Minimum Technology Requirements
for Hybrid and Web Courses
2015-2016
Web and Hybrid courses at Calhoun require students to use Blackboard on a weekly basis throughout
the semester. Blackboard is also often used as a component in traditional courses. Many courses also
incorporate videos through Tegrity. In order to ensure that students can access Blackboard and
Tegrity without problems, Calhoun requires that students comply with the following technical
requirements.
Students who do not have personal access to a computer that meets these minimum requirements
are welcome to utilize the open computer labs available on either the Huntsville or Decatur campus.
*Note: Individual classes may have additional requirements or restrictions beyond those identified
here. Examples include software and plugins associated with publisher resources. Students should
review the “Notes” for their courses in MyCalhoun or the course syllabus in Blackboard for details.
Technology Requirements
Device
Desktop computer
Laptop computer
Operating
System
Windows 7, 8, or 8.1
Mac OSX 10.7 +
Hardware
1.3GHz processor
2 GB Ram
80 GB (20 GB free) hard drive
Browsers
Internet Explorer 11 from Microsoft
Note: Some configuration options for Internet Explorer might make some
features of Blackboard Learn difficult to use.
Safari 7 from Apple
Safari 6 from Apple
Note: Safari for Windows is unsupported. Apple's continued support for this
browser is unclear, and Blackboard does not test it.
Firefox 28 (stable channel) from Mozilla
Firefox 24 (ESR channel) from Mozilla
Chrome 34 (stable channel) from Google
Calhoun Community College
Distance Learning - 2015
Bobbi Jo Carter, Ph.D.
Internet Connection
Adobe Reader
Cable or DSL connection is necessary for an optimal online experience
Wireless Internet connections are not recommended
Dial-up Internet connections are not supported
The latest version of Adobe Reader: https://get.adobe.com/reader/
Adobe Flash
The latest version of Adobe Flash Player: https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Adobe Shockwave
The latest version of Adobe Shockwave Player: https://get.adobe.com/shockwave/
Apple QuickTime
The latest version of QuickTime: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
MS Media Player
The latest version of Windows Media Player:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/download-windows-media-player
Silverlight
The latest version of Microsoft Silverlight:
http://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx
Java
Java Runtime Environment (JRE) from Oracle
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html
MS Office
MS Office 2010, minimum
MS Office 365 is recommended and free to Calhoun students and employees:
https://portal.office.com/start?sku=e82ae690-a2d5-4d76-8d30-7c6e01e6022e
USB port
Necessary for Secure Exam to function
Web camera
Built-in Webcam on your computer or external Webcam
Suggested cameras include those available from Logitech:
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/webcam-communications/webcams
Microphone
Built-in on your computer, integrated with your Webcam, or external microphone
Suggested microphones include headsets available from Logitech:
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/voip-headsets
Technologies NOT supported
Device
Smart phone
iPad
Windows Tablet
Operating System
Window XP
Mac OSX through 10.6
Browsers
Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8
Firefox 1.x, 2.0, 3.0, 3.5 and 3.6
Safari 2, 3, 4, 5 (or any version on Windows)
Internet Connection
Dial-up Internet connections
Java
JRE 5
Calhoun Community College
Distance Learning - 2015
Bobbi Jo Carter, Ph.D.