About Online Learning
In order to accomodate students with busy schedules, Simpson University offers programs in Degree Completion in an online format. All online courses are completed using Canvas–Simpson University’s online learning management system.
- Each course is 7-weeks long, running in a Monday through Sunday format
- Coursework is submitted throughout the course, usually on a weekly basis.
TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
HARDWARE
- Windows 10 or MacOS Catalina (or newer)
- 8 GB RAM
- High speed internet connection
- Webcam
- Speakers
- Headset with microphone (or laptop with built-in microphone)
- Printer
- Access to a scanner (recommended)
- Access to a fax (recommended)
SOFTWARE
- Microsoft 365 Apps (frees for all Simpson University students) – available for download by signing into the student portal with your Simpson student email.
- Most updated version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (free HERE)
- Google Chrome Web Browser (free HERE); Recommended for both Wondows and MacOS computers
- Microsoft Teams Video Conferencing (free HERE)
*Please see the download instructions for each program at their respective websites
TECHNOLOGY IN THE ONLINE PROGRAMS
Students will use the webcam and headset to connect to Orientation, to make presentations, and for any Microsoft Teams calls. The printer will be used for printing forms as needed of printing reading material if the student prefers to read a hard copy of notes. The scanner or fax may be used to return paper forms to Simpson University.
All papers, spreadsheets, and presentations must be in Microsoft Office formats. These programs will be utilized regularly for assignments and are required. Adobe Acrobat Reader is used regularly to view PDF documents used by all of the courses. Simpson University’s websites work best with the Google Chrome web browser. Microsoft Teams will be used for voice and optionally video calls between students and professors, as well as administrative staff. YouTube is the standard format for videos that professors may post online for you to view.
STUDENT FAMILIARITY WITH TECHNOLOGY
Students are required to be familiar with the following processes in order to start the online program:
- Send and receive email
- Attach a document to an email
- Open an attached document from an email
- Navigate the internet
- Create and save word processing documents
- *Use a webcam
- *Download and install required programs listed above
*Students who are not familiar with Excel, PowerPoint, YouTube, or Microsoft Teams will learn these programs as they progress through the major. It will help if you are already familiar with these technologies.
