Do a tech check: devices, Internet, software & training
Do you have a device you can use for remote learning?
- At a minimum, you will need a device capable of accessing the Internet. This can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
Do you have a good Internet connection?
If you have any remote classes that use the Zoom video conference tool, the minimum required bandwidth is 600kbps (up/down) and recommended is 1.5 Mbps (up/down).
- Visit SpeedTest.net to test your Internet connection speed Links to an external site..
- If you have questions or concerns about your device’s Internet capabilities, contact your mobile, Internet or cellular provider.
- Free and Low-Cost Internet Options:
Phone Carrier Service Description Comcast Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, Comcast is offering two months of free to Internet service through the Internet Essentials program (Links to an external site.). This offer is available to new and existing customers. Additionally, Xfinity WiFi hotspots (Links to an external site.) are now available free of charge to the public. AT&T AT&T is providing free access to its WiFI hot spots (Links to an external site.) throughout the country. Charter Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access (Links to an external site.) for 60 days to households college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Additionally, all WiFi hotspots are now free of charge. T-Mobile T-Mobile is providing unlimited data to all current customers who have plans with data for the next 60 days. It will also provide additional data to mobile hotspot users. Verizon Verizon is waiving late fees and suspending service termination (Links to an external site.)for customers negatively impacted by the global crisis. California Connects California Community Colleges students are eligible for this mobile hotspot service (Links to an external site.), powered by Sprint, which offers nationwide 4G LTE connectivity and allows users to connect up to 10 WiFi-enabled devices for up to 10 hours on a single charge for only $19.99 a month. Additionally, as part of the Keep Americans Connected Pledge (Links to an external site.), AT&T, Comcast, Charter, Cox, Google Fiber, Spring, Verizon, and T-Mobile will not disconnect any customers for the next 60 days regardless of payment status.
Do you have the necessary remote learning tools?
Browser
- If you want to use a web browser to use the remote learning tools, make sure you have a modern browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge. Check to see if you have the most current version.
Apps
- If you will be using a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, you may also download an app, such as the Canvas Student app or the Zoom app, to access your course and course activities remotely.
Remote learning software
Most remote learning software just requires a browser:
- Most or all teachers will share learning materials and set up learning activities in Canvas.
- Teachers who will hold remote class meetings via videoconference will use Zoom or BigBlueButton.
- You can use your Peralta Office365 account to use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Your teachers will let you know if you need any other applications, and should provide instructions to download and use them for learning.
Do you know how to use the remote learning tools?
Visit the Student Resource pages below to learn the basics for using the most common remote learning tools--Canvas and Zoom. Teachers use Canvas to share class materials, conduct class activities, and assess learning. They use Zoom to hold remote class meetings using videoconferencing.