Computer System Requirements for Online Students
Taking online classes at Metro State University, as a student you will need to have access to a computer with a connection to the internet. You do not need to own the computer, but you do need to be able to use it on a regular basis—enough so that you can do all the work that is required of your classes every week.
Not every computer will be adequate for your online learning needs. For example, a Chromebook or an iPad will not be sufficient to do all the work that may be expected from you. However, you may be able to use the virtual lab to complete most, if not all, of your computer-needed tasks.
Metro State has computers available through check-out through the library on a first come, first served basis. The student loaner laptop program is an option for students who may need to borrow a computer for long-term use. Go to Student Laptop Loaner Program.
Instructors may require you to submit assignments using software you do not have. Microsoft 365 is provided to our students, which gives access to software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (You can even install Microsoft 365 on your mobile devices, though these are not always the best for completing schoolwork or accessing your online courses). Students can download and install the suite on their personal devices and make use of these programs. Contact the Service Center at 651.793.1240 with any questions.
D2L Brightspace Assistance
If you are having trouble accessing D2L Brightspace or would like help learning how to use the various functions of the learning environment (D2L Brightspace), explore the links below:
If these resources don't address the issue you're experiencing, or you are having problems with:
- Viewing Content
- Quiz Attempts
- Assignment Submissions
- Discussion Posts
Contact the Service Center at 651.793.1240 or by email at service.center@metrostate.edu.
General Online Learning Resources
- Academic Advising
- Tutoring and Testing Services
- Library
- LinkedIn Learning
- To understand how courses are delivered, (some are fully online, some are fully in-person, and some are somewhere in between) see Delivery Methods
- Remote Proctoring with Respondus Monitor: Metro State uses Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor for Remote proctoring; find out more at Remote Proctoring: How to take an exam with Respondus Monitor (metrostate.edu)