Technical Requirements for Distance Education
Minimum |
Recommended |
2 GB RAM |
4 GB RAM |
Internet Connection (not required for MultiMedia courses) |
Broadband Internet Connection (not required for MultiMedia courses) |
Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac OS 10.12, Mac OS 10.13, Mac OS 10.14, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, Chrome OS |
Windows 8 or newer |
Firefox 57+, Edge 42+, Chrome 63+, Safari 12+ |
Firefox 57+ |
Text Editor |
MS Word or Microsoft (Office) 365 (free) |
Audio/Video Player |
Audio/Video Player |
Course-specific plug-ins |
Course-specific plug-ins |
Course-specific software |
Course-specific software |
Java JRE versions 7 and 8 |
Java JRE versions 7 and 8 |
Mouse, touchpad, or stylus |
Mouse is recommended for best results with BioSig–ID |
Webcam |
Webcam |
Some online courses may have additional requirements due to the technologies used in the course, such as a microphone, webcam, or additional software. Please check Eagle Self-Service to ensure you have everything you need for your course.
Although most mobile devices support the browser technology required for Blackboard, they may not support all technologies used in some online courses. Check the course requirements to be sure. You can also download the free Blackboard mobile app from your app store to make it easier to use Blackboard on your mobile device.
We recommend that students enrolled in multimedia courses have access to a desktop or laptop computer for their coursework.
For a list of required technical skills and recommended attributes, see Skills Needed to Succeed.
Please see the Annual Security Bulletin for Online Safety Tips.
Internet Browsers
JavaScript is a requirement for taking CTC online courses in Blackboard. Internet browsers and mobile devices generally have JavaScript enabled by default, but allow you to disable JavaScript in the preferences. CTC online courses require that you have an internet browser/device with JavaScript enabled.

Is JavaScript enabled on your browser? Test Your Browser to find out. If JavaScript is disabled, check your browser/device preferences to enable it. Downloading the free Blackboard mobile app from your app store can also make it easier to use Blackboard on your mobile device.
Do you need to update your browser to use Blackboard?
- For best results, we recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Internet Explorer is no longer supported.
- If you are using Microsoft Edge, you should be using version 42+. See http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/ie-9-worldwide-languages
- If you are using Mozilla Firefox, you should be using version 57+. See http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/.
- If you are using Google Chrome, you should be using version 63+. See https://www.google.com/chrome/.
- If you are using Apple Safari, you should be using version 12+ (Mac OS only). See https://support.apple.com/downloads/safari.
Tour a sample CTC Blackboard course
- Go to http://ctc.blackboard.com
- Log in with Username: bbuser, Password: bbuser
- Under My Courses, select Student Sample Course 2020
- Navigate through the course and try out Blackboard features: view lessons, post to a discussion board, take an exam, etc.