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Distance Learning

Recommended Minimum Technology Requirements

Distance Learning

Recommended Technology Requirements

Make sure your computer, internet connection, browser, and other technology are ready before beginning an online course at Wallace Community College.

Check Your Technology Run Honorlock System Check

Before You Begin

A reliable laptop or desktop computer and a stable internet connection provide the best experience for online courses. Smartphones and tablets may be useful for checking Canvas or completing some course activities, but they should not be your only device for completing an online course.

Computer Requirements

A laptop with wireless capability provides the most flexibility for accessing your courses both on and off campus.

Recommended Device

  • PC desktop or laptop
  • Apple Mac desktop or laptop
  • A computer approximately three years old or newer is recommended
  • Use a device capable of running a current, supported operating system and web browser

Hardware

  • Processor: 1.8 GHz or faster
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM minimum / 16 GB preferred
  • Storage: 80 GB hard drive with at least 20 GB free
  • Working speakers or headphones, microphone, and webcam when required by your course

Operating System

  • Windows: Windows 11 is recommended
  • Mac: macOS 13 or newer is recommended for students who may use Honorlock
  • Keep your operating system current with available security and software updates

Mobile Devices & Chromebooks

Canvas can be accessed from many mobile devices, and the Canvas Student app is available for supported phones and tablets.

However, some assignments, software, publisher resources, and remotely proctored exams will require a laptop or desktop computer.

Microsoft 365 desktop applications cannot be installed on Chromebooks or most mobile devices.

Stable Internet Connection

Your internet connection must be reliable enough to support Canvas, video conferencing, course videos, file uploads, and online proctoring.

For Online Coursework

  • Broadband cable, fiber, or another reliable high-speed connection is recommended
  • Your connection should support video applications such as Microsoft Teams
  • A wired Ethernet connection can provide additional stability when available
  • Mobile hotspots should not be your only source of internet access

For Honorlock Exams

Honorlock currently lists these minimum connection speeds:

1.0 Mbps Minimum Download
2.5 Mbps Minimum Upload

Important: Mobile hotspots are not considered sufficient as the internet connection for Wallace remotely proctored exams.

Browsers & Software

Keep your browser and required software updated throughout the semester.

Canvas Supported Browsers

Canvas works best with the current or previous major release of a supported browser.

Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Apple Safari

Taking an Honorlock Exam?

Use Google Chrome. Honorlock requires the Google Chrome browser and Honorlock browser extension. A browser that works for Canvas may not meet Honorlock testing requirements.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Students may need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open, review, save, or print PDF course materials.

Download Adobe Reader

Microsoft 365 for Wallace Students

Microsoft 365 is available to Wallace Community College students and includes applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, and OneDrive.

Students may install Microsoft 365 on up to 5 PCs or Macs, 5 tablets, and 5 smartphones.

The desktop version of Microsoft 365 cannot be installed on a Chromebook or mobile device, although Microsoft mobile and web applications may be available.

Microsoft 365 Installation Instructions
Online Testing

Honorlock Technology Requirements

Honorlock is used for remotely proctored exams in some Wallace courses. Testing requirements are more restrictive than the requirements for simply accessing Canvas.

You Will Need

  • A supported laptop or desktop computer
  • Google Chrome
  • The Honorlock Chrome extension
  • A working webcam
  • A working microphone
  • A stable internet connection

Current Honorlock System Support

  • Windows 10 or newer
  • macOS 13 or newer
  • ChromeOS
  • Google Chrome version 120 or newer

External Webcam Requirement

Wallace requires an external USB webcam for online Honorlock proctoring in the following subject areas:

  • English
  • Math
  • Science

Cannot Be Used for Remote Proctored Exams

  • HP Stream devices
  • Smartphones
  • Tablets, including iPads and Windows tablets
  • Unsupported operating systems
Before an exam: Run the Honorlock system check using the same computer, webcam, browser, and internet connection you plan to use for your test.

Run Honorlock System Check

Technology Not Supported for Remote Proctored Testing

Some technology may work for ordinary Canvas activities but still not meet Wallace or Honorlock requirements for a remotely proctored exam.

Operating Systems

  • Linux for Honorlock testing
  • Virtual machines
  • Outdated or unsupported operating systems

Testing Browsers

  • Internet Explorer
  • Firefox for Honorlock exams
  • Safari for Honorlock exams
  • Microsoft Edge for Honorlock exams

Internet Connections

  • Dial-up internet
  • Mobile hotspots for remotely proctored exams
  • Connections that cannot maintain the required upload and download speeds

Please note: Individual courses may have additional technology requirements or restrictions beyond those listed on this page. Examples may include specialized software, publisher applications, browser extensions, or other course-specific resources. Always review the requirements provided by your instructor.

Support When You Need It

If you are unsure whether your computer or technology meets these requirements, Wallace Information Technology Services can help you determine what you need.

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