UToledo Online

technical skills

To succeed in an online course, it will be important for learners to possess the following technical skills:

• Rename, delete, organize, and save files.
• Create, edit, and format word processing and presentation documents.
• Copy, paste, and use a URL or web address.
• Download and install programs and plug-ins.
• Send and receive an email with attachments.
• Locate and access information using a web search engine.
• Use chat or IM software for real-time communication.
• Use a learning management system (virtual course sites).

hardware

Students are responsible for having access to a properly functioning computer with Internet access. The computer must be able to download and run the required browser and software.

hardware recommendations discount computer purchase

Close to campus? The University of Toledo computer labs in Carlson Library, Rocket Hall, and Stranahan Hall are open to all UToledo students! Hours of operation vary. Some labs require a Rocket ID card for swipe access. All students and visitors must have a parking permit to park on campus. One day passes and metered lots are available to students who don’t have a semester pass.

software

Student computers need to be capable of running the latest versions of browsers, plug-ins, software, and have the necessary tools to be kept free of viruses and spyware.

Chrome* is the recommended browser for the best user experience in our educational technologies. Firefox is a secondary supported browser. Use the Blackboard Browser Check to assure your browser is up to date and compatible with the learning software. For free downloads of browsers, plug-ins, and Microsoft software, such as Word and other office applications, visit our Software Center.

blackboard browser checksoftware center

If you need specific or specialized software programs for a course, it will be noted in the syllabus and/or the Blackboard course site. UToledo’s Virtual Computer Lab is accessible from your computer (with UTAD authentication) and may have all the software you need for use that semester.

*This is not to suggest Chromebooks for student computers, as these are incompatible with many learning technologies. See Hardware Recommendations above.

internet service

High-speed Internet access is recommended, as dial-up may be slow and limited in downloading information and completing online tests.  Some courses may require live web conference sessions or contain streaming audio and/or video content.

use of public computers

If using a public library or another public access computer, please check to ensure that you will have access for the length of time required to complete tasks and tests.

students outside of the eastern time zone

All due dates listed in Blackboard are based on the Eastern Time Zone. If you are participating in this course from outside the Eastern Time Zone, make sure to familiarize yourself with any time differences that may impact the timeliness of your assignment submissions. Please contact your instructor if you are located in a different time zone.

Your courses will use technologies that may require you to log in with your UTAD or create an account, and the privacy of your data is important. Please see below for the privacy information for course technologies.

UToledo online technologies

• Blackboard Learn and Collaborate Ultra Privacy
• Echo 360 Privacy
• Respondus Privacy

other commonly-used course technologies

academic accommodations

The University of Toledo embraces the inclusion of students with disabilities. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and seamless access for full participation in all courses. For students who have an Accommodations Memo from the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources, please correspond with your instructor as soon as possible so that we can communicate confidentially about implementing accommodations in your course.

For students who have not established accommodations with the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources and are experiencing disability access barriers or are interested in a referral to health care resources for a potential disability, please connect with the office by calling 419.530.4981 or sending an email to StudentDisability@utoledo.edu.

accessibility of course technology

In conjunction with The University’s commitment to ensuring equal access to all technology-based information, your courses contain technologies that learners can use regardless of age, ability or situation. UToledo’s learning management system, Blackboard Learn, is a certified web-accessible platform, satisfying Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA as well as the Section 508 standards in the United States. If any accommodations, beyond what is provided, are needed for equal access to any of your course content, please contact the instructor and/or the Office of Accessibility and Disability Resources as soon as possible.

UToledo online technologies

• Blackboard Learn Accessibility
• Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Accessibility
• Echo 360 Accessibility
• Respondus Lockdown Browser/Monitor Accessibility

other commonly-used course technologies