Student Equipment
Requirements

Students MUST have the following IT equipment prior to enrolling with Reach and will require a suitable study space for self-study, assessment activities or to participate in online classes.

1. Hardware requirements:

• Desktop or laptop with the following recommended System Requirements:
  • Windows 7 (2009) or higher
  • Apple Macintosh OS X version 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or higher
• A webcam, e.g. built-in to a laptop or a USB webcam.
• Audio input and output suitable for video conferencing or online classes.
• A headset or earbuds with a microphone is recommended. Speakers and a microphone can be acceptable but need to be tested to check they do not introduce echo into a video conference or online classes.
• Photo/scan – a camera, e.g. on a mobile phone, can be required to scan and submit handwritten materials.

2. Software Requirements:

• A web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari (Please note that Apple users will be required to install Google Chrome in order to use Microsoft Teams) that will allow students to:
  • Stream videos from YouTube-style sites (a student must be aware of his/her internet usage limits and costs);
  • Run word processing software such as Microsoft Teams, Word and PowerPoint;
  • Participate in virtual classrooms or online live streaming webinars (e.g., Microsoft Teams or Zoom). (for classes delivered online or via live-streaming webinar).
• Reach will provide students with access to Reach’s Microsoft Office 365 software (i.e., Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), however:
  • Students may require administration rights to their computer in order to install additional software.
  • Students are strongly advised to install a suitable anti-virus program to protect their work.

3. Internet Requirements:

• A reliable, high-speed broadband internet connection, with sufficient upload and download capacity. A Wi-Fi or mobile connection can be acceptable if it is adequately stable to perform well in a video conference or online classes;
• Students will have access to Reach’s wireless connection during campus operating hours of 6:00am to 9:00pm Mon – Sat;
• Community internet and computer access:
  • Public libraries offer free access to computers and the internet, although students may require a membership card or be required to pay a small charge. Students may need to book ahead if they wish to use library services. Students will also have access to printing and photocopying services on a pay per page basis. Most libraries also provide wireless hotspots and recharging stations at no cost for students using their own devices.

4. Other Information:

Reach encourages students to acquire the following skills and knowledge related to operating and maintaining an efficient online study environment:

• Know how to install, use, and keep their computer’s internet browser and other software up to date (e.g. installing security updates)
• Be proficient in connecting their laptop and/or mobile device to wireless networks either at Reach’s campus, your local library, or other locations
• Ability to use a web camera and headset/microphone
• Know how to use cloud storage (e.g. through Office 365 OneDrive)
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and other related software packages.

IT STUDENTS 

Students studying IT courses – please refer to TAS for Additional Resources. IT Students will also have access to the Computer Lab during campus operating hours of 6:00am to 9:00pm Mon – Sat to complete assessments.