Minimum System and Software Requirements

Your course is delivered entirely online and asynchronously. You study when it suits you, but you need a working computer and a reliable internet connection for the whole session. Check these requirements before your course begins. If you cannot meet them, contact the school office before your session starts.

1. Computer hardware

• Processor: dual-core CPU, Intel i5, Apple M1 or equivalent.
• Memory: 8 GB RAM minimum.
• Media: a working microphone, speakers or headphones, and a webcam. The webcam is required for identity verification during your final examination.

2. System software

• Operating system: Windows 10 or 11, or macOS 12 or later, kept up to date.
• Browser: Google Chrome is recommended. Current versions of Edge, Firefox and Safari are also supported. Keep your browser up to date.
• Applications: word processing software, spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, and a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• A tablet or phone is fine for reading and for taking part in the community forum. It is not sufficient for assignments, worksheets or examinations.

3. Internet connection

• Minimum: 10 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
• Recommended: 15 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload.
• This supports HD playback of lesson videos, uploading coursework, and completing your examination without interruption. The school cannot check your connection speed, so it is your responsibility to make sure it is adequate before your session begins.

4. Digital skills

• You are expected to work independently online. Before your course begins you should be able to sign in to a password-protected portal and manage your own credentials, save and organise files on your own computer and find them again, convert and compress documents including photographing handwritten work and saving it as a PDF, upload a file to a submission, allow your browser to use your webcam and microphone, and contact the school office by email when something is not working.
• If any of these are unfamiliar, tell the school office when you enrol. Support will be arranged.

5. Course-specific software

• Some courses use additional tools. All are free or available under a student licence, and your teacher will tell you what is needed and when.
• Mathematics and Science: Desmos or GeoGebra for graphing and modelling, and a basic Python or Scratch environment for computational work.
• Computer Studies: a standard development environment such as PyCharm or Eclipse, and a diagramming tool.
• Business Studies: spreadsheet software including pivot tables, formulas and charts, for accounting ledgers and financial planning.

6. If you cannot meet these requirements

Contact the school office before your session starts. Telephone 905-326-0045 or email admissions@amcantech.org. Do not wait until your course has begun.