Computer and Laptop Specifications: Recommended Standards
Ensuring Appropriate Computer and Laptop Standards for Columbia College Students
As a leading institution committed to providing the best educational experience for our students, Columbia College places great emphasis on technology integration in the learning process. To achieve this, we require all students to have a computer or a laptop that meets the specific requirements of their chosen programs before the beginning of classes.
Having access to personal computing devices is essential for seamless academic engagement at Columbia College. Whether you’re attending in-person classes or participating in virtual components of your courses, a reliable computer or laptop is indispensable for academic success.
For students attending in-person classes, bringing your own computer or laptop to campus is highly encouraged. This ensures that you have all the necessary tools and resources readily available during lectures, group discussions, and lab sessions. The convenience of having your device also allows for easy access to digital resources, online research, and collaborative projects.
Moreover, for students enrolled in programs that incorporate virtual components, additional equipment is required to facilitate online learning effectively. A computer camera, microphone, and speakers, whether integrated or external, become essential to enable seamless interactions with instructors and fellow students in virtual classrooms. These features contribute significantly to the overall online learning experience and promote meaningful engagement in remote academic activities.
In the realm of online learning, a reliable internet connection plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted participation and smooth access to course materials. At Columbia College, we understand the importance of a stable and high-speed internet connection for remote learning success. Therefore, we recommend that students assess their internet service plans to meet specific bandwidth and data requirements.
Recommended internet speeds for optimal online learning experience are as follows:
- Download speed: 25 Mbps (or greater)
- Upload speed: 3 Mbps (or greater)
Prior to the start of classes, we encourage all students to do the bandwidth speed test. By conducting this simple test, you can ensure that your internet connection aligns with the recommended standards, allowing you to navigate virtual classes without disruptions or delays.
There are a number of different things that can impact the speed of your computer, some of these are listed below:
| Cause | Explanation | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Network Congestion | Many users on the same network reduce speeds, especially during peak hours. | Upgrade to a higher bandwidth plan or schedule heavy usage during off-peak hours. |
| Weak Wi-Fi Signal | Distance, walls, and interference weaken signal strength | Move closer to the router, reposition the router centrally, use Wi-Fi extenders/mesh systems, or use a wired Ethernet connection if possible |
| Outdated Hardware | Old routers, modems, or cables may not support higher speeds | Upgrade to modern routers/modems and use high-quality Ethernet cables |
| Service Provider Limitations | Internet Service Providers may throttle speeds based on subscription | Contact ISP to upgrade plan or troubleshoot connection issues |
| Malware or Viruses | Infected devices consume bandwidth and slow connections | Run antivirus scans, remove malware, and ensure security updates are applied |
Standard hardware and software
| Standards | Hardware | Software |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | intel i3 / AMD ryzen 3 or greater (i5 or greater is recommended) | Windows 11 or newer, Pro 64-bit |
| RAM (memory) | 8 GB RAM or greater (16 GB is recommended) | |
| Hard drive storage | 256 GB SSD or greater (512 GB or greater is recommended) | |
| Video card | On-board integrated | |
| Screen size | 15″ or greater | |
| Screen resolution | 1920 x 1080 or greater |
Please Note:
- Chromebook is not recommended as you will not have full access to the features on Microsoft Teams
- We also encourage students with virtual classes to get a second monitor that they can connect to their device. This allows students to engage in virtual meetings while watching course content that is being displayed.
