Technical Requirements for Taking a UD Online Course

Closeup of a smartphone and tablet laying on a laptop keyboard.

On this page, you can find what kind of technology you will need for your courses.

Internet

Naturally, you will need an Internet connection in order to take an online course at UD. Canvas is designed to accommodate low-bandwidth environments, but it does require a minimum of 512kbps.

Hardware

While you can use a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone to access Canvas, your course may require the use of software that is only compatible on a desktop or laptop computer. Also, some of the course functionality may be limited if using the Canvas Student app Links to an external site.. Therefore, it's recommended that you have access to either a desktop or laptop computer. Contact your instructor for more information on what technology is required for the course.

In courses that use web conferencing programs, like Zoom, for live class meetings, real-time virtual meetings or activities, you may need to use a microphone and a webcam. Check with your instructor to see if those items are needed in your course.

When using a mobile device to work in an online course while on campus, you can connect to the UD network Links to an external site. in order to avoid data charges. If you encounter any problems connecting to the network, submit a help request to UD IT Tech Support Links to an external site..

Software

If using a desktop computer or a laptop, you will need the following software:

If using a mobile device, you will need to download and install the Canvas Student app Links to an external site., which is available for both Android and iOS.

UDeploy

If you're in need of specific software for your course, check out UDeploy Software Distribution Links to an external site., which has licensed software available for free for UD students. The site is organized by category, with common software like Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office (Windows and Mac) located in the Office and Productivity Links to an external site. section.

Google Apps

While you may not be required to use Google apps in your course, the software can be useful for coursework in an online course. A Google G Suite Links to an external site. is available through UD. You can access it by logging into Google using your UD username and password. A variety of apps are available, including Docs, Sheets, Slides and Drive.

Web conferencing

Some instructors may use web conferencing programs for live class meetings, activities like presentations, or virtual office hours. One of those programs, Zoom, is available for use through UD. To join a meeting set up by the instructor in Zoom, go to the UD Zoom portal Links to an external site., click the Join button and enter the meeting ID sent by the instructor. You can also click Sign In button to access your own UD Zoom account. For more information on Zoom, check out the Zoom Desktop Conferencing Links to an external site. page, which includes tutorials and FAQs on the program.

A second web conferencing program instructors may use is the BigBlueButton, which is integrated with Canvas and accessible through the Conferences course menu item. See the How Do I Use Conferences in a Course as a Student? Links to an external site. page in the Canvas Student Guide Links to an external site. for more how to join a conference in Canvas.

Canvas Requirements

Below are requirements for using Canvas.

Basic computer operating system specifications

Canvas requires computer operating systems that can run the latest browsers.

Though Canvas is designed to accommodate low-bandwidth environments, it does require a minimum of 512kbps.

For more information on other specifications like screen resolution, computer speed, and screen readers, check out the page on basic computer specifications Links to an external site..

Browsers to use with Canvas

Canvas supports all of the major desktop browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. Check out the browser support Links to an external site. page to see what versions of the browsers are currently supported.

Mobile devices to use with Canvas

The Canvas interface was optimized for desktop displays, so using small form factors such as phones may not be a pleasant experience in using Canvas. For the best user experience, it's recommended that you use the Canvas Student app Links to an external site..

Plugins and components needed

JavaScript must be enabled to run Canvas. To check your browser, go to the How to Enable JavaScript in Your Browser Links to an external site..