Overview
The purpose of this article is to help inform students about what they will need in order to participate in online courses at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).
Important
While Ubuntu and other flavors of Linux will work with online courses, the UAA IT Technical Support Center does not support any flavor of Linux.
In this article:
Learning Management System
Most online courses at UAA use the Blackboard Learning Management System. To make sure your browser is compatible with Blackboard, you can use the Blackboard Browser Checker.
Note
Blackboard is not fully functional on Android, Chromebook, ChromeOS, iPad, iPhone, and other mobile devices. For the full Blackboard experience, use a laptop or desktop computer running macOS 10.14 or later or Windows 10.
For additional assistance with Blackboard, contact the IT Services Technical Support Center via phone at (907) 786-4646, toll-free at (877) 633-3888, email us at uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu, or you can use the Seawolf Tech Portal to submit a Blackboard ticket.
Computer Hardware and Operating System
UAA's Minimum System Requirements for Desktop Service
- Monitor resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher
- Internet connection - Broadband Internet connections are highly recommended and often required
- Headset with microphone - Microphone and headphones are important for web conferencing
- Windows 10 (Windows 7/8 are provisionally supported)
- macOS 10.14 or later (macOS 10.13 is provisionally supported)
Note
Chromebooks and mobile devices are not compatible with all of the technology tools you may need to use in your online courses.
For additional assistance with your personal computer, contact the IT Services Technical Support Center via phone at (907) 786-4646, toll-free at (877) 633-3888, email us at uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu, or you can use the Seawolf Tech Portal to submit a Personal Computer ticket.
Recommended Software
For the best online class experience, be sure to have the following.
Most courses utilize UAA Core Tools which are supported by UAA IT and free for students. Please note the 3rd party tools available inside Blackboard Learn that you may be asked to use for a richer or more collaborative experience in Blackboard. Some courses have more specific hardware or software requirements and may require you to use additional technology tools. Please consult your syllabus or instructor regarding additional course requirements.
Some courses use web conferencing tools for online meetings or office hours.
For additional assistance with software required for your online class, contact the IT Services Technical Support Center via phone at (907) 786-4646, toll-free at (877) 633-3888, or email us at uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu.
Need additional help or have issues
For additional assistance contact the IT Services Technical Support Center via phone at (907) 786-4646, toll-free at (877) 633-3888, or email us at uaa.techsupport@alaska.edu.