Remote Learning Computer Requirements

What technology requirements* do hybrid/remote students need to have in place at home to be successful in a remote program?

Business, Healthcare, Law, and Supply Chain Programs

Information Technology Programs

Graphic Design Technology Recommendations

Application Developer Programs (MWD/MD/WD/WDF

How to Find Your PC's Make, Model, Processor Speed, and RAM

Business, Healthcare, Law, and Supply Chain Programs: To help you prepare to be a successful remote learner, we’ve outlined below our suggested minimum technology requirements and recommendations for Business, Healthcare, Law, and Supply Chain programs.

Information Technology Programs: To help you prepare to be a successful remote learner, we’ve outlined below our suggested minimum technology requirements and recommendations for IT programs.

Optional- Top Performance Technology Recommendations- Core Video Game Development Modules.

Graphic Design Technology Recommendations

Application Developer Programs (MWD/MD/WD/WDF): To help you prepare to be a successful remote learner, we’ve outlined below our suggested minimum technology requirements and recommendations for Application Developer programs.

For effective operation, the computer must have an Intel i3 9th generation processor or higher. Anything less may lead to performance issues with Microsoft Teams, including frequent freezing during classes. Additionally, multitasking with applications such as Microsoft Word alongside Teams could result in system instability without a suitable processor. When idle, Windows typically consumes at least 2 GB of RAM, potentially increasing to 4 GB when running Microsoft Teams. Google Chrome can use between 500 MB to 1 GB of RAM. Systems often experience significant slowdowns or freezing when RAM usage exceeds 80%, as ongoing applications continue to demand resources, leading to potential crashes.

A minimum of 16 GB of RAM is recommended. With Windows 10 or 11, approximately 4 GB of RAM is used for basic operations, occupying half of the RAM on an 8 GB system. This configuration could lead to performance issues during class activities or while completing schoolwork.
An 8 GB RAM setup is generally insufficient, as Windows 10 or 11 and Google Chrome together can consume up to 5 GB, leaving limited capacity for additional tasks. Performance degradation typically begins when usage exceeds 6 GB of RAM. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are recommended for systems running Windows 11 to reduce boot and wake times, which otherwise could extend from 3 to 5 minutes. SSDs also enhance the loading speed of other applications.

To support your learning Microsoft Office will be required. Students should have a computer with one of the above-mentioned web browsers as well as Microsoft Office. You will also require Microsoft Teams, as the video conferencing platform used for all classrooms. The steps for downloading the free Microsoft Teams software will be covered during your new student orientation. Any program specific software will be noted in your program orientation, and you will have free remote access to this software for the duration of your course. The program specific software will also be covered during your new student orientation.

To ensure the best learning experience, we recommend high-speed broadband internet connection. It is the students’ responsibility to ensure they have access to a reliable internet connection and functioning computer. A prolonged lack of internet connection or access to a computer may result in non-completion of course work or participation in remote classrooms. We encourage you to communicate with your Campus Director should you not have access to a reliable internet connection and/or functioning computer.

To help determine internet speed, students may use their PC’s web browser to visit https://fast.com and it will automatically determine the internet speed within seconds. Generally, results greater than 15Mbps indicate a moderate speed, results greater than 50MBps indicate a fast speed. Internet connections with results less than 15Mbps indicate slow speed. To view these statistics, click on ‘Show More Info’; speeds will show beside the ‘Settings’ section.

What technology does a student need to be successful?

Students require a modern computer in good working condition that is equipped to view multimedia presentations (video and audio) with speakers/headphones and a webcam/microphone (either integrated or USB) to participate in class using software like Teams or Adobe Connect. Although not ideal, students may also use a desktop computer without webcam/mic if they have a phone or tablet to participate in remote classrooms if needed.

What type of computer or laptop will I need to participate in-class, while learning remotely?

Our learning environment is built around Windows 10 laptops and desktop PCs, as it is the most common platform used by our employers. Windows laptop users will have more functionality away from the classroom environment (e.g. MS Office learning via SAM/MindTap) resulting in a better experience when connecting remotely. While an Apple Mac can be a suitable alternative, some learning may require students to connect to one of our Windows-based environments. Laptops and PCs running Linux or ChromeOS (Chromebooks) are not considered suitable for participating in our programs. Remote Technology Forms Available in ADMS eSign Contract.