Technology Requirements

Class Collaborate is the updated GSU web conferencing software. If you have a hybrid or online course, use Collaborate for prerecorded lectures, live lectures or office hours.

Open the Class Collaborate Technology Requirements to learn more.

Blackboard's Mobile app allows users a quick and easy way to oversee courses. Users also have the ability to connect with Instructors/Students and view their course content.

Open the Blackboard Learn App Technology Requirements to learn more.

VoiceThread is an interactive collaboration and sharing tool that enables users to add images, documents, and videos.

Open the VoiceThread Technology Requirements to learn more.

Respondus is a program that allows you to easily create new quizzes/surveys or upload your existing tests to Blackboard.

Open the Respondus 4.0 (Faculty only) Technology Requirements to learn more.

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that only allows users to view the testing environment within the Learning Management System. In addition with LockDown Browser, Monitor uses a webcam and analytics to prevent cheating.

Open the Respondus LockDown Browser & Monitor Technology Requirements to learn more.

Watermark products are available for assessment reporting on key assessment assignments against standards sets and for juired assessment projects and standards for department accreditation.

Open the Watermark (Via/Aqua/Digital Measures) Technology Requirements to learn more.

Webex is another web conferencing software that allows users to meet virtually, similar to GSU Class Collaborate.

Open the Webex Technology Requirements to learn more.

Your Operating System version may also depend on how old your device is. You should be able view your Device Preferences or System Preferences for more information.

Windows Desktop/Laptop | Mac Desktop/Laptop | Android Tablet/Phone | Mac Tablet/Phone

Since technology is changing daily, we recommend you install more than one internet browser on your computer. Having more than one browser installed will allow you to have options in case one browser encounters a problem. Below are certified links to the download free from the company’s website.

Mozilla Firefox (Windows & Mac) | Google Chrome (Windows & Mac) | Microsoft Edge (Windows only) | Safari (Mac only)

While it doesn’t matter which ISP to use, you must have an internet connection in order to access most of the software mentioned on this page. We recommend using a fixed broadband connection, which is a permanent high speed internet connection. Wireless connections (laptop and other mobile devices) are acceptable for short term use, such as posting an assignment or discussion post, but is not recommended for long term use, such as taking a test, exam, or quiz. For more long term connections, please use a wired connection.

Plug-Ins are software components that provide internet browsers with additional functionality. They can assist with displaying additional content it was not initially designed to show.

Open the Blackboard Plug-ins Checker to see if your plug-ins are supported.

Many assignments will be created and saved through Microsoft Word. If you do not have Microsoft Word or want to update its version, please visit the links below:

Students: Student Microsoft Office Support
Faculty/Staff: Faculty/Staff Microsoft Office Support

By clearing cache, a user typically can resolve many problems, such as not being able to post a discussion thread, submit homework, etc. For further details on how to delete cache, please click the link of the internet browser you are using.​​

Mozilla Firefox (Windows & Mac) | Google Chrome (Windows & Mac) | Microsoft Edge (Windows only) | Safari (Mac only)

Cookies are information that websites store on your PC or Mac to remember your preferences, such as sign-in information or your location.​ Users can adjust the cookie settings of their browser to allow or not allow third-party cookies.

Mozilla Firefox (Windows & Mac) | Google Chrome (Windows & Mac) | Microsoft Edge (Windows only) | Safari (Mac only)

Blackboard requires users to allow pop-ups for certain software to work within Blackboard, such as opening Class Collaborate. For further information on how to manage​ pop-ups, please click the link of the internet browser you are using.​​

Mozilla Firefox (Windows & Mac) | Google Chrome (Windows & Mac) | Microsoft Edge (Windows only) | Safari (Mac only)

Web conferencing software, such as Class Collaborate and Webex recommend to have headphones for chat sessions to minimize feedback and/or echoes for others in the session. Also, make sure to turn off your microphone when you aren't speaking.