As a Concordia University, Nebraska student, you have access to dedicated support for your technology questions. Helpdesk is your go-to resource for technical assistance, offering help with network connectivity and account access.
Student Technology Requirements
Your courses require an appropriate computer device to access Blackboard and other university resources and systems. Below are some common questions around student technology needs.
What are the basic computer requirements for Concordia students?
Recommended Computer System Specifications:
RAM: 8 GB (16 GB or more is highly recommended)
CPU: 3 GHz processor
Storage: 20 GB of available hard-drive space
Operating System: Windows 11 or MacOS 14 or later
A laptop is highly recommended for on-campus students.
- While Smartphones, Chromebooks, tablets, and iPads can be useful tools, we do not recommend them as your primary computer device.
- Always keep the device updated with the latest security updates.
- You may need to install software on your computer using administrative rights. This is especially important to know if you are using a computer owned by your employer.
What internet speed is recommended for off-campus access?
A strong high-speed connection with a minimum of 10 Mbps is recommended. If multiple users are on the same network, a higher bandwidth may be necessary.
Will I need a webcam?
Some on-campus classes at Concordia require students to interact with their professor and fellow students through live video which requires a webcam. All online students should have a webcam.
Most laptops come with a built-in webcam.
What internet browsers best support Blackboard?
We recommend using the latest version of the Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome browser when using Blackboard Learn or Blackboard Collaborate applications. Other chromium-based browsers, such as Brave and Vivaldi, have also proven reliable.
Note that the pop-up blockers on your browser must be disabled for Blackboard Learn to function properly.
Please use Blackboard Browser Checker to determine whether your browser will work.
Will Blackboard work on my mobile device?
Yes. We recommend using a web browser to access Blackboard on a mobile device rather than the mobile app.
Please review Blackboard Supported Mobile App and Browser Support to determine the best browser for your situation.
Will I have access to Microsoft 365 applications?
As a student you are licensed for the online, mobile, and desktop Microsoft 365 apps. It is highly recommended to install and utilize these applications for your courses. Please learn more here: Microsoft Office 365 for Students.