Computer Requirements

Technology Requirements

American College of Education (ACE) programs are delivered online. To be successful, a student is solely responsible, at his or her expense, for providing all equipment and supplies to access the online courses and ACE technology platforms. Student equipment includes, without limitation, a computer with audio and video playback capabilities (and the associated accessories and peripheral equipment, including without limitation, a monitor, and keyboard), Internet service, an e-mail account, and software that meets or exceeds the following minimum technology standards:

Computer Equipment

While students may view course assignments and complete discussion board posts via a tablet or smartphone, some software applications and ACE technology platforms may require regular computer (laptop or desktop) access that meets the following minimum requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10/11 or Mac OS
• 2 GB of RAM (more is preferred)
• 1024 x 768 resolution monitor (or better)
• Separate or built-in web camera (highly recommended)
• A sound card and speakers or headphones

Internet Service Connection

• High-speed internet access is strongly recommended due to the use of multimedia technologies in ACE’s online courses. A minimum download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 4 Mbps is recommended. Speeds slower than this may impact the course experience.

Software

• Access to an office software suite (e.g., word processor, spreadsheet, presentation).  A student’s course and program requirements may require more functionality than the online software suites can provide, and they may need an additional software license (e.g., Microsoft 365 Office for the desktop).  If needed, it will be the student’s responsibility to provide.  ACE students have free access to the online version of the Microsoft 365 Office suite. New students receive an email that includes a link and instructions on how to create their free ACE Microsoft 365 account. Similarly, students can use Google Suite or similar online software. Course assignment submissions in the learning management system do not permit links to files. If a student is utilizing online software, additional steps are necessary to submit course assignments.
•  Up-to-date internet browsers such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari with cookies enabled.  ACE’s Canvas Learning Management system used to access courses communicates with in-course tools via the Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard. LTI tools require cookies - including third-party cookies - to receive/send information successfully. Without cookies enabled, in-course tools may not be able to authenticate a student’s user account and may redirect to a login page. Support for enabling cookies in a browser is available in the browser’s help documentation.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (or other PDF file reader)
• Up-to-date anti-virus