Technology Requirements

NOTE: See the Google document for the latest, printable version of this information

This infomation was updated July 2021 for the 2021/2022 Academic Year

Rowan Online provides dedicated technical support services for end users enrolled in courses and other products that employ Rowan Online learning environments and related technologies and services. What follows is a guide to the technology requirements and expectations for students taking online and hybrid courses with Rowan Online.

General Personal Computer Requirements

PC and Mac Computer Specifications

Spec	Minimum	Recommended
Processor	Intel Core i3+	Intel Core i5+
Hard Drive	250 GB	500 GB+
Memory (RAM)	4 GB	8 GB+
Operating System	Windows 10 Mac OS X 10.14 Mojave	Windows 10 Mac OS X 12 Monterey
Features	none	Webcam, Microphone, Speakers

Chromebook Specifications

Spec	Minimum	Recommended
Operating System	Chrome OS Release 80	Chrome OS Release 92+
Features	none	Webcam, Microphone, Speakers

New Personal Computer Purchase Considerations

For students enrolled in a degree or certificate program in which you will attend a series of online or hybrid courses, you should consider investing in a new computer (unless you have recently purchased a new computer). A good rule of thumb is that your computer should not be more than 2 years old when starting a new program. Ideally, your new computer purchase should meet or surpass the Recommended specifications posted above. For Chromebooks, the ability to update the Chrome OS may expire several years after purchase. Therefore, a new or very recently purchased Chromebook that can be readily updated throughout your time at Rowan is recommended.

Webcam, Microphone, and Speaker Requirements

An increasing number of online courses use web conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Webex for virtual meetings. Any requirements for webcam, microphone, and speakers will be noted in the course syllabus and in the required materials for the course in Banner. For the best sound quality with limited noise and feedback in a virtual conference, a headset is recommended (but not required).

Smartphone, Tablet, and Mobile Device Support

Rowan Online provides support for the use of smartphones and tablet devices with most of our technologies used in conjunction with online courses. Overall, there are many apps and features available on a variety of smartphone and tablet platforms that can enhance your online learning experience. However, in some cases, certain courses require technology that is not currently supported on smartphones or tablet devices. Rowan Online cannot support mobile or tablet devices as the primary student device (in place of a personal computer or laptop) for use with online and hybrid courses. Students who own or are considering purchasing a mobile device are encouraged to use it to compliment their computer usage with online courses.

Learning Management System

All courses at Rowan University are currently hosted and managed in Rowan Online’s Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas (www.instructure.com). Canvas is entirely web-based (cloud hosted infrastructure) and runs in most modern browsers without the need to install any special software on your computer. Rowan Online provides students with training and support for Canvas.

Required Electronic Document Format

Students may use the Word Processing and Office Productivity software of their choice.

However, Microsoft Office 2007 or newer document format is the required standard for submission of deliverables for assignments collected online. These should be as follows:

Word processing (MS Word - docx),
Spreadsheets (MS Excel - xlsx), and
Slide show presentation (MS PowerPoint - pptx)

Most Office Productivity software has the ability to save documents to the required formats. Use of these formats ensures that instructors can open and view assignment file submissions.

For students who do not currently own or have access to an Office Productivity Suite of software, you may consider purchasing a student version of the latest MS Office Suite, or you can consider using freely available products such as Google Documents (available with your Rowan Student Google Apps Account), or Microsoft Office 365.

Internet Connection

Online and hybrid courses are designed to accommodate most standard Broadband/High-Speed Internet connections. If you are unsure of your current connection speed, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for more information. You can also test your Internet connection speed online at SpeedTest.net

Minimum	Recommended
DSL, Cable, or Satellite Broadband	Cable Broadband, Fiber Optic, 4G, 5G, or better

Browsers

The following browsers are supported for use with ROwan Online’s LMS:

Chrome 90+
Firefox 89+ (Extended Releases are not supported*)
Edge 90+
Safari 13+

Some applications used for online learning in conjunction with the LMS may not support all browsers as noted. For the best user experience, the latest versions of either Firefox or Chrome are recommended.

Data Storage & File Backup

Rowan Online does not archive student work. Students are responsible for backing up their own work while a course is active and after it concludes. Students retain access to online courses for 90 days after the official course end date. Once the 90-day post-course access period ends, course content and student work will not be accessible. Rowan Online does not restore or retrieve student work or files from online and hybrid courses.

Cloud Storage

Rowan University students are provisioned a Google Drive account with their Rowan Network Account. Google Drive is a cloud storage system that allows users to upload and retrieve files from anywhere. Students should frequently backup copies of all data and files related to online coursework. Students may also consider personal cloud storage from Google or other providers.

Additional Software & Hardware Requirements

Some courses will require the use of additional specialized computer equipment or software. Specifications for the equipment or software application needed for the course including costs, supported version(s), optional vendors from whom students can purchase the equipment or software, and tech assistance for installation are provided in the course syllabus.

End User Technical Support Policy

Students enrolled in or considering taking online or hybrid courses should carefully review the student technology policy in the Rowan Online End User Technical Support Policy document. This policy clearly outlines the level of support provided for online and hybrid courses as well as your responsibilities as a student for your own technology needs.