Technology Requirements for Online and Hybrid Learning

What technology does the College recommend?
Wilson College recommends a Microsoft Windows PC or Apple Macintosh computer. Documentation and coursework have been standardized to use Microsoft Office 365, which you may use free of charge throughout your Wilson enrollment. We strongly discourage Chromebooks because you may encounter course requirements that cannot be completed on a Chromebook.

Requirements to set-up a Wilson account
Wilson College uses multi-factor authentication to secure your account. After you enter your username and password, you will be prompted to take another action using your cell or landline phone. Access to a telephone (cellular preferred) is required to complete the authentication process.
A personal (non-Wilson) email is also required for account recovery and password reset.

What are the technical requirements for a good online experience?
For optimal performance, you should have an Internet connection with a speed of at least 25 Mbps. While dedicated access to slower-speed Internet can be used, performance may be less than optimum.

Most students will find a Windows PC with an Intel Core-i5, 9th Generation processor or higher, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD (Solid State Drive) sufficient. (We suggest SSD’s because there are no moving parts to fail, and their speed is significantly faster). However, it does not hurt to have more RAM or hard drive space.

A Macintosh works equally well in most instances.
When purchasing a new computer, a 3- or 4-year warranty is recommended as well as an accidental damage plan for laptops.

Zoom, Panopto, Proctorio, and other learning applications require a microphone, speakers or a headset, and a webcam (720p or better is recommended).

Web browsers:
Google Chrome and Firefox work best with most of the technology platforms you will use as a student. We find that Safari sometimes does not display external tools within Canvas, so we recommend avoiding Safari.
Additional Browser options include the following. Please keep your browser up to date to address security and performance issues.

Firefox
Edge
Brave
Chrome
Opera
Safari (Macintosh users only) Please note: We have found Safari users experience more technical issues with Canvas and Panopto applications than when using other browsers.

Software apps
Wilson College does not control the requirements of most software apps. If your device is suddenly out of technical compliance due to a vendor changing their requirements, please contact Wilson’s Technology Helpdesk. We can assist in selecting a new device to purchase but cannot provide a loaner device or other financial assistance.

Technical requirements

Learning management system: Canvas
Office productivity: Office 365
Online meetings Zoom
Proctored exams: Proctorio
Video recording: Panopto

Who should I contact if I need help with technology?
Technology tutorials are available at https://onlinelearning.wilson.edu/courses/21.

Canvas Support is available 24/7 via the Help button within Canvas.

Proctorio Support is available 24/7 as well via https://proctorio.com/support

For issues with other systems, the Wilson College Technology Help Desk can assist. Submit a help desk ticket by emailing helpdesk@wilson.edu. The Technology Helpdesk is also available via phone at 717-264-4001. Hours of support are Monday - Thursday 8am to 7pm ET; Friday 8am to 5pm ET.

Should I get a Windows or Mac computer?
Use the type of computer you are most comfortable with.

Do I need a webcam and microphone?
You will likely need to use Zoom, Panopto, and/or take proctored exams. All three of these programs require a webcam and a microphone. See details about these programs below. If your workspace is not typically quiet, use a headset rather than a built-in microphone.

What is Canvas?
Canvas is our learning management system. It is where to find course information such as syllabi, lecture notes, and online reading materials. It is also where you will submit work such as discussion boards and research papers. Many professors also use Canvas for quizzes, tests, and exams. Students log in to Canvas via the myWilson portal: https://my.wilson.edu. The mobile app is available in the Google Play and iOS App Stores. Search for “Canvas Student.”

What will be used for proctored exams?
The College uses Proctorio for proctored exams. It is integrated into Canvas. Requiring Proctorio for an exam is up to the discretion of the professor. Professors are encouraged to set up a practice exam early in the course, if Proctorio will be used.

What does the proctoring system do?
This system records the student and their computer screen during the exam. It then uses artificial intelligence (AI) to “flag” suspicious behavior for the professor to review. A behavior being flagged will NOT be treated as an automatic zero. The professor must review the flag to check that the AI was correct before taking any action with the student.

Who will be able to view the video of my exam?
Wilson College and Proctorio take student privacy very seriously. Professors have access to view their students’ exam recordings. If the professor requires technical assistance or if there is an issue that needs to be addressed, the recording may be viewed by a Wilson College administrator. Proctorio employees will only view your recorded exam if Wilson College requests to fix a technical error. Recordings are not shared outside of these instances.

What if I need help with Proctorio?
You can view a Proctorio tutorial here: Proctorio Tutorial

24/7 support is available for Proctorio. Instructions for accessing Proctorio support are available here: https://proctorio.com/support

What is Office 365?
Office 365 is the Microsoft Office productivity suite made available free to students while enrolled at Wilson College. Visit office.com and log in with your Wilson College account to access Office products within your web browser. The Office apps can also be downloaded and installed on your computer or mobile devices.

What is Zoom?
Zoom is used to hold meetings online using webcams, microphones, and/or phones.

What technology is required specifically for Zoom?
Students joining a Zoom meeting from a computer need a webcam, microphone, and speakers. Students joining a Zoom meeting from a mobile device or tablet will need to install the Zoom app. Learn more at the Zoom Help Page.

What is Panopto?
Panopto is used to record videos for academic purposes. The videos could be of the user, the screen, or both. You have 4 options when creating a video:

Upload a video made with a different software
Record a video using the Panopto Recorder on a computer
Record a video using Panopto Capture within the web-browser
Record using the Panopto mobile app

Where can I learn how to use Panopto?
Learn more at the Panopto Help Page.