Please review the remote programming requirements if you are considering participating in WISLI virtually as an instructor or student.
You’ll need ongoing access to technology and connectivity to the internet. Minimum technology requirements and recommendations have been established to help you succeed at WISLI. In some cases, these requirements may necessitate new equipment and connections. If a student fails to meet these requirements and consequently encounters challenges during WISLI or disrupts the class, they may be removed from the program without a tuition refund.
Both students and instructors are responsible for maintaining the appropriate hardware and internet connection to participate in WISLI. If you have questions about the technical requirements below, please email your institute’s Program Coordinator directly.
General Info
- All sessions will be using Zoom as the instructional platform.
- All coursework will be uploaded, completed, and graded using the Canvas learning management system.
Requirements
- Use only a laptop or personal computer with a webcam (integrated or external).
- Hard-wired, cable (Ethernet) connection vs. WIFI – Learn the difference here.
- Hard-wired connection preferred.
- If using WIFI, sit as close to the router as possible. No other streaming should occur during class to ensure the highest quality of bandwidth.
- Connecting with mobile hotspots is not allowed as it does not provide sufficient data for full-time remote work.
- 8 GB RAM minimum, 16 GB RAM or greater is recommended.
- Internet connection minimum requirement of 15mbps download speed. Live streaming requires at least 1.5mbps upload speed. The faster download/upload speed, the better.
- You can test your internet connection speed using this link.
- Make sure the audio and video are set up correctly. Click here for a step-by-step guide to setting up Zoom audio and video.
- Your camera must remain ‘on’ for the duration of the class.
- Mute yourself when you are not speaking or in a small group.
- Join class from an appropriate location to fully participate without distractions or interruptions (e.g., no Zooming while driving, etc.).
Best Practices
- Ensure that you are the main user of the internet bandwidth in your household during daily sessions.
- Use a proper headset with a microphone to prevent background noise and echo.
- Close all programs on your computer except Zoom and those necessary for class.
- Open PowerPoint, PDFs, and other files in advance if you plan to share your screen.
- UW-Madison platforms work best with the latest versions of modern web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Resources
- UW-Madison’s University Health Services (UHS) Mental Health Resources
- Tips for Screen Fatigue: Protect Your Eyes From Too Much Screen Time
- The DoIT Help Desk provides free tech support and troubleshooting help to UW-Madison students. The Help Desk can diagnose most application and hardware issues and provide repair options. Get help via phone (608-264-4357) or email (help@doit.wisc.edu) 7 days a week.
All admitted students will need to formally acknowledge and agree to adhere to these requirements and best practices.