Technical Requirements for Online Learning

The following checklists outline the technical requirements for all students starting and continuing at Seneca:

Hardware checklist  

  • a computer that runs on Windows 10 or the latest Mac OSX and has up to date virus protection software
  • Windows 10 ARM64 devices are not recommended as they will not allow you to install AppsAnywhere, GlobalProtect, VPN, MyApps or use Virtual Commons and other virtual machine apps
  • high-speed broadband access (Cable or DSL) is highly recommended. Some programs or courses require more advanced systems. Please refer to the program information page for information on specialized requirements
  • headphones or speaker and a microphone for in-class conversations and meetings with your professors
  • a webcam (may be required for specific courses)
  • individual courses may have additional hardware requirements

Software checklist

  • a web browser, such as Safari, Firefox, MS Edge, Google Chrome. Please note: You may need to upgrade your web browser to access online learning tools
  • various applications are available to all full-time Seneca students, including Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and Trend Micro
  • Adobe Creative Suite includes a number of applications such as Premiere, Photoshop and more
  • online teaching tools, including Blackboard, MS Teams, Zoom, BigBlueButton, and Webex
  • individual courses may have additional software requirements for playing audio or video or other applications. You can also review the list of applications made available for home use on a Windows-based machine
    Note: Some applications may require you to install Student VPN to access licensed software
  • antimalware software must be installed on all personal devices that will be used with your Seneca account. Visit the Malware and Virus Protection page for free and paid antimalware software recommendations, or visit the Trend Micro Internet Security page for a free one-year license of this commercial antimalware software

 

Mobile devices checklist

  • Mobile devices may allow for some participation in your course(s), however they present limitations and we cannot guarantee your device will meet all your coursework needs.
  • All students are required to install and use Microsoft Authenticator to access various services at Seneca. It’s an important measure that provides an added layer of security on top of the login credentials for devices. In addition to using your username and password to log into these secure services, a second factor of authentication is required so that if your password becomes compromised, the intruder will not be able to log in. Use of multi-factor authentication is currently required for Blackboard, Office 365 and VPN.
  • A compatible Android or iOS mobile device that can be used to install Microsoft Authenticator is required.
  • A cellphone data plan is not a mandatory requirement to use the Microsoft Authenticator app. The app can be used through a Wi-Fi connection or with no data connection.
  • If you have a basic cellphone, you can choose to receive an SMS or a phone call as verification for second factor authentication.
  • The Microsoft Authenticator app does not store any personal data.
  • Authenticating through a mobile device is the only available option.

 

Helpful sites to bookmark:

  • MySeneca.ca – access your Seneca email account
  • Learn@Seneca – Seneca’s learning management system and intranet portal