Instructional Technology and Distance Education Services

When participating in distance education courses, it is vital to consider the technology needed in order to have a successful course. We recommend that you meet the technical requirements below when using the learning management system (LMS) of the University.

Note: For additional required hardware or software requirements for your course(s), contact your instructor or refer to the course syllabus for additional information on their requirements.

Required Hardware

• A computer (desktop/laptop) or mobile device (smartphone/tablet) that is less than 5 years old will work.
  • NOTE: Chromebooks are not recommended and may not be compatible with all third-party tools used in course shells.
• Speakers/headphones/earbuds for listening to audio or videos presented in courses.

Optional Hardware

• Webcam for interacting in course activities that require video feedback from students (such as VoiceThread), video test proctoring (such as Respondus Monitor), or other third-party tools.

Required Software

The following software is required :

• Internet Browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, are preferred. It is also suggested to have both of these browsers, so that one can act as a backup in case the other is experiencing issues. (See Internet Browser section for more information.)
  • Mozilla Firefox (latest version) - Download
  • Google Chrome (latest version) - Download

• Adobe Acrobat Reader (latest version) can be used for viewing PDF files offline (outside of a web browser). - Download.

Optional Software

• Microsoft Office (includes Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • Students have free access to install the suite on their computers. Follow these instructions to install Office 365.

• Windows Media Player is one media player that can be used to play videos offline (outside of a web browser), if not presented/embedded in Blackboard. - Download.

Internet Connection

• A stable Internet connection of 56K or greater is required. (However, please note that a 56K connection may degrade the quality of your experience.)

Internet Browser(s)

Various browsers may be able to access the learning management system. We recommend the following tips:

• Use the latest versions of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome. (Please note that eLearning (TAMIU's learning management system) may not be fully compatible with the latest versions of each browser.)
  • NOTE: Do not use Internet Explorer. This browser is obsolete and is no longer supported by Blackboard.

• Be sure to properly configure your Internet browser. (Please note that Mozilla Firefox is the university-preferred browser. To download Firefox, please visit http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/.)

• You may check if your browser is properly configured via the Browser Check provided below. This component will also be provided in the learning management system.