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Tools & Technology


Instructional tools enhance the online teaching and learning experience. HÂþ»­ supports a wide variety of instructional tools that are supported by Academic Technology Services (ATS). These tools provide a wide variety of functionality, allowing faculty to:

  • Host live class sessions using web conferencing software using Collaborate Ultra or Microsoft Teams
  • Create an online class space using the Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS)
  • Record and edit lectures or other video content with Panopto
  • And much more!


Minimum Technology Requirements for Teaching and Learning

Online teaching and learning at HÂþ»­ require access to a computer or laptop and internet. Below are the minimum requirements needed to teach and learn online at Dal.

What you need to succeed
Online teaching and learning at Dal requires access to a computer or laptop and internet. Below are the minimum requirements needed to teach and learn online at Dal.

Windows

OS Windows 10
RAM 8 GB
CPU Core i5
Storage 256GB (SSD Recommended)
Internet Speed 1Mbps upload, 5Mbps download of available bandwidth for group video calling. Faster would be even better for large video/lecture uploads
Web Browser Firefox/Chrome
Resolution 1024x768
Accessories Webcam and microphone if not built-in. Instructors only: Moderate quality external microphone as many Windows built-in microphones are lower quality.

Mac

OS Mac OS X 10.15 or higher
RAM 8 GB
CPU Core i5
Storage 256GB (SSD Recommended)
Internet Speed 1Mbps upload, 5Mbps download of available bandwidth for group video calling. Faster would be even better for large video/lecture uploads.
Web Browser Firefox/Chrome - Safari in certain cases (VPN)
Resolution 1024x768
Accessories Webcam/Microphone if not built-in

Additional Selected Software System Requirements

Note: Some software on the software download page is only available on Windows. If a Mac is going to use Bootcamp or Virtualization to run Windows, better specifications are recommended.

Bootcamp â€“ 512GB storage
VM â€“ 16GB RAM, 512GB storage

Aside from running Windows in a Mac environment, some software would benefit from having a better CPU or more RAM, or even a discrete GPU -- SolidWorks, for example.