Golden Gate University
Technical Requirements for Online Courses
These are the technical requirements needed to access any online coursework in your Golden Gate University classes.
Internet Connection
- A broadband connection (DSL, cable, T1, LAN) is required; this will allow you to access any audio/video materials as well as larger files.
- Accessing your course material wirelessly typically works well, HOWEVER, because wireless connections often drop out intermittently please complete your exams and longer quizzes with a non-wireless computer. This will help to ensure that your internet connection doesn't drop causing you to lose your work.
Hardware
- Speakers or headphones to hear any audio or audio/video content
- Webcam:
- In some classes an inexpensive webcam may be required for student-created audio or video content.
- Some classes use webinars that require a webcam
- Webcams are also a requirement for any student choosing to use ProctorU as their proctored exam choice.
- Test your equipment compatibility with ProctorU
Operating Systems
- PC : Windows 7 or higher
- Mac: OS 10 and higher
Browsers
The following web browsers are currently recommended:
- PC
- Firefox version
- Chrome version
- Microsoft Edge
- MAC
- Firefox version
- Chrome version
- Microsoft Edge
! - Safari and Internet Explorer browsers are not currently recommended.
Browser Settings
- Security Level - set at Medium
- Accept all cookies
- Enable JavaScript
- Enable Java
Regularly clearing your browser cache and cookies is a good practice. To clear your browser and cookies periodically click on Tools in the IE menu bar. Next, click on Internet Options then click on the delete cookies and temporary files buttons.
Firefox
Go to "Open menu" and "Options."
Adjust your settings accordingly in each tab. Main changes the home page, manages add-ons, and changes download settings. Tabs adjust all settings dealing with tabbed browsing. Content changes settings dealing with pop ups, images, Java, languages and fonts. Applications chooses which applications open which file types. Privacy adjusts settings for history, cookies and other private data. Security deals with password storage, warning messages, and what to do about potentially dangerous sites. Advanced changes settings dealing with network settings, scrolling and browser updates.
Firefox help: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/
Chrome help: https://support.google.com/chrome/#topic=7438008
Safari help: go to Safari > Preferences. The settings are located on the Security and Privacy tabs.
Viewers/Players/Plug-ins/Add-ons
Different types of materials may be used within your online course. To prepare for any videos, flash files, documents and other formatted materials please download the following free utilities:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download)
- Java Plug-in (free download)
- RealPlayer (free download)
- Apple Quicktime: (free download)
Mobile/Tablet Devices
You can access many functions of eLearning classes via your mobile device, but some assets and features may not work consistently on mobile devices. We strongly recommend against depending on a mobile/tablet device for all of your classwork. However, mobile devices do provide a handy supplement for class access.
ProctorU
Some online courses require or or provide the option of using ProctorU, a web-based proctoring service, for supervised exams. Please check your course syllabus for specific information.