Minimum Technology Requirements for Distance Learning

When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology needed to have a successful course. We recommend you meet the technical requirements below when using the university's learning management system (LMS).

Note: For additional required hardware or software requirements for your course(s), contact your instructor or refer to the course syllabus for additional information on their requirements.

A computer (desktop/laptop) or mobile device (smartphone/tablet) that is less than 5 years old will work.
- NOTE: Chromebooks are not recommended and may not be compatible with all third-party tools used in course shells.
Speakers/headphones/earbuds for listening to audio or videos presented in courses.

Webcam for interacting in course activities that require video feedback from students (such as VoiceThread), video test proctoring (such as Respondus Monitor), or other third-party tools.

Software

Required
Optional

The following software is required :

Internet Browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, are preferred. It is also suggested to have both of these browsers, so that one can act as a backup in case the other is experiencing issues. (See Internet Browser section for more information.)
- Mozilla Firefox (latest version) - www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/.
- Google Chrome (latest version) - www.google.com/chrome/.
Adobe Acrobat Reader (latest version) can be used for viewing PDF files offline (outside of a web browser). - get.adobe.com/reader/.

Microsoft Office (includes Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
- Students have free access to install the suite on their computers. Office 365 Instructions - OIT Helpdesk.
Windows Media Player is one media player that can be used to play videos offline (outside of a web browser), if not presented/embedded in Blackboard. - Windows Media Player Download.

Internet Connection

A stable Internet connection of 56K or greater is required. (However, please note that a 56K connection may degrade the quality of your experience.)

Internet Browser(s)

Various browsers may be able to access the learning management system. We recommend the following tips:

Google Chrome™, most recent stable version and two preceding versions.
Mozilla® Firefox®, most recent stable version and two preceding versions.
Apple® Safari® for MacOS and iOS, two most recent major versions.
Microsoft® Edge®1 most recent stable version and two preceding versions
- Note: Do not use Internet Explorer. This browser is obsolete and is no longer supported by Blackboard.
- Click here for more information on Browser Support
Be sure to configure your Internet browser properly. (Please note that Mozilla Firefox is the university-preferred browser. To download Firefox, please visit https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/.)
You may check if your browser is properly configured via the Browser Check provided below. This component will also be provided in the learning management system.
- Click here to test your browser for Blackboard.

Enable Third-Party Cookies in Your Browser

To ensure web-based applications run smoothly, you might need to enable third-party cookies in your browser. This is especially important for platforms like Blackboard, which integrate with various services and content, such as publisher tools and multimedia applications like VoiceThread and Echo360.

Plus IconMinus IconGoogle Chrome

To enable cookies in Google Chrome (PC or Mac):

In Chrome, click the Chrome menu icon (three dots in the upper right)
Click Settings
In the Privacy section, click Cookies and other site data
Make sure that Block third-party cookies and Block all cookies are not selected

To enable cookies in Google Chrome (iPhone or iPad):

Open the iOS Settings (gear icon)
Scroll and select Chrome, or swipe down to use the search field
Enable the Allow Cross-Website Tracking slider

Plus IconMinus IconSafari

To enable cookies in Safari (Mac):

In Safari, open the Safari drop-down menu and click Preferences
Click Privacy in the top panel
Ensure that Prevent cross-site tracking and Block all cookies are both unchecked

To enable cookies in Safari (iPhone or iPad):

Open the iOS Settings (gear icon)
Scroll and select Safari, or swipe down to use the search field
Disable the Allow Cross-Website Tracking slider
Disable the Block All Cookies slider

Plus IconMinus IconMozilla

Visit the website.
At the left of the address bar, click the shield icon.
At the top right of the panel, toggle off the Enhanced Tracking Protection switch. This will disable Enhanced Tracking Protection for the site, causing the page to automatically reload and enable trackers.