Understanding system requirements: Blackboard Learn

Description

To access classes and complete coursework using the core features of Blackboard Learn, your system must meet these minimums.  However, additional hardware specifications, software, or browser plug-ins may be required to complete course work as assigned by some instructors or programs.  It is the student's responsibility to check with instructors/programs for special technology requirements.  

Please note that you must have Administrator access to your computer to install programs and use Blackboard Learn. Public or loaned (work or business) computers often do not allow file downloads or plugin installations and thus may not work with Blackboard Learn. 

Environment

Mac, PC, web browser, and mobile app

Operating System Requirements 

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or newer; Mac OS 10.14 Mojave or newer 

  • NOTE: Chromebooks operate with the Chrome OS, which is not supported by Blackboard Learn, although you may experience success with some features.  Please do not plan to rely solely on a Chromebook for your course work; you must ensure access to a device running a full-featured operating system within the supported versions noted above. 

  • NOTE: Although you can perform many tasks in Blackboard Learn on a mobile device (iPad, iPhone, Android tablet or phone), either through a mobile browser, or the Blackboard mobile application, not all of Learn's features support a mobile format.  As such, you cannot rely solely on a mobile device to fully complete course work and must ensure access to a device running a full-featured operating system within the supported versions noted above. 

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster 

  • RAM: 4 GB or higher 

  • 20 GB of available hard-drive space 

  • Screen resolution: 1280x1024 or higher 

  • Internet connection: Download speed of at least 1.5 Mbps, 750 kbps upload 

  • Webcam, microphone, and speakers 

  • If you are using a satellite internet provider, you may experience timeouts, IP address issues, session problems, or course mail issues caused by latency. Please try to use a different provider when accessing Blackboard Learn. 

Recommended Browsers and Software

For best performance, use Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome

We do not recommend using Apple Safari or Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Internet Explorer is no longer a supported browser. 

Browser Settings 

  • Enable third-party cookies 

  • Enable Javascript 

  • Disable pop-up blocker 

  • Please note that with this approach, you may find it necessary to create additional exceptions for other third-party websites that may be required for coursework 

Additional Software 

  • Microsoft 365 is required for most assignments in Blackboard Learn. Microsoft 365 ProPlus is available free to current students. Please note that Blackboard Learn does not support Google Docs, OpenOffice, or Apple's versions of the Office apps, such as Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. 

 

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