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Writer's pictureCaitlin Baird

help for Pearson simulations for Office on Mac

Pearson doesn't recognize my keyboard shortcuts.


From Pearson: "What limitations exist when using the MyLab IT simulations on a Mac? Most mouse configurations will work with MyLab IT simulations. Certain keyboard shortcuts will be displayed differently in the interface, see the description below for more information.


Detailed Instructions SIM5 is the HTML5-based Office training and assessment simulation activity for MyLab IT for Office. While running SIM5 activities in an Apple Mac OS environment, the learner may assume that key combinations may work that are different from the ones shown in the SIM5 Navigation Player instructions. (Example: Typically, Mac users use the COMMAND+{Key} combination, while Windows users use the CTRL+{Key} combination.)

How It Works SIM5 is a simulation of Microsoft Office, running in a Windows 8 environment. The simulation relies on both the technical design features of the simulation and browser control of the web page, to process the student experience.

Simulation Performance Mouse Most methods/pathways that use the mouse will work in a Mac environment. This means that most of the Primary pathways (which use the mouse) will work on Mac machines. Educators can Preview a simulation activity, or review Release Notes, to see a detailed list of acceptable mouse methods/pathways to complete.

Keyboard In cases where task instructions match the browser and operating system in use, CTRL+{Key} commands will always work. In cases where task instructions do not match the browser and operating system in use, most corresponding keyboard shortcuts work. (Example: Pearson testing shows that 99% of available SIM5 tasks work on Mac OS using either the Command+{key} or the CTRL+{Key}.)

Continued development of complete keyboard compatibility on Windows and Mac for SIM5 is ongoing."



You can also use the Virtual Keyboard feature to simulate a Windows keyboard:


"Some MyLab IT Skills-Based Trainings and Skills-Based Assessments contain a Virtual Keyboard feature designed to facilitate the use of keyboard navigation in instances where technical limitations apply to a browser-based activity. The Virtual Keyboard allows the learner to complete the activity as directed, but does not constitute a new method to complete a task. It is designed to be used for one single, specific action at a time. This may also help Mac users that don't have the CTRL button on their keyboard.

Use the Virtual Keyboard:

  1. Click the Keyboard icon on the Simulation Navigator Bar to open the Virtual Keyboard.

  2. Select the desired key icons on the Virtual Keyboard.

  3. Click the GO button to apply the action to the simulation activity.

The Virtual Keyboard does not support physical keyboard navigation at this time."



"While we have programmed as much flexibility into the simulations as possible, each question is a set of specific instructions that need to be followed to obtain credit. We also program as many methods as possible, within the limitations of the simulation environment. If you receive an "Incorrect Action" message, it is an indication that you have attempted an invalid action to complete the instruction as it is given.


The Hint or Show Me buttons (Read, Watch, or Practice Learning Aids in Office 2013 simulations) may help you determine the correct actions to take, if they are available in the simulation you are using.


Note: In some cases, a computer's display settings can cause the MyLab IT simulation to render some elements incorrectly and cause answers to be misinterpreted.

To ensure this is not happening, our recommended display settings (paying special attention to font size and dots per inch) should be applied. Please see MyLab IT: Display Issues for more information.

If, after applying our recommended settings, you continue to receive an "Incorrect Action" error, you should notify your instructor as soon as possible. If the actions you are taking are correct and should be added to the simulation, only your instructor may give you proper credit through manual grading and confirm this issue with their Pearson rep or Customer Technical Support."


Download: Mac hotkeys cheat sheet


I'm using Safari, and certain things don't seem to work or download.


PS. You can contact Pearson IT directly: https://support.pearson.com/getsupport

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