Technology - Related Requirements & Policies for EMU & the MSN Program
We are requiring students to bring your laptops on the day of orientation. System requirements for desktop and laptop devices as well as several policies related to technology in the MSN program follows:
Any computer or laptop purchased in the past three years will meet the minimum specs suggested by our IS Department.
Mobile devices such as an iPad or Android tablet are currently not recommended for regular use through the entire online program. They may be used in a pinch (travel, for instance) - but they are not fully supported by EMU’s help desk and do not allow for the uploading of documents to Moodle, our Learning Management System.
Specific Details:
Computer:
- A Windows or Mac desktop or laptop computer with speakers, microphone, and a webcam.
- Windows 10 22H2[1] or Windows 11 Build 22H2 or newer • macOS 12.7.5 or newer (Win 10 version 22H2, Win 11 22H2 or macOS 14.5 or higher recommended.)[2] Please note that this data is accurate as of the date stated above for at least one calendar year.
- Audio headset with microphone attachment is required for all online live sessions.
Network Bandwith/Connection Speed:
- Internet Access with a minimum connection speed of 100 mbps (300 mbps download speed or higher recommended). To test speed: Close all applications and other website tabs and conduct test by visiting: https://speedtest.net
- Students have had connection issues in past years using limited data cellular connections and/or lower speed home internet connections. This type of internet access will often have restrictive data caps that could result in unexpected overage fees due to the bandwidth required for online learning.
- A corporate office or hospital internet system is sufficient for speed, however firewalls might prevent the student from accessing certain software such as Moodle. Recommended home-based Internet services are DSL or cable (ideal). Satellite or cellular-based services are not recommended especially for videoconferencing. Satellite can work for accessing Moodle and forum discussions.
Software:
- Microsoft Office software:
- MS Office (including MS Word, PowerPoint, & Publisher) preferably Office 2010 or 2013.
- For MAC users, Office 2008 or 2011 are sufficient.
- Office 365 is available for free with an @emu.edu email account. Office 365 is an array of Microsoft Office products accessed and updated online. Sign up at: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=391418
- PDF Viewer: Adobe Acrobat Reader (https://get.adobe.com/reader/ ) or Preview for macOS (to open PDFs)
- Browser: Firefox – https://firefox.com (recommended); Other browsers may work but Moodle prefers Firefox.
The EMU Information Systems Department has a help desk to answer questions, problem solve, and assist with both hardware and software questions. Their hours have been extended because of more online programs, the MSN included. The Helpdesk staff are available 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. You can reach them at helpdesk@emu.edu or visit the HelpZone online resource.
