Technology Guidelines for Online Learning Courses
Technology Requirements to Take an Online Course
Web Browser
Blackboard Courses
The browser you choose must support Java. We recommend that you check our Browser Compatability Chart. For the most current information, you can also check Blackboard's List of Supported Web Browsers. Though Online Learning recommends the previous resources for browser compatibility, you can also use the Blackboard Browser Requirements page*.
*EWU does not maintain this site.
Canvas Courses
Check the following page for browser compatibility. You will need to have Flash installed to use Canvas.
Updating Browsers
Also useful are the help pages Keeping Your Web Browser Up To Date and Turning on Automatic Updates for Web Browsers.
Popup Blocker
You may need to disable your popup blocker (Allow Pop-Ups) in order for Blackboard/Canvas to work correctly.
Testing Requirements
Certain technology configurations may result in errors when taking or submitting online tests. See our Testing Requirements page for known technology problems and how to avoid them.
Bandwidth Requirements
Bandwidth refers to the speed of your Internet connection. Satellite, DSL, and cable are all examples of high bandwidth. EWU courses require high bandwidth.
Required Accounts
As a student taking an Online Learning course, you are required to have certain accounts in order to access all university services. See our Required Accounts page for more information on what accounts you need and how to set them up.
Software Requirements
PC: Microsoft Office 2007 or later
Mac: Microsoft Office 2008 or later
Microsoft Office and Microsoft Word are available through the EWU Bookstore. Students who have paid the EWU technology fee are eligible for Microsoft Student Select pricing, while all other students are eligible for standard Academic pricing. Contact the Computer Sales Program at the bookstore at 509.359.4228 for details.
Additional software may be required in a specific course. Email Eastern Online at easternonline@ewu.edu for more information or call 509.359.7380 (Toll Free: 800.924.6606).
Hardware Requirements
The minimum requirements are listed below. Some programs or classes may have additional requirements.
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PC Minimum Configuration |
Mac Minimum Configuration |
For courses that require a webcam or headset, Eastern Online recommends the Logitech C210 webcam and the Logitech H330 USB headset.
Access to an Internet Connection
- From Home: Make sure you have the right computer setup, including a high speed Internet connection. Use the information below to identify hardware and software requirements.
- From an EWU Computer Lab:EWU has several computer labs available for students, and they have all the necessary hardware and software to successfully complete any online course through EWU. Labs are located in 359 Pence Union Building, 305 Monroe Hall, 207 Riverpoint Phase 1 and Multimedia Activities Resource Services (MARS lab). Eastern's Computer Lab Hours.
- EWU also offers resources at Partner School Computer Labs, which are available if you are participating in one of EWU's programs offered at another college campus.
- From Somewhere Else: If you don't have a home computer system, or can't make it to one of the computer labs, check with your local library to see if they have the appropriate technology and will allow you to use it to take an online course.
Basic Computer Skills
If you need assistance you can acquire these skills through attendance in the Computer Literacy Program, professional training, or other tutorials.
Virus Protection
The best way to protect your computer and files is to use current virus protection software. With your EWU ID you can receive a free copy of virus protection software from Trend Micro Internet Security. See the Windows Product Information / Mac Product Information page or Download Now.
