Technology Requirements and Support

Technology Requirements

Students should verify computer software and hardware requirements to ensure coursework can be submitted successfully. Since all assignments are submitted through Canvas (unless otherwise noted), access to a computer and an internet connection are required for this course. Contact the College Help Desk Links to an external site. if you need assistance with accessing a computer and/or internet access.

Canvas lists minimum browser and computer requirements to ensure compatibility. The Chrome browser is recommended, but the Firefox, Safari, and Edge browsers will work, as well. Canvas also recommends you have a minimum Internet speed of 512kbps. For more information, see What tools and computer skills do I need to use Canvas?

Install These Free Apps on Your Phone & Computer

Canvas Student and Outlook apps

It is recommended that you install and use the Canvas Student app on your Android phone or iPhone in order to receive mobile notifications and to access your courses via your mobile device. The Microsoft Outlook app is also recommended to check your school email.

Microsoft 365 Office desktop app suite

You also can download and install the free suite of Microsoft 365 office desktop apps (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel...) on your personal laptop or desktop computer.

Instructions to install Microsoft 365 on your computer Links to an external site. (free to HC students): Visit https://m365.cloud.microsoft/apps/ Links to an external site. and sign in with your Hillsborough account. Then click on the "Install apps" button on the top right and select "Microsoft 365 apps" to download and install the Microsoft 365 Office desktop apps on your own computer.

You can also use the Microsoft apps for free in your web browser (from your computer or phone) by visiting and logging into: https://www.office.com/ Links to an external site. 

Technical Skills

Online students need to be proficient in basic computer skills and skills for using Microsoft Office products, including:

  • Following digital instructions to complete tasks
  • Reading and responding to emails
  • Software application skills (PowerPoint, Word, Office 365, etc.)
  • Internet research and library database browsing
  • Copying and pasting
  • Saving files in different formats
  • Working with attachments
  • File management

Tech Support

Hillsborough College offers technology resources to support student success. These include login assistance, HawkNet guidance, email support, and Canvas access.

Canvas Tutorials

If this is your first time using Canvas, you will want to visit the Canvas Student Guide Links to an external site. to learn more about using our online platform. You can also receive 24/7 Canvas Assistance by using the Help button at the bottom left of your Canvas navigation.

Privacy and Accessibility

Hillsborough Community College has a firm commitment to protecting the privacy rights of its students. Any use of student records and information in this course will comply with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Links to an external site. regulations, including third-party tools and services used in this course. 

Included here are links to the privacy and accessibility policies for the technologies used in this course. Please review this information and contact your instructor with questions.

Questions?

If you have any concerns or issues with any of these requirements or policies, please contact your instructor (click the Help button on the bottom left and select "Ask Your Instructor a Question").

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