What Technology Do I Need for Remote Courses?

Technology is an essential part of remote learning. You will need to have sufficient technology in order to succeed in your course. SLCC recommends the following:

A Computer or Device with Access to the Internet

The type of computer you have doesn’t matter, but you will need regular access to a computer that connects to the internet. Our recommendation is to use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible. It is important the computer is reliable so that you can always submit your assignments on time.

You don’t necessarily need to buy a computer; SLCC has computer labs, and local libraries and friends or family have computers you can use. The SLCC Bookstore has computers at discounted prices for purchase or rent.

Many students use smartphones or other mobile devices to do some of the work for their remote courses. Replying to emails, reading course content, watching videos, and posting on discussion boards are all easily completed from your devices. However, we recommend using a computer for typing papers, formatting text, saving documents, and downloading course material.

If using a device, Canvas has an app that has similar functionality as the web browser version, but it may not have all the features that you need. You should still use an internet browser to access Canvas on your mobile devices for full functionality.

Updated Operating System

Your computer's operating system should be updated to the latest version. If your operating system is not updated to the latest version, please check that you meet the minimum requirements below:

Windows - version 7 or higher
Mac OSX - 10.6 and newer

Basic Software

There are some basic software programs you should have to be successful in a remote course. The following list is not required but are recommended:

An internet browser (examples: Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, or Firefox)
Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel), which you can get for free as a student, or some other reliable word processor and spreadsheet

Internet Speed

The Canvas learning management system that your courses are in can operate with low bandwidth, but requires a minimum of 512 kbps. However, we recommend having a much faster internet speed (at least 3 Mbps) to video conference with your professors, watch course videos, and download course content.

Screen Reader Support (if needed)

Macintosh: VoiceOver (latest version for Safari)
PC: JAWS (latest version for Firefox)
PC: NVDA (latest version for Firefox)
There is no screen reader support for Canvas in Chrome

What Computer Skills Do I Need for Remote Courses?

You do not need to be a computer wizard to be successful in a remote course. Actually, many people who take remote courses have just a basic knowledge of technology. Let's look more specifically what a “basic” level of computer literacy looks like.

Ability to Use Basic Functions on a Computer

Using a keyboard and a mouse
Managing files and folders (saving, downloading, and uploading documents)
Using software applications (Microsoft Word, email, Canvas)

Internet Skills

Using a browser (examples: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.)
Using search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo)
Navigating Canvas (see later in this resource for more information on how to use Canvas)
Conference with professors via video call (see later in the resource for more information about video conferencing)

Technology Support

Depending on your remote learning experience and familiarity with technology, you may have a few questions as you get started and progress in your remote class. We encourage you to use the following resources to ensure that you are successful.

Technical Service Desk

If you are having issues with logging into SLCC's network (MySLCC), video conferencing with a professor, or any other technical issues with your computer besides Canvas:

Phone: (801) 957-5555
Email: help.desk@slcc.edu
Chat: Technology Help Desk. Click the "Live Chat" icon in the top right corner of the page.

Canvas Support

If you are having an issue with Canvas:

Phone (24/7): 1-844-334-0397 (toll free) or 1-801-957-5125, Option 1
Chat: Use the "Help" icon found in the left-hand menu for help docs and live chat whenever you are logged in to Canvas (this menu also lists the support phone numbers)
Read: Searchable Canvas Student Guides

eLearning Support Center

The Support Center is available to address questions about remote courses and other general questions.

Phone: 801-957-5125 (option 3)
Email: elearningsupport@slcc.edu
Self-Help: Frequently Asked Questions
Office: Taylorsville Redwood Campus, Technology Building (TB), Suite 115 (can be in office by appointment-call or email first)