Skip to main content

Authoring Tools and Content Viewing Requirements

  • Updated

Sponge uses a variety of authoring tools to create digital learning content, which may be hosted on a variety of delivery platforms. Different systems may have differing requirements. 

For system requirement on Sponge's Spark LMS and Ignite authoring tool, please read this article. 

 

Technical Specification – Viewing Ignite Modules

Ignite is Sponge's in-house authoring tool. Content from Ignite can be output as various package formats for a Learning Management System (LMS).

On-screen size: The module is built to be responsive so it will conform to the parameters of the device it is being displayed upon.

 

Browser Requirements:

For desktop viewing (Windows 7-10 and Mac OSX):
We support these browsers for viewing Ignite built courses on laptop and desktop computers.

  • OS support:
    • Windows 7, 8 and 10
    • MacOS 10.11 (El Capitan) onwards
    • iOS 10+

  • Browser
    • Edge (latest)
    • Edge Chromium (latest)
    • Firefox (latest)
    • Google Chrome (latest)
    • Safari (latest)

  • Hardware
    • Minimum 2GB RAM (recommended 4GB RAM)
    • A good quality of graphics card
    • Processor min 1.8 GHz

For tablet/mobile viewing (iOS and Android)
You can view courses on any devices that support these browsers. This includes mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Android-enabled phones and tablets.

  • Browser
    • Safari on Apple iOS 10+
    • Google Chrome (latest) on Android OS 7+ Nougat
  • Hardware
    • A mid to high-range device capable of handling more demanding graphics; examples include iPhone 8, iPad Air 2 and Google Pixel.

Sponge guarantees compatibility for the above browsers and platforms for your solution. For older supported browsers, some degradation may occur, and subsequent new browser releases are outside of the project scope.

For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. This also assumes that the content is not served to the user in any iframes, framesets, or other containers (apps etc), and is only presented as it is provided in the TIN CAN API (xAPI) or SCORM 1.2 or SCORM Strict package. Further information can be provided on request.

JavaScript must be enabled on the browser for this solution to work. If JavaScript is halted or blocked, the solution will not load.

All operating systems should have the latest patches installed and all associated software must be of the latest version. Certain security and antivirus software that interferes with the display and execution of web-based content such as JavaScript, WebGL and the canvas element is not supported.
Experiences will vary across devices based on the software installed on the device, and other system resources available.

If using Ignite as a module Relay:

In order for your relayed module to work, the external LMS environment where your relay package will be imported provide the student ID and name. The name must be in the format "Surname, Forename". Third Party Cookies are needed for the relay component used in eLearning content, to populate user learning data into the SPARK LMS.

 

Technical Specification - Storyline 360 (Desktop & Tablet)

Elearning content created using Articulate Storyline 360 can be output as various package formats for a Learning Management System (LMS).

On-screen size: The module will be a fixed size of 970x630px. This size is optimised for a screen resolution of 1024x768 or larger.

Browser requirements:

For desktop viewing:

  • Microsoft Edge (latest version)
  • Google Chrome (latest version)
  • Firefox (latest version)
  • Safari (latest version)

For iPad viewing:

  • Mobile Safari or Google chrome in iOS 10 or later

For Android tablet viewing:

  • Google Chrome in Android OS 4.4 or later

Please note: JavaScript must be enabled for published courses to work. Font downloads must be enabled to see the correct fonts and characters.

Deployment platform options:

  • AICC
  • SCORM 1.2
  • SCORM 2004
  • Tincan / xAPI

Sponge guarantees compatibility for the above browsers and platforms for your solution. For older supported browsers, some degradation may occur, and subsequent new browser releases are outside of the project scope.

For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. If ‘enterprise’ or ‘compatibility mode’ or similar are enabled, further testing would be required of which test packages can be provided.

Note: Latest version refers to the most recent browser release available at the date of proposal.

 

Technical Specification – Storyline 360 With Phaser (Desktop & Tablet)

Elearning created using Articulate Storyline 360 (with the additional gamification elements of Phaser) can be output as various package formats for a Learning Management System (LMS).

On-screen size: The module will be a fixed size of 970x630px. This size is optimised for a screen resolution of 1024x768 or larger.

Browser requirements:

For desktop viewing (Windows 7-10 and Mac OS X):

  • Microsoft Edge (latest)
  • Firefox (latest)
  • Google Chrome (latest)
  • Safari (latest)

For tablet/mobile viewing (iOS and Android)

  • Mobile Safari on iOS 10+
  • Google Chrome on Android OS 6+

Deployment platform options:

  • AICC
  • SCORM 1.2
  • SCORM 2004
  • Tincan/xAPI

Sponge guarantees compatibility for the above browsers and platforms for your solution. For older supported browsers, some degradation may occur, and subsequent new browser releases are outside of the project scope.

For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. If ‘enterprise mode’ or ‘compatibility mode’ or similar are enabled, further testing would be required of which test packages can be provided. This also assumes that the content is not served to the user in any iframes, framesets, or other containers (apps etc), and is only presented as it is provided in the web package/SCORM package. Further information can be provided on request.

All operating systems should have the latest patches installed and all associated software must be of the latest version. Certain security and antivirus software that interferes with the display and execution of web-based content such as JavaScript, WebGL and the canvas element is not supported.

Due to the more graphic-heavy features of Phaser, we cannot guarantee performance when using thin clients. Instead, Sponge advises using a dedicated machine with a dedicated GPU for best results.

Note: ‘Latest’ version refers to the most recent browser release available at the date of proposal.

Server/hosting requirements:

Phaser components can be hosted through a SCORM compliant LMS through Storyline, or via standard web hosting as a standalone experience if agreed, to ensure maximum compatibility the hosting has the following caveats:

  • Microsoft SharePoint cannot be used to host phaser projects due to its inability to handle file types such as JSON and SVG
  • If using a SCORM compliant LMS, the ability to save and retrieve data to the _suspendData variable is required, this is used for tracking / resuming of the user’s progress.
  • Phaser projects will be delivered in a package containing HTML, JavaScript, CSS, JSON and various image and/or video files
  • There will be no server-side files (PHP, ASP etc.)
  • The server hosting the content must be able to serve UTF-8 encoded files.
  • The server must also be able to serve the correct MIME type headers for the following file types:
    • HTML (.html - text/html)
    • CSS (.css - text/css)
    • JavaScript (.js - application/javascript)
    • JSON (.json - application/json)
    • SVG (.svg - image/svg+xml)
    • PNG (.png - image/png)
    • JPEG (.jpg - image/jpeg)

 

Technical Specification – Articulate Rise (Desktop & Tablet & Mobile)

Elearning created using Articulate Rise can be output as various package formats for a Learning Management System (LMS).

On-screen size: The module is built to be responsive so it will conform to the parameters of the device it is being displayed upon.

Browser requirements:

For desktop viewing (HTML5):

  • Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based, latest version)
  • Google Chrome (latest version)
  • Firefox (latest version)
  • Safari (latest version)

For iPad / iPhone viewing (HTML5):

  • Mobile Safari or Google chrome in iOS 10 or later

For Android tablet / phone viewing (HTML5):

  • Google Chrome in Android OS 4.4 or later

Deployment platform options:

  • AICC
  • SCORM 1.2
  • SCORM 2004

Sponge guarantees compatibility for the above browsers and platforms for your solution. For older supported browsers, some degradation may occur, and subsequent new browser releases are outside of the project scope.

For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. If ‘enterprise’ or ‘compatibility mode’ or similar are enabled, further testing would be required of which test packages can be provided.

Note: Latest version refers to the most recent browser release available at the date of proposal.

 

Technical Specification – Phaser

Elearning created using the Phaser framework can be output as SCORM 1.2 modules for a Learning Management System (LMS), or hosted as a web package (see ‘Server/hosting requirements’ below).

On-screen size: The module is built to be responsive so it will conform to the parameters of the device it is being displayed upon.

Browser requirements:

For desktop viewing (Windows 7-10 and Mac OS X):

  • Microsoft Edge (latest)
  • Firefox (latest)
  • Google Chrome (latest)
  • Safari (latest)

For tablet/mobile viewing (iOS and Android)

  • Mobile Safari on iOS 10+
  • Google Chrome on Android OS 6+

Sponge guarantees compatibility for the above browsers and platforms for your solution. For older supported browsers, some degradation may occur, and subsequent new browser releases are outside of the project scope.

For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. If ‘enterprise mode’ or ‘compatibility mode’ or similar are enabled, further testing would be required of which test packages can be provided. This also assumes that the content is not served to the user in any iframes, framesets, or other containers (apps etc), and is only presented as it is provided in the web package/SCORM package. Further information can be provided on request.

JavaScript must be enabled on the browser for this solution to work. If JavaScript is halted or blocked, the solution will not load.

All operating systems should have the latest patches installed and all associated software must be of the latest version. Certain security and antivirus software that interferes with the display and execution of web-based content such as JavaScript, WebGL and the canvas element is not supported.
Due to the more graphic-heavy features of Phaser, we cannot guarantee performance when using thin clients. Instead, Sponge advises using a dedicated machine with a dedicated GPU for best results.

Note: ‘Latest’ version refers to the most recent browser release available at the date of proposal.

Server/hosting requirements:

Phaser based projects can be hosted through a SCORM compliant LMS or via standard web hosting, to ensure maximum compatibility the hosting has the following caveats:

  • Microsoft SharePoint cannot be used to host phaser projects due to its inability to handle file types such as JSON and SVG
  • If using a SCORM compliant LMS, the ability to save and retrieve data to the _suspendData variable is required, this is used for tracking / resuming of the user’s progress
  • Phaser projects will be delivered in a package containing HTML, JavaScript, CSS, JSON and various image and/or video files
  • There will be no server-side files (PHP, ASP etc.)
  • The server hosting the content must be able to serve UTF-8 encoded files
  • The server must also be able to serve the correct MIME type headers for the following file types:
    • HTML (.html - text/html)
    • CSS (.css - text/css)
    • JavaScript (.js - application/javascript)
    • JSON (.json - application/json)
    • SVG (.svg - image/svg+xml)
    • PNG (.png - image/png)
    • JPEG (.jpg - image/jpeg)

 

Technical Specification – “Microsite”

If Sponge is proposing to develop you a bespoke solution using a range of web tools, the output can be hosted by us or by yourself (see ‘Server/hosting requirements’ below).

On-screen size: The project is built to be responsive so it will conform to the parameters of the device it is being displayed upon.

Browser requirements:

For desktop viewing (Microsoft Windows 8.1+ and Mac OS X):

  • Edge “Classic” (latest)
  • Firefox (latest)
  • Google Chrome (latest)
  • Safari (latest)

For tablet/mobile viewing (iOS and Android)

  • Mobile Safari (latest and previous major public version of iOS)
  • Google Chrome (latest) on Android 7+ (Nougat)

Sponge guarantees compatibility for the above browsers and platforms for your solution. For older supported browsers, some degradation may occur, and subsequent new browser releases are outside of the project scope.

For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. If ‘enterprise mode’ or ‘compatibility mode’ or similar are enabled, further testing would be required of which test packages can be provided. This also assumes that the content is not served to the user in any iframes, framesets, or other containers (apps etc.), and is only presented as it is provided in the final package. Further information can be provided on request.

JavaScript must be enabled on the browser for this solution to work. If JavaScript is halted or blocked, the solution will not load.

In some instances, the functionality may revert to a simpler experience to ensure compatibility with the technology used. This means that things like animations may be removed and components might be displayed differently to remain accessible and functional.

All operating systems should have the latest patches installed and all associated software must be of the latest version. Certain security and antivirus software that interferes with the display and execution of web-based content such as JavaScript, WebGL and the canvas element is not supported.
For some of the more graphic-heavy features, we recommend not using thin clients and instead use a dedicated machine.

Note: ‘Latest’ version refers to the most recent browser release available at the date of proposal.

Server/hosting requirements for web hosting:

  • Sponge does not offer the hosting of content as standard - the client will be provided with a package of files to host or a separate hosting quote can be given
    • Microsoft SharePoint cannot be used to host microsites due to its inability to handle file types such as JSON and SVG
  • Solution will be delivered in a package containing a selection of hostable files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript etc.)
  • Depending on the technology stack used, the server must have support for either Node JS and Mongo DB (for MEAN applications) or PHP, Apache and mySQL (for LAMP applications)
    • More information can be provided upon request.
  • The server hosting the solution should have its own domain and an SSL certificate installed.
  • External JavaScript and CSS resources may be used, such as (but not limited to) polyfills from https://cdnjs.com/ or fonts from https://fonts.google.com or https://www.fonts.com - these must be able to be accessed alongside the microsite without authentication or hinderance from the client’s network.

 

Technical Specification – Coastline

Elearning content created using the Sponge Coastline framework can be hosted as a SCORM 1.2 package or a web package (see ‘Server/hosting requirements’ below).

On-screen size: The project is built to be responsive so it will conform to the parameters of the device it is being displayed upon.

Browser requirements:

For desktop viewing (Microsoft Windows 8.1+ and Mac OS X):

  • Edge “Classic” (latest - v18)
  • Edge “Chromium” (latest)
  • Firefox (latest)
  • Google Chrome (latest)
  • Safari (latest)

For tablet/mobile viewing (iOS and Android):

  • Mobile Safari (latest and previous major public version of iOS)
  • Google Chrome (latest) on Android 7+ (Nougat)

Note: ‘Latest’ version refers to the most recent browser release available at the date of proposal.

Sponge guarantees compatibility for the above browsers and platforms for your solution. For older supported browsers, some degradation may occur, and subsequent new browser releases are outside of the project scope.

For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. If ‘enterprise mode’ or ‘compatibility mode’ or similar are enabled, further testing would be required of which test packages can be provided. This also assumes that the content is not served to the user in any iframes, framesets, or other containers (apps etc.), and is only presented as it is provided in the web package/SCORM package. Further information can be provided on request.

JavaScript must be enabled on the browser for this solution to work. If JavaScript is halted or blocked, the solution will not load.

In some instances, to ensure accessibility and functionality, the experience will be reduced to the most compatible form, depending on the technology used. This means that things like animations may be removed and components might be displayed differently to remain accessible and functional.
All operating systems should have the latest patches installed and all associated software must be of the latest version. Certain security and antivirus software that interferes with the display and execution of web-based content such as JavaScript, WebGL and the canvas element is not supported.
For some of the more graphic-heavy features, we recommend not using thin clients and instead use dedicated machines.

Server/LMS requirements for all hosting platforms:

  • Module will be delivered in a package containing HTML, JavaScript, CSS, JSON and various image and/or video files
  • There will be no server-side files (PHP, ASP etc.)
  • The server hosting the content must be able to serve UTF-8 encoded files
  • The server must also be able to serve the correct MIME type headers for the following file types:

    • HTML (.html - text/html)
    • CSS (.css - text/css)
    • JavaScript (.js - application/javascript)
    • JSON (.json - application/json)
    • SVG (.svg - image/svg+xml)
    • PNG (.png - image/png)
    • JPEG (.jpg - image/jpeg)
    • MP4 (.mp4 - video/mp4)
    • WebM (.webm - video/webm)

  • If custom fonts are required and there is no scope to use Google Fonts or another font provider, the server must be able to handle the hosting of the following files and serve their correct MIME types:

    • WOFF (.woff - font/woff)
    • WOFF2 (.woff2 - font/woff2)
    • OTF (.otf - font/otf)
    • TTF (.ttf - font/ttf)

  • It is advised that the server hosting the module should have an SSL certificate installed
  • External JavaScript and CSS resources may be used, such as (but not limited to) polyfills from https://cdnjs.com/ or fonts from https://fonts.google.com or https://www.fonts.com - these must be able to be accessed alongside the module without authentication or hinderance

Server requirements for web hosting (content not hosted on an LMS):

  • Sponge does not offer the hosting of content as standard - the client will be provided with a package of files to host or a separate hosting quote can be given
    • Microsoft SharePoint cannot be used to host microsites due to its inability to handle file types such as JSON and SVG

 

Technical Specification – Fuse

Elearning developed using articles, which are uploaded to Fuse have the following requirements.

On-screen size: The articles are built to be responsive, conforming to the parameters of the device it is being displayed upon.

Browser requirements:

For desktop viewing (Microsoft Windows 8.1+ and Mac OS X):

  • Edge (latest)
  • Firefox (latest)
  • Google Chrome (latest)
  • Safari (latest)

For tablet/mobile viewing (iOS and Android):

  • Mobile Safari (latest and previous major public version of iOS)
  • Google Chrome (latest) on Android 7+ (Nougat)

Character limit

Fuse articles require a character count of less than 65,000 characters – including all functional, style and content elements.

More bespoke or complex components will require parts of the code base to be stored on an external CDN. If this is the case, Fuse will require an ability to request external resources and Sponge will provide a test package to verify support.

CDN can be provided by sponge at an additional cost.

Fuse updates

Sponge guarantees compatibility for the Fuse release available at the date of proposal. Subsequent new Fuse releases are outside of the project scope.

Fuse statement

Deliverables which are add-ons to; incorporate; and/or rely on third party and/or open source software programmes and/or software components (the “Third Party Software”) shall be provided by Sponge on the following conditions: The Deliverables shall be in good working order at the time of delivery based on the then current version (the “Version”) of the Third Party Software.

Sponge shall not guarantee unimpeded functionality of the Deliverables if the Version is subsequently updated, changed, or terminated. Sponge shall in such cases provide the client with an offer and costs for the updating of the Deliverables in order for the Deliverables to regain functionality, if possible.

Note: ‘Latest’ version refers to the most recent browser release available at the date of proposal.

Sponge guarantees compatibility for the above browsers and platforms for your solution. Subsequent new browser releases are outside of the project scope.
For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. If ‘enterprise’ or ‘compatibility mode’ or similar are enabled, further testing would be required of which test packages can be provided.

JavaScript must be enabled on the browser for this solution to work. If JavaScript is halted or blocked, the solution will not load.

 

Technical Specification - Evolve

Elearning content developed using Evolve can be output as various package formats for a Learning Management System (LMS):

  • Publish for web
  • Publish for LMS – SCORM 1.2/2004 Course completion, assessment, or both for LMS tracking
  • Publish for Exceed or Bloom LMS specifically
  • Publish for xAPI (Beta)
  • Publish for offline

On-screen size: The module is built to be responsive so it will conform to the parameters of the device it is being displayed upon.

Browser requirements

Appitierre state that Evolve content works in 95% of all internet browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari and MS Edge. Appitierre recommend Chrome v60 onwards, Firefox v55 or MS Edge. Internet Explorer 11 is no longer supported by Appitierre, and although courses may load, this cannot be guaranteed.

Sponge recommends the above browsers and platforms for maximum compatibility with your solution. For older supported browsers, some degradation may occur.

For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. If ‘enterprise mode’ or ‘compatibility mode’ or similar are enabled, further testing would be required of which test packages can be provided. This also assumes that the content is not served to the user in any iframes, framesets, or other containers (apps etc), and is only presented as it is provided in the SCORM package. Further information can be provided on request.

JavaScript must be enabled on the browser for this solution to work. If JavaScript is halted or blocked, the solution will not load.

All operating systems should have the latest patches installed and all associated software must be of the latest version. Certain security and antivirus software that interferes with the display and execution of web-based content such as JavaScript, WebGL and the canvas element is not supported.

For some of the more graphic-heavy features, we recommend not using thin clients and instead use a dedicated machine.

 

Technical Specification - GDPR Sorted! game (Desktop & Mobile)

The GDPR Sorted! game has been developed using a web-standard HTML5 game engine. This is outputted as SCORM 1.2 for a Learning Management System (LMS).

On-screen size: Optimised resolution of 414x736 with scaling enabled.

The game will run on the following browsers:

For desktop viewing (HTML5):

  • Microsoft Edge (latest)
  • Firefox (latest)
  • Google Chrome (latest)
  • Safari (latest)

For mobile viewing (iOS and Android)

  • Mobile Safari on iOS 10+
  • Google Chrome on Android OS 7+

Sponge UK guarantees compatibility for the above browsers and platforms for your solution. For older supported browsers, some degradation may occur and subsequent new browser releases are outside of the project scope.

For all browsers listed, it is assumed that a standard configuration is in use. If ‘enterprise mode’ or ‘compatibility mode’ or similar are enabled, further testing would be required of which test packages can be provided. This also assumes that the content is not served to the user in any iframes, framesets, or other containers (apps etc), and is only presented as it is provided in the web package/SCORM package. Further information can be provided on request.

All operating systems should have the latest patches installed and all associated software must be of the latest version. Certain security and antivirus software that interferes with the display and execution of web-based content such as JavaScript, WebGL and the canvas element is not supported.

Due to the more graphic-heavy features, we cannot guarantee performance when using thin clients. Instead, Sponge UK advises using a dedicated machine with a dedicated GPU for best results.

Note: ‘Latest’ version refers to the most recent browser release available at the date of proposal.

Server/hosting requirements (if not hosted by Sponge):

  • GDPR Sorted can be hosted through a SCORM compliant LMS or via standard web hosting, to ensure maximum compatibility the hosting must meet the following requirements:
  • Microsoft Sharepoint cannot be used to host phaser projects due to its inability to handle file types such as JSON and SVG
  • If using a SCORM compliant LMS, the ability to save and retrieve data to the _suspendData variable is required, this is used for tracking / resuming of the user’s progress
  • The game will be delivered in a package containing HTML, JavaScript, CSS, JSON and various image and/or video files
  • There will be no server-side files (PHP, ASP etc.)
  • The server hosting the content must be able to serve UTF-8 encoded files
  • The server must also be able to serve the correct MIME type headers for the following file types:
    • HTML (.html - text/html)
    • CSS (.css - text/css)
    • JavaScript (.js - application/javascript
    • JSON (.json - application/json)
    • SVG (.svg - image/svg+xml)
    • PNG (.png - image/png)
    • JPEG (.jpg - image/jpeg)

 

Experiencing Issues?

Use the System Checker to run our standard compatibility checks. See our System Checker article here. 

 

 

Related articles