Technology Requirements
When completing academic work, Tri-C recommends using a newer model PC with Windows 10 or 11. A Mac will work in most cases, but some courses use software that is not compatible. Chromebooks can be used for most course requirements, but are not recommended as a sole device. A mobile phone or tablet can be used to check email, view content and announcements, but is not recommended as a sole device for completing coursework.
Specific courses may require additional software — such as CAD, visual/digital imaging, etc. — or specific equipment and/or devices. Contact the instructor or the academic department before purchasing any equipment and/or devices if the requirements are unclear.
Each College campus has a Technology Learning Center (TLC) with access to high-speed internet, printers, and various software applications for students, faculty, staff and community members. PCs are available at all locations, with Mac workstations available at select sites.
Learning Management System (LMS) Technology Requirements
Blackboard Learn is Tri-C's Learning Management System (LMS) that will be retired at the end of Fall 2024. It houses course content and materials for online, blended and on-campus courses. It is a browser-based application. To check your browser's compatibility, run Blackboard Learn's Browser Checker.
D2L's Brightspace is Tri-C's Learning Management System (LMS) that houses course content and materials for online, blended and on-campus courses. It is a browser-based application. See Browser support.
Supported Browsers
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari are supported browsers. Always update your browser to the latest version. Note that ad and popup blockers can cause issues for some applications, so you may need to turn them off in the browser's settings.
To verify which browser versions are available, refer to the End-Of-Life Date website.
Not all online programs are supported by all browsers, so you may need more than one browser.
If an application is not working properly, try the following troubleshooting steps before contacting the help desk:
- Test the application in another browser.
- Clear all cookies and cache from the browser.
- Restart the computer, and verify the computer’s operating system is up to date.
Web Conferencing/Collaborative Tools and Equipment
Web Conferencing tools and equipment are required for all courses with an synchronous online component (scheduled online class meetings). We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer for online class meetings. While smartphones may be used in some instances, they are not recommended.
Required web conferencing equipment:
- Webcam (built-in or separate)
- Microphone (built-in or external; headsets are recommended)
- Speaker (built-in or separate)
The Tri-C Bookstore has equipment for purchase.
Online Proctoring
Some courses require Meazure Learning's ProctorU proctoring service to take online exams. For these courses, you will need to install Meazure Learning's Guardian Browser on the computer for the exam.
You should verify with your instructor if a course uses ProctorU before downloading the Guardian browser. For more information about ProctorU, visit Tri-C's ProctorU for Students support page.
Device End-Of-Life
Many academic technologies are not available or are not fully functional on older versions of computers, tablets and smartphones — especially if the device is close to or past its End-of-Life (EOL) date. EOL dates can be verified on the End-Of-Life Date website.
End-of-life charts for common technologies:
- Apple iOS
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Office
- Android OS
- Chromebooks: Verify the Chromebook can be updated. Scroll down to select the appropriate device.
Unsupported Systems and Software
- ProctorU, Tri-C's online proctoring provider, does not support Chromebooks, tablets or mobile devices.
- Internet Explorer is not supported.
- Amazon Kindles and other e-readers are not supported.