 

In other words, if we want to install Classflow Desktop software on a computer with a Smartboard attached, do I have to pay a "competitors" licence for that machine?

 

OR, is this what the regular activation between Classflow Desktop and an ActivPanel is all about? If there's no Promethean device attached, the Classflow Desktop software won't work and therefore no possibility of using it with a competitors board; thus the competitors licence requirement is now moot?

[phillyrovers]

Hi Voodoo,

Your last paragraph is what is true as of today.

ClassFlow Desktop can only currently be activated if you are using a Promethean interactive display, or you have your own private Classflow site.

 

The alternative is to simply use the free Classflow.com / .co.uk website, which is totally free regardless of the front of class display. The site is totally web based, and has more features than ClassFlow Desktop.

 

Thanks

[jonspurs]

Hi,

Thanks for your previous replies.

Why is there nothing on the horizon to enable ClassFlow to natively open ActivInspire files?

This would save a lot of time and effort compared to providing converting services...imagine if Microsoft said you can't open DOC files in Office 2007 and only DOCX files...

Cheers,

Jon

[mjk]

OR, is this what the regular activation between Classflow Desktop and an ActivPanel is all about? If there's no Promethean device attached, the Classflow Desktop software won't work and therefore no possibility of using it with a competitors board; thus the competitors licence requirement is now moot?

Every 90 days the Classflow Desktop looks for an Activepanel.

If you've got an old one knocking about you could turn the board into a 'dongle' and swap it between machines every half term; but from what I've seem of the software you'd be better off ditching it anyway, getting a board with more features for less money, and using free software.

Edited August 15, 2017 by mjk

[peferraro]

Hi Jon,

 

ClassFlow Desktop only has the ability to import your ActivInspire files. We are continuously monitoring our software and sending out new versions to improve functionality and accessibility.

 

ActivInspire was and is a great software, but with any software there are limitations, ClassFlow and ClassFlow Desktop are our solution to some of these limitations. Here are some examples:

 

· Not only can you deliver a presentation to the front of a classroom, you can also deliver part or all of the presentation to individual student devices around the room.

 

· You are now able to send assessments to individual student devices or computers instead of only being able to use one of our Learning Response Systems.

 

· With both ClassFlow and ClassFlow Desktop, you have access to an instant whiteboard which will allow you to use your hardware like an actual whiteboard.

 

· With ClassFlow you are not tied to your computer to create and work on lessons, any device where you can access the web will allow you to work on your content.

 

· You are able to manage a class or course

 

At this time, both ClassFlow and ClassFlow Desktop are free, With ClassFlow Desktop you will need to connect to a Promethean Activboard or Panel to keep the software active. If you don't have an Activboard or Panel you can use classflow.com software.

[jonspurs]

Had this come through:

 

Dear J,

 

Following feedback regarding the importance of Promethean’s ActivInspire Software in your classrooms, we are pleased to inform you that we have decided to continue to maintain and support our popular ActivInspire Software.

 

With the decision to continue to maintain and support the ActivInspire software, you can now continue to use your Flipcharts within ActivInspire and manage the transition to ClassFlow at your own pace.

 

If you wish to convert your Flipcharts into the ClassFlow format, you can use the auto converter that exists in ClassFlow.

 

For those teachers who have successfully migrated to the ClassFlow suite of products and converted your ActivInspire content to the ClassFlow format, we are excited for you to be able to engage your students with a truly immersive learning environment.

 

Promethean continues to be dedicated to developing ClassFlow as our next-generation platform for lesson delivery. Cloud-based solutions, such as ClassFlow, represent the future of education technology and provide additional opportunities for student engagement in the classroom.

 

Thank you for your many years of loyal support of ActivInspire, and Promethean looks forward to continuing to serve you with software solutions that engage and motivate students to learn.

 

Thanks,

Promethean EMEA Marketing Team

[DavR]

Nicely done Promethean, please come up to the podium and collect the MS Paint Backpeddle Prize!

 

Joking aside, a sensible move. Flipchart files have been around for what, a decade plus? You can't just drop native support for them overnight, people have thousands of the things. That and the fact that for most of us ActivInspire continues to offer pretty much everything we need.