UMPI Yourpace computer requirements?

[pluggingalong]

It looks like the UMPI Yourpace programs only require you have Microsoft Office and and Internet connection.  I see a lot of references to Zoom, so I expect that is also required.  I have Windows and Mac computers, but I am always curious if a college supports ChromeOS laptops (Chromebooks), or a particular flavor of Linux.  ChromeOS seems to be officially supported more and more often.  Linux seems to remain unofficially allowed at a lot of schools.  

Anyone go through Yourpace using ChromeOS or Linux?

"Internet access and Microsoft Office are required for the YourPace program."

https://online.umpi.edu/faqs/

[ss20ts]

It depends on your degree program. BUS345 require MS Access which isn't available on Mac. BUS245 requires a programming language and there are some things you have you to download and run. I used Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, VB, and Zoom. I don't think a Chromebook will work because you can only access the Internet with them. You need to be able to download and save files. You'll need to download the file sent back after you submit your rough draft to make your changes. There are courses where you need more than the online version of Office as well. I don't know anything about Linux, but again you'll need different software. All fo the software is provided by UMPI or it's free such as Zoom and VB.

[pluggingalong]

I found a more detailed page for the University of Maine schools. It says Windows or Mac are supported, while Chromebooks are not recommended.

"Chromebooks will work for most use cases, but are generally not recommended as there are certain applications that are not compatible."

https://www.maine.edu/information-techno...et-access/

[bjcheung77]

Yeah, it really depends, most schools it all depends on their proctoring service they go with. Such as CLEP and taking the CLEP at home, the proctoring software only works in Windows 10, won't work if people have upgraded to Windows 11. Since you have a few laptops or PC to use, you shouldn't need to worry.

[ss20ts]

I found a more detailed page for the University of Maine schools.  It says Windows or Mac are supported, while Chromebooks are not recommended.

"Chromebooks will work for most use cases, but are generally not recommended as there are certain applications that are not compatible."

https://www.maine.edu/information-techno...et-access/

Again it will depend on the class. BUS245 and BUS345 will need a Windows based computer. There is no Mac version of Access. The programming is Windows based as well in BUS245.

[pluggingalong]

Currently, I am in a town with high-speed cable internet, and everything works great. I have considered moving to a more rural area, but expect I would end up with satellite-internet that has a high-latency (not the new Starlink). I believe UMPI uses Zoom a lot, so I plan to stay in areas with cable internet. Also, if UMPI uses proctored online exams, those probably require good 2-way video connections. I was just curious if anyone had success with the online (Yourpace) path, while having high-latency internet? High-latency meaning you have good download speed, and moderate upload speed, but terrible switching between downloading and uploading. You can usually watch online movies and stuff just fine, but 2-way video and online-games are too jittery, and usually disconnect.

[ss20ts]

Currently, I am in a town with high-speed cable internet, and everything works great.  I have considered moving to a more rural area, but expect I would end up with satellite-internet that has a high-latency (not the new Starlink). I believe UMPI uses Zoom a lot, so I plan to stay in areas with cable internet.  Also, if UMPI uses proctored online exams, those probably require good 2-way video connections. I was just curious if anyone had success with the online (Yourpace) path, while having high-latency internet?  High-latency meaning you have good download speed, and moderate upload speed, but terrible switching between downloading and uploading.  You can usually watch online movies and stuff just fine, but 2-way video and online-games are too jittery, and usually disconnect.

Zoom is not used often. It's used to meet with a professor which is not a common occurrence. UMPI doesn't have proctored exams. You will need a good, consistent internet connection for the exams.

[uncoolbilly]

Has anyonetried and knows if the exams work on tablets? I use a Samsung Tab 8 (DEX) as my default travel computer and it does 95% + of everything I need for work, and the 5% it doesn't do I use Splashtop to connect to a local server and do administration.

As I am already in the Tech industry (certifications) I have decided to get a BABA, as i won't have many Access projects if any and exams are not proctored (the issue with study.com) I should be able to get by with the Tablet.

I have a Dell 13" (from work) that I will bring with to "cover the bases" if needed and have 50% of the time used a AT&T hot spot for classes so far. So fingers crossed everything works out.

[ss20ts]

I believe the instructions say you must be on a computer for an exam. That may change with the move to Brightspace in January if they move as planned.

[rachel83az]

If you had a Windows tablet, they probably wouldn't be able to tell. But the Samsung Tab 8 runs Android. Android is very good, but the browsers don't always have the features necessary to do things like exams.