Software and Hardware

Computer Specifications: To ensure you can successfully install and use required software, please use the follow hardware specifications for your program:

myPLTW Allow List: To ensure your schools has continuous access to myPLTW, PLTW communications, and other PLTW resources, you should add the following websites to your school’s network allow list. Web addresses and emails on page 1 are required. The IP Address on page 1 can be used as a reference if the web addresses at the top of the page are not sufficient for allowing communications through content filters and firewalls. You will need to work with your IT department to have these added to your allow list.
myPLTW Network Allow List

Distance Learning Software: Listed in the document are websites that students and teachers will need to access for Distance Learning activities. Sites that require a login to complete activities will have their own guide with their respective course below.
PLTW Distance Learning Network Allow List

Autodesk Software: The Engineering curriculum will reflect 2023 versions of Autodesk Inventor, Revit, and CAM starting in the 23-24 school year.
Principles of Engineering: This course has been updated for the 23-24 school year. There are several software changes that have been made for the updated course.
VEX EXP: Automation and Robotics and Computer Science Essentials now support the use of VEX EXP equipment and continues to use VEXcode software. VEX V5 equipment will continue to be fully supported in both courses.
VEXcode Browser Software: VEX has released an online platform for VEXcode IQ, VEXcode EXP, and VEXcode V5. This change is geared towards Chromebook users but allows users of all OS types to use the online coding tool to program without a download. Traditional installation is still available and supported. Please see the individual guides for me details.
Digital Electronics: We released a new Unit 4 option for Digital Electronics for the 2022-23 school year that introduced new technology. Central to the update is the pi-top platform powered by a Raspberry Pi. With a rugged case and battery, students will be able to program solutions using the relevant Python programming language.
VEX IQ 2^nd Generation: Beginning in summer of 2022, VEX transitioned from the VEX IQ 1^st Generation platform to the VEX IQ 2^nd Generation platform. Changes were made to the VEX IQ Brain, Batteries, Controllers, Motors, and Sensors. Schools do not need to update VEX IQ kits to VEX IQ 2^nd Generation. Both the VEX IQ 1^st Generation and VEX IQ 2^nd Generation platforms are fully supported for use in PLTW Launch.
Fusion 360: Fusion 360 now has a feature that allows the teacher to get their students educational access by using a bulk roster upload in the Autodesk Portal. This allows students to get access without uploading a verification letter. The teacher and IT will still need to be verified before getting access to software, or the ability to add students. Students still need an email address to create an Autodesk Account.
Virtual Computer Labs: Provide greater access to PLTW software, regardless of platform or device. Using PLTW partner ByteSpeed, you can create a virtual computer lab, making the software necessary for PLTW classes available to all students 24/7, whether they are in the classroom, the library, or at home. Learn more.