1.5: Technology Requirements

Criterion Overview

Students should understand the technology requirements for a course before they begin coursework. Clearly communicating required hardware, software, applications, browser requirements, internet access, and third-party tools helps learners prepare in advance and reduces technology-related barriers that can interfere with learning.

In addition to identifying required technologies, instructors should communicate any technical expectations necessary for successful participation. This includes informing students about required applications, publisher resources, webcams, microphones, secure testing software, or other technologies used throughout the course. When students know what technology they need and where to find technical assistance, they can participate with greater confidence and fewer interruptions.

Technology requirements should be easy to locate, written in student-friendly language, and introduced early in the course. Providing this information before coursework begins allows students sufficient time to obtain required technology, verify compatibility, and resolve technical issues before they affect academic performance.

Why It Matters

Technology should support learning—not become a barrier to it. Students begin online courses with varying levels of access to devices, internet connectivity, software, and technical experience. Providing clear technology expectations before coursework begins allows students to prepare the resources they need for successful participation.

Unexpected technology requirements can create unnecessary stress and negatively impact student success. For example, discovering that a webcam, microphone, secure testing software, publisher account, or specific browser is required immediately before an assignment or exam may prevent students from completing their work on time. Clearly communicating these expectations early gives learners time to prepare and seek assistance if needed.

Providing information about technology support services also promotes student confidence and independence. When students know where to find tutorials, troubleshooting resources, and technical assistance, they are more likely to resolve issues quickly and remain engaged in the course.

What This Looks Like

The course clearly identifies the technology required for successful participation.

A well-designed course typically includes:

• Recommended web browser(s).
• Internet connectivity requirements.
• Computer operating system requirements (when applicable).
• Required hardware (e.g., webcam, microphone, speakers, or headset).
• Required software or applications.
• Publisher platforms or external learning tools.
• Secure testing software (when applicable).
• Mobile device limitations (when applicable).
• Required file formats.
• Technology support resources.
• Instructions for accessing third-party tools.

Technology requirements are introduced in the Getting Started module or Course Information area and remain easy to locate throughout the course.

Design Tips

Ask yourself: If a student enrolled today using a different computer, browser, or internet connection than mine, would they know exactly what technology they need and have enough time to prepare before coursework begins?

✔ Introduce all technology requirements before the first graded assignment.

✔ Clearly distinguish between required and optional technologies.

✔ Organize technology requirements into categories such as hardware, software, internet access, publisher tools, and external applications.

✔ Provide direct links for downloading software or accessing required technologies whenever possible.

✔ Inform students if certain activities cannot be completed on mobile devices.

✔ Include brief tutorials, screenshots, or videos for technologies that may be unfamiliar to students.

✔ Provide contact information for campus technology support and explain when students should contact the instructor versus the Help Desk.

✔ Review technology requirements before each semester to ensure links, software versions, publisher information, and external applications remain current.