All online courses require access to the Internet. Unless you will be traveling to a campus computer lab, you will need to have access to your own computer and a high-speed Internet Service Provider. A webcam and a microphone for your computer is recommended and may be required.

Technology Proficiency

You should be proficient in the following:

• basic computer skills
• sending/receiving email
• sending and receiving attachments via email
• using a web browser
• finding web resources through search engines
• downloading and installing software and/or viewing electronic files
• familiarity with using browser plug-ins (e.g. PDF reader, video, audio)
• using a word processing, presentation software, or other productivity applications
• experience/familiarity with a variety of file formats such as: .rtf "Rich Text Format", .doc or .docx "Microsoft Word Document", and .txt "Text document"
• the ability to be self-directed in learning new technology skills (eg. following a handout, a step-by-step tutorial, online video help, or access to support to learn necessary skills)

Computer Minimum Requirements

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• PC or Mac with Fast Processor 
• Monitor
• Speakers
• Webcam
• Headset and Microphone
• Additional Hardware may be Required (See Course Syllabus)

Minimum Software Requirements

• Windows 8 or Above
• OS 10.13 or Above
• Additional Software may be Required (See Course Syllabus)
  • Please Note: Some software applications such as Respondus LockDown Browser are not supported by Chromebooks.

• Minimum Software Requirements

• Windows 8 or Above
• OS 10.13 or Above
• Additional Software may be Required (See Course Syllabus)

• Internet Connection Requirements

• High Speed Broadband Internet Connection 

• Browsers

Internet Connection Requirements

• High Speed Broadband Internet Connection 

Browsers

• The most Recent Release of Chrome or Firefox is Recommended
• Blackboard - Browser Checker
• Blackboard - Browser Support 

Email

Email & Google Apps
At GVSU, all students are provided with a Google Gmail account, and all email from the university is sent to this address. This includes any email sent from Blackboard. Your professor or classmates may email you from your course site, and those emails will go to your GVSU Gmail account. You cannot customize Blackboard for email to go to another email address, however, you can forward your GVSU Gmail to another email account if desired. You will use the same username and password for Gmail as you use for Blackboard. If you do not know or remember your password, you can reset it from a link on the Gmail log-in page.

In addition to email, you may find it useful to take advantage of Google Docs, especially for collaborative work with your classmates. You'll find access to these once you log-in to Gmail, and Google offers tutorials for how to use their products.

Blackboard

Many online or hybrid online courses will use Blackboard, GVSU's learning management system. Think of it as your online classroom.

If you are unfamiliar with Blackboard, there is a self-paced tutorial that will help you to learn how to navigate and to sample many of its features. To access the online tutorial, go to Blackboard, and look for the link that reads "Blackboard Tutorial for Students". You will be able to access many of the common areas without logging in. However, the communication features are only available by self-enrolling into the course. The "+ Enroll" button is located on the lower left of the tutorial site.

GVSU is here to support you as an online learner. Resources are available such as:

• eLearning's Student Help for Blackboard, using Respondus LockDown Browser for online proctoring, accessing alternative file formats with Blackboard Ally, and support for Blackboard Collaborate which is used for virtual offices hours and live online class meetings is available.
• Blackboard's mobile apps, which provide convenience and access to your courses and learning while on-the-go.
• GVSU's Student IT HelpDesk offers technical support and assistance.

Technology Support and Resources

Support and Resources

• GVSU Student Help for Blackboard - How to use Blackboard
• GVSU IT HelpDesk - Technical Support for Students
• GVSU Software and Hardware - Free and for Purchase
• GCF Global - A comprehensive site with many tutorials.