Requirements

Online Learning Technical Requirements

Michigan Tech uses the Canvas Learning Management System to manage your course content, and various delivery technologies to let you hear/view the lectures and interact with the course. To ensure that you will be able to successfully access the course content, check that your computer meets the hardware and software requirements listed below.

Michigan Tech Email

Michigan Tech uses the Google Apps Suite, which includes an email platform, calendar and many other tools.  Click here to learn more about using Google apps on your computer and mobile devices.

Canvas Learning Management System 

After you register for a course, you will be assigned a university email address, user name, and password that will allow you access to all course materials (lectures notes, homework assignments, grade information, streaming videos, email chat, etc.) posted on Canvas. You can access Canvas with modern web browser. 

• Log onto Canvas

Streaming Media

Mediasite

Many online courses are delivered in Mediasite by Sonic Foundary for rich-media format and web-casting. This technology allows for the synchronous streaming delivery of audio, video, and computer images to your computer. To view Mediasite content your computer must meet the minimum computer requirements (listed below) including the required Silverlight plugin.

RealPlayer

Some online courses are delivered in the Real streaming video format. Free RealPlayer applications for viewing the streams are available for all major computer operating systems. We recommend you download and install the latest version of the RealPlayer application available for your computer system.  To test your computer for proper configuration click on the link below. Your machine should connect and play the sample lecture with the RealPlayer application.

Click here for sample RealPlayer video file.

iTunes U

Michigan Tech is an iTunes U member university. MTU on iTunes U is a free service hosted by Apple that distributes, educational audio and video content for students at Michigan Tech using the Apple's iTunes Store infrastructure. Users can download, or subscribe to course content and listen to or view it on their computer, iPod, or other MP3 player. To use this service you must have the free iTunes software installed on you Mac or PC computer.

Download iTunes.

Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro

Videoconferencing technology may also be used in some courses to provide live interaction between students and faculty. Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro is an internet audio/video conferencing and collaboration tool for virtual and e-meetings. Connect Pro requires Adobe Flash Player (download).

Test your system for Adobe Connect compatibility here

View system requirements  for Adobe Connect here

Minimum computer system requirements for Tech Online Learning

You are required to have a high-speed internet connection (cable modem/DSL).