Prepare for Your Semester with this Online 'School Supply' List
You may not need a backpack to haul supplies to and from campus or 15 shades of highlighters, but if you’re going to learn online, there are some basic tech “supplies” that come with the territory.
Don’t worry. You don’t need elite equipment or skills. Here are the basics:
1. Reliable internet
The last thing you want when you’re in the middle of a Moodle quiz or proctored exam is to lose your internet connection and your progress along with it.
We recommend a wired connection instead of relying on Wifi, which can be erratic.
Your internet download and upload speed should be 2 Mbps or higher. You can test your speed using the free tool at Speedtest.net.
2. A properly configured computer
Using your smartphone or tablet to check your grades or post to discussion forums is fine, but not so good for submitting documents, writing long essays, or taking quizzes, and won't work at all for taking proctored exams.
For that reason, you’ll still need a laptop or desktop with a browser, operating system, and hardware capacity that’s up to standard for your course needs.
Web browser: To use the University’s learning management system, Moodle, your best bet is to download Mozilla Firefox. Help Desk offers a Browser Compatibility Test to ensure your settings are up to par.
Operating system: Recommendations are Windows Vista or better for PC users and MacOSx 10.5 or better for Mac users. To check your operating system, PC users should type: "about your PC" in their computer's search bar, and Mac users should click on the apple icon and choose "About this Mac.”
Hardware: RAM should be 1GB or higher. Find your machine’s specifications in the same location as operating system information.
3. Webcam, microphone, and speakers
Check your course syllabus or introduction to see what level of audio-video equipment you’ll need; in some cases, a smartphone will be sufficient.
In any case, test your camera, microphone, and speakers to make sure they’re in working order before you begin your coursework. If you need to replace any one of these, you could fall behind as a result.
Either make a quick video call to a friend or family member, or use this free test.
4. A backup plan
Chaos is only a spilled latte away.
Plan on a secondary location to pick up your studies if something happens to your equipment or Internet connection. Work through the same steps above at the secondary site before you need to use it.
As a UL Lafayette student, you have access to additional technology resources, including free anti-virus software and Microsoft Office 365 Pro Plus. For more information and help along the way, review our full rundown of tech support services.
But if you still want the highlighter megapack, we say go for it.
Learn more about the online programs UL Lafayette offers and how they can help you advance your education and your career.
