As an online school, it is
essential that students have reliable access to the right technology to be successful
at Grantham University. To quote the GU catalog, “failure to meet and maintain
these standards may result in either denied admission or removal from the
course.” In other words, not having the proper computer hardware is not an
excuse for not completing the course work. Students must be able to download
and install software to achieve the course requirements.
OPERATING SYSTEM:
• Windows 8 or higher
How do I find out which version
of Windows operating system am I running?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/13443/windows-which-operating-system
The link above will tell you
which version of Windows you are running
INTERNET CONNECTION:
• Broadband internet connection
1Mbps or faster
How do I test my internet
connection?
https://www.speedtest.net/
PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE:
• Java 7 (or higher)
https://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp?detect=jre
APPLICATIONS:
• Acrobat Reader version 2015
(or higher)
https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/install-updates-reader-acrobat.html
WEBCAM:
• Students are required to have
a webcam both for certain courses as well as for Proctored exams. A webcam may
be required in your first course.
INTERNET BROWSER:
• Edge 30 (or higher) or
Firefox 50 (or higher) or Chrome 56 (or higher) or Safari 11 (or higher)
Mac or Apple Products
While you may be able to use
this operating system to navigate web-based applications, Apple or Mac products
may not be compatible with specific software or programs used in the course
will. Make sure you have a plan B in case your Mac is not compatible with
specific software or programs that you may need to use.
Mobile Devices
Mobile Devices are great for
being able to check your grade, watch lectures, read your email, or read the
textbook. However, mobile devices are
not an acceptable alternative to a laptop or desktop computer (PC).
Five Technology Tips
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Make sure you
have a good internet connection
o
Opening discussions,
downloading files, submitting assignments and watching videos will all take
longer with slow internet connections.
This could result in the system timing out or missing a deadline.
o
Sometimes
restarting the modem or router can increase speed. It has a buffer much like a
computer and can get ‘clogged’. A restart resets the connection
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If a first it
doesn’t work . . .
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Trying closing
and reopening the application (Blackboard or Glife)
o
Trying using
another Internet Browser
o
Restart the
computer can clear certain IDEs that overtax the JVM or graphics capabilities
o
Try clearing your
Internet’s cached data
(https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-clear-cache-2617980)
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Check the
syllabus during preview week for the any additional hardware or software needed
in the course.
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Have a back-up
plan. Technology breaks when you need it
the most.
o
Ask a friend to
borrow their computer in a pinch
o
See if you can
use a work computer on a break
o
Check your local
library or community center for available public computers
o
Do not wait until
the last minute! Submitting work early allows more time to fix or resolve a
technology issue before the deadline.
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Ask for Help
o
Your instructor
or your student advisor may know how to fix the issue.
o
Send a screenshot
of the computer error or problem to more quickly resolve it