Technology requirements for PSU College of Education courses vary from class to class. At minimum, it is recommended that students have a Windows or Mac computer capable of running the latest operating system and browser versions, as well as a broadband internet connection fast enough to support multi-user Zoom meetings.
The College of Education operates a computer lab in the Vanport Building. When the lab is not occupied by a class, students may use it after requesting badge access.
The PSU Library offers a limited number of equipment loans to PSU students. Please visit Laptops & Equipment or visit their Circulation Desk to learn more.
Zoom requirements
Zoom is available through a web browser, or by downloading the app to your computer or mobile device. Check Zoom’s website for the most up-to-date system requirements. Key elements are summarized below.
To use Zoom through a browser, we recommend the following minimum device specifications:
- Browser: The latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari
- Desktop devices: Dual-core 2Ghz or higher processor (Intel i3/i5/i7 or AMD equivalent)
- Mobile devices: Any 1 Ghz single core processor or better (non-Intel)
- Windows and MacOS devices: 8GB or greater total system RAM recommended
- ChromeOS devices: 4GB or greater total system RAM recommended
To use Zoom through the desktop app, we recommend:
Internet bandwidth requirements for using Zoom for group video calls:
- For high-quality video: 1.0 Mbps/600kbps (up/down)
- For 720p HD video: 2.6Mbps/1.8Mbps (up/down)
- For 1080p HD video: 3.8Mbps/3.0Mbps (up/down)
- For gallery view receiving: 2.0Mbps (25 views), 4.0Mbps (49 views)
You can test your internet download and upload speeds at speedtest.net, Cloudflare speed test, or Google speed test.
For remote/hybrid classes using Zoom, you will need a stable, non-metered internet connection. We do not recommend relying on any services with monthly data caps, such as cellular hotspots or satellite internet. These will likely not be a sustainable option even if they meet data bandwidth requirements. Even with an “unlimited” data plan, these services may switch to connections that are too slow for Zoom use if you exceed their usage caps each month
Additional computing resources
Additional resources