Technology Requirements

Recommended devices:

• A Windows desktop or laptop computer running the operating system Windows 10 or higher
• An Apple desktop or laptop computer running the operating system OS X 10.9 or higher

Note: A Chromebook, Linux computer, tablet, or smartphone may be used for some class activities, such as meeting online or watching a video, but is not recommended for taking a quiz. Additionally, the Virtual Desktop is available to use on your mobile phone or any device to access the software applications and your files needed to complete your classwork.

Internet access is essential to view your learning materials, contact your instructor, participate in discussions, complete online activities (if assigned), and check your grades. Even for in person classes, many instructors require assignments and class work to be completed in eCampus.

eCampus uses a web browser to access learning materials and activities. Suitable browsers are listed below. Ensure you have the most recent version of the browser:

• Google Chrome (preferred)
• Microsoft Edge (preferred)
• Mozilla Firefox (preferred)
• Apple Safari (Mac OS only)

See a list of eCampus supported browsers.

You may need to listen to audio/video content or talk in online discussions. Many devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets have a microphone and speakers built in. Some devices also have built-in cameras as well. For privacy or for audio/video quality, you may choose to use a headset that provides headphones (for listening) and a microphone (for speaking).

Use your free Dallas College student email via Microsoft Outlook to communicate with instructors, staff, other students, or anyone with an email address. It's free for students. Once you're registered for classes, you can log in with your Dallas College username and password and start using your Dallas College student email right away.

Since it is recommended to log in to eCampus daily to keep up with the activity and communications from your instructor and peers, you can check your email daily for eCampus notifications. Check your spam/junk folder regularly to make sure course emails are not ending up there by accident.

You will likely need to view PDF, Word, and PowerPoint files provided by your instructor. Use the links below to access the applications needed to view these file types for free.

• Download Adobe Acrobat Reader to view .pdf files.
• Log in to Dallas College Virtual Desktop to access Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office apps.
• Access Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and more by logging in to Office 365.

You will need the following basic technical skills for most classes. Each item in the list also has a link that will take you to training materials, if needed.

• Use an internet browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, etc.)
• Use an online search engine (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, etc.)
• Send and receive email
• Download and upload files
• Find files on your device (Windows help / Mac help)
• Take a screenshot
• Use a word processor that can save files in the .doc or .docx format (such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
• Join a virtual meeting (Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.)