Distance Tech Requirements

This page contains everything you need to know to get started with your online experience. If you’re already familiar with distance education at Providence then feel free to skip this information. If you’re new, then please take the time to review this information before joining the session – it will save you a lot of time and effort in getting things done quickly!

Microsoft Teams

Providence uses Microsoft Teams to bring together students and instructors in real time with a state-of-the-art conferencing experience. Teams provides us with point-to-point video and audio-conferencing experience, and it works on everything from your iPhone to your Windows or Mac PC. Keep reading to find out how to get started with Teams as well as what to do if you have questions.

Microsoft Teams Quick Guide

Requirements

Teams can run on any of your Windows, Mac, Android or iOS devices, but keep in mind that joining your class on a mobile device may not deliver a suitable experience as compared to a desktop computer or laptop. Please note this short list of mandatory requirements for all students connecting via Teams:

HD Webcam Enables participants to see one another clearly.
USB Headset (example) Ensures quality audio for all conference participants.
10Mbps (10 megabits per second) or faster Internet connection You can test your Internet connection speed here.

Special attention must be paid to the quality of your Internet connection. The speed (aka. “bandwidth”) of your Internet connection not only affects your experience of the class, but everyone else’s experience of you also. If your connection is too slow you will not be able to participate in the discussion or receive content shared by the instructor. Participants causing bandwidth-related issues may be asked to leave the conference until a faster connection can be arranged or speed is restored. It is crucial that you have enough bandwidth available to support your participation in the conference. If you have concerns about the speed of your Internet connection or are experiencing bandwidth related issues, please contact us for help (below).

Getting Started

Most technology-related disruptions in class arise from students who aren’t adequately prepared for an academic conferencing experience. Academic conferencing is different from Skyping with family and success depends on how much time is spent preparing for the experience. You can fulfill your part in making sure everyone gets has a quality experience by following these steps.

Make sure your computer is fast enough for conferencing and collaboration with up to 10 remote participants. If your computer is more than 3 years old it may not be up to the task.
Make sure your computer has completed all required updates and double check that you are malware/virus free so nothing can interfere with your learning experience.
Purchase and configure any hardware you need such as a USB headset and HD webcam. Make sure it works before attempting to join class.
Check your Internet connection service to make sure you have at least 10 megabits per second to work with; bearing in mind that it is common for your actual speed to be less than the advertised speed from your ISP. Also, 10Mbps is not a guarantee everything will work well as anyone sharing your Internet can cause your connection to behave erratically and you may get disconnected from the conference. Since Providence cannot help you manage your home Internet connection, it is up to you to make sure it can deliver a quality experience.

Having satisfied these requirements, you are ready to begin.

Help!

Conferencing technologies can be complicated, so we’re here to help! Feel free to direct all your connection questions to our Technology Coordinator and he will be more than delighted to point you in the right direction.