Gun Sense for Kids

Troubleshooting

This FAQ and troubleshooting page is intended to help you access the curriculum as easily as possible, and to remove as many hurdles as possible. We do not employ a vast, noisy warehouse full of tech support agents, so please look through this page and make sure you have covered the bases.

FAQs

Can I access the training offline?

No, the training is designed to be an interactive online experience and requires an active internet connection. Even I, the developer, must place the training on a web server to view it properly – there is no offline version.

The course is not loading. What should I do?

If the course isn’t loading, see the complete troubleshooting guide below. Some high points from that guide include:

  • Check your internet connection to ensure it is stable (stable is more important than fast – use a wired connection or ensure you have good Wi-Fi signal strength).
  • Confirm that you’re not using a VPN or proxy, as these might block access.
  • Verify that the URL has not been altered; it must include all parameters.
  • Make sure you’re using a supported device and browser.
  • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies and try again, or try opening the provided launch link in an “incognito” or “private browsing” tab.

Can I share the training link with others?

The training is subscription-based and intended for specific groups, organizations, or regions. While launch links may be shared openly within your group, unauthorized sharing outside the subscribed group may prevent you or others from accessing the course.

What devices can I use to access the training?

You can access the training on most modern devices, including:

  • Desktop/laptop computers (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
  • Tablet and smartphones (iOS or Android) Ensure your browser is up to date and your wireless signal strength is good.

Why does the video quality change during the training?

The course uses adaptive bitrate streaming, which adjusts video quality based on your internet speed. If your connection slows down, the video quality may temporarily decrease to prevent buffering.

Can multiple users complete the training from the same device?

Yes, but each user should access the course using the launch link you were provided (contains “launch.php”), which will generate a unique URL with their specific parameters to ensure proper interactive content delivery.

What should I do if my school’s firewall blocks access?

If you encounter issues accessing the site from a school or organizational network:

  • Inform your IT administrator and ask them to whitelist https://gunsenseforkids.us.
  • Alternatively, try accessing the course from a different network (e.g., home Wi-Fi), at least to ensure that the issue is in fact the organizational network.

Is there a way to restart or review the training?

Yes, you can revisit the training by using the same URL provided. Some courses may allow you to resume where you left off or restart from the beginning.

What happens if I accidentally close the training?

Courses should save your progress automatically. Reopen the URL provided and you should be able to resume from where you left off, or choose to restart the course.

Basic Requirements for Access

Device Requirements

  • Supported Devices: The course is compatible with most devices, including desktops (and laptops) and mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.
  • Operating Systems: Works with common operating systems like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Browser Compatibility

  • Recommended Browsers: Use a modern browser such as:
    • Google Chrome
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Safari
    • Microsoft Edge
  • Browser Updates: Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version for optimal compatibility.
  • JavaScript: JavaScript must be enabled for the training to function correctly.

Internet Connection

  • The course uses adaptive bitrate streaming (HLS format), which adjusts video quality based on your connection speed.
  • A stable internet connection is recommended. It’s MUCH more important that your internet connection is stable (e.g. a wired connection, or excellent wifi signal strength even if on a slow internet connection) than that the connection is fast.
    • Minimum connection speed: 2 Mbps (low-resolution playback) on a stable connection.
    • Recommended speed: 10 Mbps or higher for smooth playback and better video quality.

Common Technical Issues and Solutions

VPN/Proxy Usage

  • Potential Issue: If you are using a VPN or proxy, it may prevent the course from loading due to security measures.
  • Recommendation: Disable your VPN or proxy if you encounter access issues.

URL Parameters

  • How It Works: The launch URL and course URL include specific parameters that are essential for accessing the training and serving an interactive course.
  • Common Mistake: Altering or removing parts of the URL may prevent the course from loading correctly.
  • Solution: Ensure the URL is copied and used exactly as provided. For example:
    • Correct: https://gunsenseforkids.us/launch.php?id=demo
    • Incorrect: https://gunsenseforkids.us/launch.php
    • Incorrect: https://gunsenseforkids.us/learn/demo
    • Incorrect: https://gunsenseforkids.us/learn/demo/AbCdE.html

Firewall or School Network Restrictions

  • Potential Issue: Some school or organization networks may block access to the website or specific content.
  • Recommendation:
    • Contact your IT administrator to verify if the site is being blocked.
    • Provide this URL for whitelisting if needed: https://gunsenseforkids.us

Browser Configuration

  • JavaScript: Verify that JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings.
  • Cache Issues: If pages fail to load or display incorrectly:
    • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
    • Restart your browser and try again.
  • Extensions: Disable browser extensions (e.g., ad blockers) that might interfere with the site.

Device-Specific Tips

  • Mobile Devices:
    • Ensure screen rotation is enabled for the best viewing experience.
    • Close other apps to free up resources for the training.
  • Desktop Devices:
    • Update any outdated plugins that might affect video playback.
    • Test in multiple browsers if issues persist.