Technology Recommendations

All 2 Summers MA students are required to have the desktop and mobile technology necessary to take fully online courses, to engage in online video conferencing, to capture classroom video and audio, and to edit digital video for online submission. Please review the recommended technical specifications given here.

To fully participate you need to be able to participate in these and related online activities:

  • Two-way and multiple participant video conferencing in Google Meet, Teams, WebEx, Zoom, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, etc.
  • Online Access to PeopleSoft (for grades) and Blackboard/HuskyCT (for learning management and course materials)
  • Online video and audio chat using Discord, MS Teams, etc.
  • Basic Digital Work and Learning tools (word processing, spreadsheets, powerpoint slides)
  • Record and edit video (including screencasts)
  • Participate in Mobile activities (Augmented Reality like Taleblazer, Remind, Twitter)

We suggest you be prepared with at least:

  • Space to add apps to your mobile device
  • …and administrative privileges to add apps, such as the free app G*Power for power analysis in EPSY 5601
  • Good camera and noise cancelling headset (for you own and your family’s sanity)
  • Video card that enables live videoconferencing and video game play
  • Well lit quiet area to work online

Example Devices That Meet the Minimum

Windows Unit Minimum
Processor: Mobile Intel Pentium M CPU, 1.73GHz
Display: 14.1” XGA TFT LCD
Memory: 1.0 GB, DDR SDRAM (2 DIMM)
Hard Drive: 60GB, 9.5MM, 5400 RPM
CD: Internal DVD-R 4x Max
Communication: 10/100 Ethernet interface built-in (Intel)
V.92/56K modem built-in
Wireless a/b/g Wi-Fi II US
Battery: Li-Ion 6 cell / intelligent
Graphics: Intel Extreme 915GM
Operating System: Windows 7
Multimedia: TV-Out, 2 USB, PCMCIA

Apple Unit Minimum
Processor: 2.13 GHz Core 2 Duo
Display: 13.3-inch TFT Display (1280 x 800 resolution)
Memory: 2.0 Gb DDR2-800 SDRAM
Hard Drive: 160 Gb SATA Hard Drive
Communication: Gigabit Ethernet
CD/DVD: 8x SuperDrive DVD-RW/CD-RW
Wireless: Built-in Airport Extreme
Built-in Bluetooth 2.0+EDR
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, 256MB
Analog audio in/out
Mini-DVI out, Mini-DVI to VGA Adapter (for projection)
Operating System: OS 10.6.3

Other Required Hardware

  • Platform-compatible webcam for Skype, Facetime, or G+ Hangout (e.g., iSight for Mac)
  • USB microphone/headset combo
  • Digital video camera (to capture classroom video – may be available in your school). Our recommendation is the Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera Bundle. (~$135 through Amazon)

Required Software

  • MS Office suite or Open Office, pdf viewer
  • Taskstream (provided by our program)
  • Instant messaging AIM/iChat
  • iTunes
  • iMovie or equivalent digital video editing suite
  • Java version supported by our HuskyCT

Internet Connection

For the  2-Summers program we recommend a high-speed, broadband (cable modem or Digital Subscriber Line [DSL]) Internet connection at home. While not required, subscription to broadband service improves speed of delivery and your overall learning experience. It is the most important investment an online learner can make to optimize the e-learning experience.