Preparing for Your Online Course

Make sure your computer is ready

For the best online learning experience, plan to use a reliable laptop or desktop computer rather than relying only on a phone or tablet. 

LMU ITS does not recommend Chromebooks as the primary device for coursework.

Minimum requirements:

  • For Mac users, one of the three most recent versions of OS is ideal.
  • For Windows users, ITS recommends Windows 11 or higher.
  • Updated browser and operating system
  • Reliable internet access
  • Webcam and microphone for live online meetings, presentations, or instructor conferences
  • Ability to download, upload, save, and organize files

Set up the tools you need

Brightspace logo

Brightspace

Brightspace for course materials, assignments, grades, announcements, and discussions

outlook logo

Outlook

LMU email for communicating with your instructor and classmates

Office 365 app logos

Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft Office 365 for documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and collaboration

Box logo

Box

Box for storing, sharing, or submitting files

Acrobat logo

PDF tools

PDF tools or Adobe for reading, annotating, or completing documents

Zoom logo

Zoom

Zoom for live class meetings or office hours

Build basic file confidence

Make sure you know how to:

  • Download a file from Brightspace or email
  • Save a file where you can find it again
  • Rename a file clearly
  • Upload a file to an assignment
  • Convert or save a document as a PDF if required
  • Open instructor feedback or returned files