Overview

Our minimum hardware requirements have been set to ensure a stable classroom experience for students. In summary:

Internet Bandwidth

• 10 Mbps download
• 2.5 Mbps upload

Note: Specs are listed per student. Multiply the bandwidth requirements by the number of students concurrently taking online classes.

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 (or equivalent)
• Memory: 8 GB

Mac

• Operating System: macOS Catalina (10.15) or newer
• Processor: Apple M1 or Intel Core i3
• Memory: 8 GB

ChromeOS (browser only)

• Google Chrome (latest version)
• Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
• or Microsoft-Edge

 

Refer to the "Finding Your Computer's Specs" section to learn how to check the current hardware of your Windows PC or Mac.

 

Hardware

Dedicated Computer

Students should use a dedicated computer to participate in online courses. While tablets and smartphones can be used with the Adobe Connect app, a desktop computer or laptop is necessary to optimize class participation and the overall experience.

 

Chromebooks do not have the Adobe Connect app, but students may still participate via the browser. However, running Adobe Connect via the browser does demand more hardware resources. If you choose to utilize a Chromebook, ensure that its processor and RAM meet the recommended Browser client that Adobe specifies for Enhanced Audio/Video.

Wired Headset with Microphone

A wired headset with both earphones and a microphone is required.

Note: The built-in microphone on a computer may not be used due to potential feedback problems.

Webcam

A webcam is required. Both external and built-in webcams are permitted.

Scanner

A scanner is required for uploads to Schoology. Smartphone scanner apps, such as Microsoft Lens, will also work.

Printer

A printer is required in order to complete homework assigned by instructors.

 

Software

Kolbe Academy provides access to Schoology, Adobe Connect, and Microsoft Office 365 for all students enrolled in online courses. We have found that Chromium-based browsers (such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Brave) work best, although many students use Safari and Firefox as well.

 

Assignments can be submitted to Schoology using Microsoft Office or Google documents (.pages files are not compatible). PowerPoint may be required for use in Adobe Connect for occasional presentation assignments by the student (.keynote files and Google Slides are not compatible).

 

Network and Internet

High speed internet is required to participate in online classes. In addition to the bandwidth requirements outlined above, latency (ping time) must be less than 100 milliseconds. See the "Checking Your Internet Speed" section for testing instructions.

 

Please remember that internet speed is not fool proof. Even homes with high speed internet can experience glitches or audio issues. To maximize bandwidth for the duration of the student’s live online class, minimize other uses of the internet. Students should close browsers and applications not necessary for class, and other members of the family may need to reduce their internet use during class (for example, streaming services). The effectiveness of these suggestions is, of course, highly dependent on the quality and speed of the internet. However, they can help to minimize bandwidth problems should your student encounter them.

 

Preparing for Class

Microphone Checks

Students are encouraged to login to their online classes 10 minutes before class begins for a microphone check. Once checked in, students should not log out of class, but they do not need to be active in the classroom until the actual class begins. 

 

Finding Your Computer's Specs

Windows

Type "About" in the search bar and select About your PC to obtain processor and RAM information:

 

 

 

 

In this report, the OS version is Windows 10 Pro, the processor is an Intel Core i7, and the memory is 16 GB.

Macintosh

Click the Apple icon in upper left hand corner of screen then click "About This Mac":

 

 

You can see your specifications here:

 

In this report, the OS version is 11.3.1, the processor is an Intel Core i5, and memory is 8 GB.

 

Checking Your Internet Speed

You may use this link to test your connection: https://www.speedtest.net/. If your computer is connecting via WiFi, run the test from the location in your house where your student will be seated during class.

 

In this report, the ping (or latency) is 14 ms, the download speed is 215.31 Mbps, and the upload speed is 41.84 Mbps.