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Technical Requirements for Teaching and Learning Remotely

Basic computer equipment is required for remote teaching and remote learning.

You will need a computer or laptop, a webcam, microphone and speakers or headset.

  • Many Laptops have a built-in webcam, microphone and speakers.
  • Most webcams also have a microphone.
  • Some headsets have a microphone.
  • Most smartphones work well for Zoom as they have camera, microphone and speakers.
  • Using a smartphone for UR Courses is possible, but not recommended.

Minimum Computer Requirements

The minimum requirements are a computer or laptop with a current web browser and basic software.

  • Microsoft Windows 10 is recommended.
  • Apple macOS 10.10 or greater systems will also work, except for some specialized software.
  • Other operating systems may work but are not supported.

Recommended Computer System

  • A newer Windows computer, preferably less than about 4 years old, including a monitor, mouse, and keyboard.
  • Windows 10.
  • Microsoft Office 2010 or newer.
  • Backup device or service.
  • Security Software (Anti-virus/firewall).
  • Web Browsers: Firefox, Safari 8 or greater, Edge, Chrome.
  • Internet connection, preferably high-speed ADSL, Cable, or similar.
  • The following items may also be required or beneficial for some courses:
    • Optical Drive.
    • Colour Printer.
    • Scanner.
    • Speakers/Headphones.
    • Web Camera and Microphone.
    • Administrator rights.

Internet Access

For internet access, a typical home internet package is sufficient in most cases. Needs may depend on the course and whether it is primarily text-based online, more media-rich, or requires real-time communications within the class.

Basic Internet Bandwidth and Connection Speed Recommendations

To test your current internet speeds: Ensure you are connected to your home internet. Open a browser window, go to Google.ca, search for 'Speed Test,' click 'Run Speed test'.

Primarily text-based online courses:

  • Internet Download Speed: 1.5 Mbps
  • Internet Upload Speed: 1.0 Mbps

Media-rich online courses:

  • Internet Download Speed: 5.0 Mbps
  • Internet Upload Speed: 1.0 Mbps

Real-time communications within a course (e.g., Zoom):

  • Internet Download Speed: 5.0 Mbps
  • Internet Upload Speed: 1.0 Mbps

Note: If you are in a remote area and experience video issues, you may be able to continue a zoom meeting by stopping the video and using audio only.

Computer Requirements for taking a Proctored Online Exam

  • Computer with Windows operating system version 7 or higher
    OR MacOS version 10.12 El Capitan or higher
    OR Chromebook version 80 or higher
  • Processor/Memory: PC – Dual core 2.4 Ghz CPU with minimum 4GB RAM
    OR MAC – Intel/AMD processor with minimum 4GB RAM
  • Web browser: Mozilla Firefox v20.0 or higher
    OR Google Chrome v25.0 or higher
  • Plug-ins: Javascript enabled and Third Party Cookies enabled
  • Webcam with camera resolution 800x600 or better
  • Internet connection: Cable Modem (DSL or better) with:
    • minimum Download speed of 1.5 Mbps
    • minimum Upload Speed of 1.0 Mbps

To view the technical specifications of your computer system:

  • Windows: Click Windows icon in lower left corner, click 'Settings' gear icon, scroll down to the bottom and click "About" on the left side 
  • Mac OS: Click the Apple logo in top left corner, click 'About this Mac', then click 'More info...'

To test your current internet speeds:

  1. Ensure you are connected to your home internet
  2. Open a browser window and go to Google.ca
  3. Search for 'Speed Test,'
  4. Click 'Run Speed test'