Tech & Equipment – FreedomProject Academy

TECH & EQUIPMENT

To ensure seamless participation in our innovative online learning environment, students at FPA are required to meet specific technology and software criteria.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

Accessible from any internet-enabled device, our platform offers flexibility and convenience for students to engage with coursework from anywhere, at any time. To optimize your learning experience, you’ll will need to follow along with the specifications listed below for each category.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

All students must have access to a functioning and reliable desktop or laptop computer that is less than 5 years old.

Students should not use tablets or cell phones to attend live class.

All students must have the required software to attend and participate in class.

It is essential that students have a functioning and reliable headset with microphone, or a stand-alone microphone with headphones.

All students must have access to a functioning and reliable document scanner and printer.

They must also have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Open Office (see under ‘Required Software’).

All Students must have a functioning and reliable DSL Internet connection with a minimum of 5 mbps download speed and a minimum 1mbps upload speed.

COMPUTER SYSTEMS / SPECS

WINDOWS SYSTEM:

Make sure your system is set up with the following configuration.

MAC SYSTEM:

Make sure your system is set up with the following configuration.

INTERNET CONNECTION

Run a speed test on your current internet setup (see link below)FPA recommends a minimum of 5 mbps Download and 1 mbps upload. While our Adobe Connect system may work fine with a lesser speed, once teachers begin using the interactive tools, the limited connection may create problems for the student.

If multiple users are sharing an internet connection, remember the connection is a shared resource which means, as more people use the internet at the same time, it will divide the total bandwidth and speed.

Avoid having one person attending a Live Class, while another is streaming a movie, while another is on Skype. Our system is designed to work with various internet speeds; however, different connections and providers will impact overall performance, especially if multiple sources are pulling from it.

REQUIRED SOFTWARE & BROWSERS

REQUIRED SOFTWARE

Each student should have the latest versions of this free software:

*Additionally, Microsoft Word or Open Office (free – click here) is required for word processing. To use Microsoft Word for free go to www.office.com and login using your Canvas ID.

BROWSER SELECTION

FPA recommends each student have at least two browsers:

RECOMMENDED HARDWARE

HEADSET & MICROPHONE SELECTION:
Microphone: Required for Kindergarten and above.

Headset: Required for Kindergarten and above (headset can have a microphone on it).

MICROPHONE

HEADSET

MOBILE DEVICES

IPADS & TABLETS should not be used for everyday live classes. The limitations of these devices prevent students from viewing class recordings. Key features used for live class interaction are disabled on net only devices because of the nature of their design and purpose.

Mobile devices can not be used to attend live classes. However, Canvas by Instructure has an app for mobile devices so you can submit various types of coursework. When installing the app it will ask you for our specfic school instance which is https://www.fpeusa.instructure.com

Apple supoorted devices: iPad2, iPad3, iPad4, iPhone5 and up, iPod Touch (3rd Gen minimum)
Android supported devices: Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1), Samsung Galaxy Tab (10.1), ASUS Transformer, Samsung Galaxy Tab (7"), Nexus 7
Android supported OS versions summary: 2.2 and higher
Android AIR Runtime required: 3.2 or higher