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Before teaching with the simulator, make sure the computers and logins work. Then introduce students to the controls in a short session 0, before asking them to complete a subject-specific activity. For a demonstration or for making slides, prepare your own computer and login. For student practice, complete the checks below on the computers students will use too.

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Get the computers and logins ready

Before the first session, confirm that:
  • The Desktop X-ray Simulator is installed on every computer you plan to use.
  • Instructors and students have received the simulator login they should use.
  • They can log in and open a case on those computers.
Your teaching computer: follow the Desktop requirements and installation guide, then test your login. For a demonstration, also check the projector in the teaching room. Institution computers: ask IT to prepare the rooms or computers before the first session. Share the IT setup information. Arrange for the login and case-opening checks to be completed on the computers students will use. Students’ own computers: send the requirements and installation guide in advance. Give students a deadline to confirm they can log in and open a case, and a contact for help. Arrange time on an institution computer for anyone who needs it. VitaSim provides X-ray Simulator accounts. Ask your institution’s simulator coordinator to arrange and distribute the logins. These are separate from the login used to access the computer. See Accounts and Login for details. Internet access is needed when logging in. Resolve access problems, or arrange another working computer, before the session.

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Try the activity yourself

Choose a case and projection that match your topic. Work through your chosen activity using the image criteria you teach. Check that you can find the controls, make the intended change, explain its effect, and save an image. Use the Desktop quick start for the control-by-control instructions. Save your example images so you can still discuss the task if a live demonstration is interrupted. Decide how much time the activity needs after trying it yourself.

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Tell students what to expect

Send the setup instructions before session 0. You can adapt this message:
Before our first X-ray Simulator session On [date and location], we will learn to use the simulator: open a case, adjust the setup, and save an image. You will use [institution computers / your own computer]. Follow the attached setup instructions and use the X-ray Simulator login provided to you. By [access-check deadline], check that you can log in and open a case. If you cannot, contact [help contact] and tell us which step you reached. During the session, everyone will practise the controls. Bring your login details.
For the first subject-specific activity, also share what students should review, the image criteria, and what they will hand in. The image-making assignment brief provides an example.

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Session 0: learn the controls

Run this introduction before students’ first practice activity or homework. It can be a separate session or the opening part of your first class. The aim is for every student to operate the simulator and save an image. Use the case planned for the first activity. Demonstrate a short step, then let students try it: Keep the introduction focused on the controls students will need next. If they share a computer, have them swap so each person practises. Before moving on: ask each student to open the chosen case, make one requested adjustment, and save and find an image without following your demonstration. Help anyone who needs another attempt before starting the subject-specific task. If images will be submitted through your assignment system, let students practise uploading this image too.

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Know where to get help

Ask your institution’s IT team about installation or computer access, and your simulator coordinator about logins. For a problem with the application, contact VitaSim support. Include the case name, what you were trying to do, and any error message. Next: Choose your teaching activity.