Blended and Distance Learning

Technical Requirements

Note: These are general requirements for students to participate in blended and distance courses. Some programs may have higher or different requirements and prospective students should consult their program information.

1. A desktop or laptop computer.
   • Either a Windows-based PC with Windows 11 (Windows 10 being supported if no upgrade path is available) or a Mac with an OS higher than version 12.0 (Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma).

1. • • Windows -based PC – Processor: Intel Core i3 (Core i5 or higher recommended) or AMD Ryzen 3 (Ryzen 5 or higher recommended) – RAM:  4GB minimum, 8GB+ highly recommended – Storage:  SSD or NVMe drive 128GB minimum, 250GB+ recommended.
     • Mac – RAM:  4GB minimum, 8GB+ highly recommended – Storage:  SSD or NVMe drive 128GB minimum, 250GB+ recommended. 
   • After all software installs your hard drive should be maintained with a minimum 10-20% of its disk space free to operate efficiently.

7. • Some programs may have higher system/storage requirements.
8. Tablet and other mobile devices.
   • Tablet/Mobile devices can view and interact fully with the SAM environment while using a full web browser, because of screen sizes and availability of other tools, laptops or desktop computers are always the best choice when interacting with SAM.
   • Tablet/Mobile device apps: Holland College currently doesn’t utilize Brightspace (SAM) Portfolio or Brightspace (SAM) Pulse unless otherwise specified by the program itself or by the course instructor. Always double check the content in your course offering using a web browser before utilizing Brightspace Pulse.
   • When directed not to a use a mobile device it includes Tablets and Cell Phones.
9. Speakers/headphones/earbuds for listening/recording in courses:  Laptops/desktops may have built-in microphones and speakers, but we recommend external sets for best quality of experience for student submissions, presentations, and other synchronous activities.
10. A built-in or external webcam for interacting in course activities that require video feedback from students.
11. Web Browsers: Google Chrome 112+(Windows), Microsoft Edges Latest update (Windows), Chrome 107+(Android), and Apple Safari 16+ (MacOS, iOS) are the only browsers that SAM (the college’s learning management system) completely supports. Always use the latest browser available to your device.
12. Microsoft Office 365. Students have free access to install the suite on their computers, tablets, or other mobile devices. A browser-based version is also available.
13. Adobe Reader DC.
14. An Internet connection with a minimum download speed of 10Mb/s and an upload speed of 1Mb/s is recommended. A wired connection to your home router is typically preferable to a wireless connection as it provides better stability and performance. The Holland College WIFI network is acceptable to use. Public Internet hot spots pose numerous risks to your device and offer varying quality of service. They are not recommended but can be used at your own risk.

INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

To test your internet speed, go to https://www.speedtest.net/ and click the “go” button. A test will take place that measures the speed at which you can upload or download data from the internet from your current location. It is normal for the upload speed to be much lower than the download speed. If necessary, consider asking others in your household to limit their use of devices/internet when you are involved in a ‘virtual’ class session.

The router in your house might send out more than one signal. Many routers broadcast a 2.4Ghz and a 5Ghz signal simultaneously. Connecting to the 5Ghz band is best. If you have an ethernet cable and your computer is situated near your router or modem, you might be able to use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for the best connectivity. For more information or help with this, email sam@hollandcollege.com.