Technology Information

Below you will find technology information that may be helpful as you take an online course, such as requesting technology support, keeping your technology up to date, downloading available software, and connecting to Kent State University's online resources.

Technology Support

It is common to encounter various technology issues as you take online courses. The Kent State Technology Help Center can help you with problems such as logging in to your online course and troubleshooting computer hardware and software issues.

Visit TechHelp by submitting a Support Ticket or LiveChat with support staff. You can also call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 330-672-HELP.

Hardware Recommendations

A laptop or desktop with the following minimum specifications is required:

• A minimum of a 2GHz processor
• Recommend 8GB of RAM (minimum of 4GB of RAM)

Specific online courses and programs may require special computer hardware, such as additional processing capability or a webcam. Be sure to reach out to your instructor if you have questions about what is required for your course. 

Need to purchase a new computer? The Kent State University Bookstore often offers student discounts on purchases of new computer hardware.

Internet Access

A DSL, cable connection, or greater is recommended. Online classes at Kent State University employ a variety of multimedia materials that will be viewed online and/or downloaded. You must have a connection that allows for the streaming and downloading of potentially large-size files in a timely manner. Dial-up is not sufficient. 

Software Recommendations

 The following required computer operating systems and software applications are supported by the KSU Helpdesk:

1. A fully updated version of a current operating system (OS), such as Windows 11 or MacOS 12 or later. 
2. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
   To get your free version of Office, please login with your FlashLine credentials.  Once authenticated, you will be able to download and install Office. 
3. For antivirus for Windows and Mac make sure to keep your system update with the latest patches.
4. Adobe Acrobat Reader

A list of available free and/or discounted software downloads for students is available from the Software Catalog.  Software like Windows can be purchased for a discount at the Kent State University Microsoft site.

Please review the Kent State Technology Guidebook for a more detailed list of technology recommendations and links to helpful information for setting up your computer for coursework.

Update Your Computer Operating System

Keeping your operating system up to date is important for security features and bug fixes:

• Update Windows
• Update Mac

Update Your Web Browser

To ensure maximum compatibility with the features and functions of your online course, update your web browser to the latest updated version of at least one of the following: 

• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Safari
• Microsoft Edge

Once you have downloaded and installed your choice of web browser, make sure to change the web browser's preference setting to download updates automatically.  

Follow the Canvas Browser requirements for information on using Canvas.

Connecting from Off-Campus

KSU Proxy allows Library users to securely connect to databases, electronic journals, e-books, and streaming media services without installing complicated third-party software. When you attempt to access library content from off campus, you’re prompted to enter your FlashLine username and password, after which you’re connected. It’s that easy.

Online Proctored Testing

When taking exams online, proctoring can occur through the use of proctoring software such as Proctorio or Respondus Monitor. The Proctoring webpage provides helpful information and suggestions for students taking proctored assessments. 

Kaltura

Kaltura is a video hosting, sharing, and recording application provided for all Kent State University faculty, staff, and students.  You can log into the system using your FlashLine credentials.  Kaltura is also integrated into Canvas, so you can easily link your videos to assignments and discussions in your course. 

Microsoft Teams

Your course may use Microsoft Teams for synchronous sessions, discussions, group work, or student hours. If you have not already, be sure to download the Teams app. If unfamiliar with the program, refer to the Teams for Students information page. 

Privacy Policies

Understanding what information is being collected about you in the systems you interact with is important.

Online courses at Kent State University are conducted on the LMS, Canvas. For any questions on what information the LMS collects, please refer to the Canvas privacy policy.

Google products like YouTube are often used in online courses. For any questions about what information Google collects and how it is used, please refer to the Google privacy policy and the YouTube privacy policy.