What you will need to access your remote courses

Internet & Computer

You will need to have access to the Internet and some type of computer to attend classes that are remote or online. A computer will enable you to create and process information and papers, and save your information, while at the same time, giving you access to the Internet. The best computer choice for students in remote and OL classes is one of the following:

  • Desktop: PC or Mac; desktop computers tend to be the least “mobile” computers but they’re also usually the ones with the fastest processor, largest memory for saving work, and the best connection to the internet since they’re often plugged in to internet (“wired”) rather than using WiFi.
  • Laptop computer: PC or Mac; variety of types; typically are fairly mobile and can be carried around; decent sized memory and processing speed but rely on battery that can be drained quickly and will need to be charged regularly; usually uses WiFi, which can make for inconsistent or spotty connectivity.
  • Tablet: E.g. iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Amazon Fire; highly mobile and light weight; needs to be charged frequently; not usually as much memory; decent processing speeds but difficult to do more than one thing at a time; usually not many ports available for thumb/jump drive use; strictly WiFi and thus can be spotty and unreliable connectivity.

University Log-On Credentials

As above, you will need to know your University credentials to log on to access any of your university systems. Information about CSUN User IDs and Passwords can be found on the User ID and Password page. Most universities will assign you a user name (based on their own systems of alpha-numeric user names) and a temporary password as soon as you’ve applied or are admitted. You will be directed to change your temporary password the first time you log in to one of your own choosing. All universities will have password requirements in terms of number of letters, special characters, etc. Your university system will direct you on password requirements.

Options for those without technology

For many students, acquiring technology like computers, a laptop or a tablet, and unlimited internet access is difficult. During trying times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities were able to loan technology to students to get them through completion of courses online or remotely. In “normal” times, students can often use the computers and internet free at their public library. Barring that option, when libraries are closed, the best option is to reach out to your academic or faculty advisor and ask if the department or college can provide a laptop or tablet for loan during the term.

Audio/Visual Needs

When taking remote and OL courses you often have an opportunity to attend “live,” or real-time class sessions with your professors and classmates. When you attend these sessions via webinar, in order to have the most meaningful and engaging sessions, it’s best if you have access to a webcam, to show video of yourself, and a headset with microphone (or just a microphone).

  • Visual/webcam: Laptops usually come with a small “webcam” installed; you can see the lens for the webcam if you can locate a small, circular piece of glass near the edge of the laptop screen. Laptops also often contain a microphone and speaker in the webcam, too. Many tablets also include a webcam (again, you’ll see a small circular lens near the edge of the screen) and a mic & speaker.
  • Audio/headset or mic: For the best sound quality, use a headset with a microphone if you can acquire one. Make sure the headset plug fits into your computer, laptop, or tablet. (Look for the headset icon on the side of the laptop or tablet screen to see what kind of plug you need. It will be a USB plug or a jack [one prong] plug. For a desktop computer the headset may plug into the front or back of your computer. You will need to look for the headset icon or simply plug into a port on the front of your computer.)