Online Students
Students will need access to a laptop or desktop with Internet connectivity, a suite of software applications, and browser software to interact with the student information system (where you can find your schedule, transcript, financial documents and billing information, etc.) and the learning management system (where you find your courses). You will learn more about these software systems in the orientation course.
Recommendations
Computer
You may elect to use a computer with Windows or Mac operating system and software. Windows is preferred.
Computer Hardware Requirements:
- a working webcam
- a working microphone (or purchase a USB microphone headset)
Windows computer minimum requirements
- Intel Core Processor
- 4 GB RAM
- 500 GB hard drive
- Operating system: Windows 7 or higher
Apple Macintosh minimum requirements
- Core i5 or higher processor
- 4 GB RAM
- 500 GB hard drive
- Running OSX 10.7 or higher
Internet Connection
You will need a broadband connection in order to watch videos, download handouts and other files, and to upload assignments. A reliable connection is also necessary to ensure that you do not lose work or find a quiz interrupted.
You will need a broadband connection of at least 500Kbps download and 1.5Mbps upload speed. Many broadband providers will exceed this requirement. A cable or DSL connection should be adequate.
A note about mobile devices: Mobile devices are convenient, especially if you are away from home, but you should consider these to be secondary devices and not the main way to interact with coursework, create submissions for assignments, and compose responses for discussions.
Software
Browsers
Your browser software is the software you may use the most frequently. The learning management system, the student information system, and many of your course resources and activities will be accessed through your browser.
- Google Chrome 30.0 or latest version
- Mozilla Firefox 25.0 or latest version
- Apple Safari 6 or latest version
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 or latest version
- Microsoft Edge if using Windows 10
It is useful to have more than one browser installed so that if you have problems with one, you can try another.