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Technical Requirements
You can take any WBUonline course using a variety of devices. We suggest having a desktop or laptop computer as your main device, but Blackboard does have mobile apps for smartphones and tablets that allow you to work in the classroom from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. Some content within the Blackboard student app can even be downloaded for reading and working offline.
While these mobile apps are constantly improving, please be aware that some types of assignments and exams may not be mobile compatible, especially with courses that use publisher courseware (such as Cengage MindTap and Pearson Mastering/MyLab). And folder discriptions may not be displayed in the app. So, that is why that is very important that you have access to a desktop or laptop computer for completing these type of activities in your courses.
To be successful in online courses, you will need to have privileges adequate enough to install software on a computer that meets the specifications supplied below.
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For PCs:
- Personal computer: With administrative rights (the ability to download software and change security settings)
- Hardware: Desktop or laptop
- Operating system: Microsoft Windows 10 or higher
- RAM: 8 GB or higher is recommended
- Web browser: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge
- Browser settings:
- Enable third-party cookies
- Enable Javascript
- Disable pop-up blocker
- Webcam: Internal or external with microphone
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For Macs:
- Personal computer: With administrative rights (the ability to download software and change security settings)
- Hardware: Desktop or laptop
- Operating system: Mac OS 12 and 13
- RAM: 8 GB or higher is recommended
- Web browser: Safari but Google Chrome and Firefox are STRONGLY recommended
- Browser settings:
- Enable third-party cookies
- Enable Javascript
- Disable pop-up blocker
- Webcam: Internal or external with microphone
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Chromebooks:
- Chromebooks operate with ChromeOS and are not supported by Blackboard Learn
- You may be able to access some Blackboard content on a Chromebook but other content may not be accessible
- Access to a computer with the above requirements is required to successfully complete a WBUonline course
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All Computers:
- Word Processing Program: All students have free access to Office 365 and are expected to use Microsoft Word for assignments. If Office is not used, students must have a way to convert documents into an acceptable format. Apple or Google Documents must be converted into Word or Office formats.
- If you plan to enroll in a computer applications course, access to the entire Microsoft Office Professional Suite is required.
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Broadband Internet Connection
- Internet access is a requirement for taking WBUonline courses: DSL, Cable, or Fiber
- Download speed: 40 Mb/s or greater
- Upload speed: 15 Mb/s or greater
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Virus Protection
- Quality virus protection software is required. This software is especially critical if you are accessing coursework from a computer on a network that is not protected by regularly updated virus protection software. Virus protection software provides computer systems protection against potentially damaging computer viruses. New viruses appear on a frequent basis; keep your virus protection software current by installing upgrades as they become available.
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Additional Information
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