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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 are not mobile compatible. 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.
For PCs:
- Microsoft® Windows 7, 8 or 10 (32-bit or 64-bit versions) Google netbooks or Chromebooks running Chrome OS will not run the software required in the School of Business
- CPU: Processors should not rate less than 2 GHZ
- RAM: 4 GB or higher is recommended on 64-bit systems (it is getting harder to buy 32-bit systems, but a 64-bit computer with only 2 GB of RAM will have problems with Microsoft Excel)
- Hard Drive storage Capacity: 250 GB or higher (a minimum of 500 GB is recommended if the student is not using Cloud or network storage)
- Display: Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor (LCD, LED)
For Macs:
- Apple® Mac OS X 10.12 or higher ( Sierra, High Sierra, Mohave)
- CPU: Intel processor Core i5 or better
- RAM: 4 GB or higher is recommended
- Hard Drive Storage Capacity: 250 GB or higher (a minimum of 500 GB is recommended if the student is not using Cloud or network storage)
- Display: Super VGA (800x600) or a higher-resolution monitor (LCD, LED)
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. ·
- Edge, Firefox 64.0 or higher, or Chrome 68 or higher are recommended. Other browsers may be used if compatible with Blackboard.
Internet Service Provider
- Internet access is a requirement for taking Internet courses. If you do not currently have Internet access, please make arrangements with an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Services vary among ISP's, so consider the cost, time you will spend online, accessibility, speed, ease of setup, and components of the provider's basic service. A broadband connection (384 Kbps or higher) is required. Also, make sure that the provider includes SLIP or PPP services as part of their Internet package; this is required for full Internet access with graphics capabilities. You must also have an active Wayland email account to take Internet courses.
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.
Additional Information
