General Technology Hardware for Online/Hybrid Courses

Description

Taking an online course requires a good computer, and consistent internet connection. In addition there are some basic general skills, along with computer and internet skills that are required to be successful.

This Guide Will Help You to:

• Identify hardware requirements

• Identify internet requirements

• Run computer systems check

• Seek further assistance

Identify hardware requirements

Computer

It's recommended that your computer is fairly new (within 3 years of purchase). You will need to access the internet, work in office suites (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, etc.). A smartphone or tablet will not be sufficient.

Headphones

A good set of headphones is helpful when viewing course videos. You may also want to look into a headphone/microphone combination. Web conferencing and online test proctoring may be required for some Moodle ISU classes.

Microphone

You may need to participate in a web conferencing class or create a video or narrated PowerPoint. A headphone/microphone combination is a good option.

WebCam

Most modern laptops come with a webcam. This will help you in participating in live web conferencing style classes as well as recording video. Web conferencing and online test proctoring may be required for some Moodle ISU classes.

Identify internet requirements

• Broadband internet (DSL or cable) is recommended. You should get the best internet you can afford.

• A wired internet connection is preferred to wireless, especially when taking quizzes and exams. This does not mean you can’t use your laptop - just plug it in directly when taking quizzes and exams.

Run computer systems check

To have a successful experience in an online course, it is essential to use the appropriate technology. The following resources will assist you in identifying if your current computer hardware fulfils the general technology requirements needed for online course work.

• (PC) How do I check my Windows computer specs and operating system?

• (Mac) How do I check my Mac computer specs and operating system?

• Set Firefox or Chrome as my default browser.

• Update Firefox or Chrome to the latest version.

• Test my:

  • Internet speed 

  • Webcam

    • Update Webcam Device Drivers for PC

  • Microphone

    • How To Change Mic Settings In Windows 8

    • How To Change Mic Settings In Windows 10

    • How To Change Mic Settings In Windows 7

    • How To Change Mic Settings In Windows Vista

    • How To Change Mic Settings In Windows XP

    • How To Change Mic Settings In Mac OS X

    • How To Change Mic Settings In Ubuntu (Linux)

  • Speakers

    • Fix sound problems in Windows 10

    • Can't hear sound from your Mac speakers

• Online Proctoring:

  • Examity: Computer Readiness Check

  • ProctorFree: Technical Requirements

• Plagiarism Checker

  • Turnitin: System Requirements document

• Web Conferencing

  • Zoom: System Requirements document

    • Video and Audio Configuration video tutorial

    • Example Meeting (zoom.us/test) - This meeting is used for faculty, staff, and students at ISU to test their computer, audio, and video with Zoom Meeting.

  • Google Meet: Requirements for using

Seek Further Assistance

If you have any additional technology/computer questions, contact the IT Help Desk

• Phone: (208) 282 HELP  (4357)

• Email: help@isu.edu

• Web: TigerTracks - Help me find answers

If you have questions regarding your course, contact your instructor

Faculty: for additional assistance please contact, ITRC at (208) 282 5880 or itrc@isu.edu

General Skills list from Hong, S. & Jung, I. (2011). The distance learner competencies: A three-phased empirical approach. Educational Technology Research Development, 59(1), 21-42.

This work was created by the Idaho State University Instructional Technology Resource Center and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License