Technology Statements

Estimated Time |
10 minutes

Technology requirements for all online courses:

A PC or Mac computer or laptop with broadband or similar Internet connection.
Access to a backup computer with internet access in case of temporary technology issues.
Adobe Reader (to view .pdfs).
Microsoft Office (this is available for free to students through the Office homepage.
A webcam (built-in to laptop or external webcam).
A microphone (built-in to laptop or external).
Speakers or headset for listening to video or audio files.

Technology recommendations for all online courses:

Updated anti-virus software.
Flash drive or Cloud drive to back up all documents and work.

Student authentication and validation tools:

This course uses student authentication and validation during exams. Our online proctoring service in Respondus – students will be required to use Google Chrome and install Respondus. A guide for installing and using this service will be available in our course. Students will be monitored during testing, and will be required to take online tests independently and without accessing other resources (Microsoft, Google Chrome, textbooks, external websites, etc.
Be mindful of students using their ISD-issued devices. Students may not have the ability to install additional software on their device. Contact the high school's ISD representative for issues with school ISD-issued devices.
This course uses student authentication and validation for major essays. Students will submit essays to Turnitin.com. Students will need to use Google Chrome and submit .docx files. There is no additional download for Turnitin.com
Vendor partners provide proper training to all staff who proctor exams. Essays submitted to Turnitin.com are not shared without permission. Test-taking information is not shared, and all vendors adhere to the privacy guidelines guaranteed to students under FERPA.

Responsibility for Troubleshooting Technology Concerning Dual Credit Courses

While school districts bear the obligation of equipping dual credit students with essential technological capabilities, it is imperative to acknowledge that both students and districts have delineated responsibilities. The burden of troubleshooting these issues lies with the ISDs dual credit representative. Concurrently, the college's technology representative should establish effective communication channels with the ISD, collaborating to resolve these challenges and thereby augmenting students' educational achievements.

Students will need to contact their ISD representatives for hardware and software computer issues
Students will need to contact the college IT department for login/Canvas questions and concerns
Students will need to keep their high school dual credit program and the college course instructors of any and all issues

Respondus Information

This course requires the download and use of Lockdown Browser for online exams. Watch this short video. to get a basic understanding of Lockdown Browser and the optional webcam feature (which may be required for some exams).

Download Instructions

Select the practice quiz in the course (NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: We recommend that you create a simple, no-stakes practice quiz to allow students to download the browser and practice)
If you have not already installed Lockdown Browser, select the link to download the application and follow the installation instructions
Return to the quiz page in a standard browser
Lockdown Browser will launch and the quiz will begin

Note: Lockdown Browser only needs to be installed once per computer or device. It will start automatically from that point forward when a test requires it.

To take an online test, start Lockdown Browser and navigate to the exam. (You won't be able to access the exam with a standard web browser.) For additional details on using Lockdown Browser, review this Student Quick Start Guide.(PDF)

Finally, when taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

Select a location where you won't be interrupted
Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you've allotted sufficient time to complete it
Turn off all mobile devices, phones, etc. and don't have them within reach
Clear your area of all external materials — books, papers, other computers, or devices
Remain at your desk or workstation for the duration of the test
Lockdown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

Respondus Technical Requirements

Technical Difficulties or Issues

myTCC Resources Help and Support
Tech Support: Contact Tech 24/7 for help with all your technical issues.
- 24/7 Technical Support Phone: 817-515-8324
- 24//7 Technical Support Chat: Tech Support
- Help Email: support@tccd.edu Support staff monitors support e-mail continuously during normal business hours.

Student Privacy, Accessibility, and VPAT Information

Technology Failure or Outage

In the event of a catastrophic or natural disaster that results in a system-wide technology failure or outage, information will be posted on the TCC website or in the Canvas course or in any of the locations listed on the TCC Emergency Information site.