To fully participate in courses, students must use a PC or a Mac. A Chromebook, tablet, or mobile device is insufficient for the demands of Parker University courses, though, they can be used to perform some academic activities and thereby supplement the use of a desktop or laptop computer. A broadband internet connection (Cable/DSL/Satellite) is required.
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Microsoft Windows*
Windows 8 | Windows 10
4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
256 GB Hard drive or higher, Solid State recommended
Speakers or headphones
A webcam is re quired*Doctor of Chiropractic students are required to purchase a school laptop with Windows 10 to utilize Parker’s Electronic Health Record software for their course and clinical work starting in Trimester 6.
Mac OS X
Version 10.10 - Yosemite or higher
4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended)
256 GB Hard drive or higher
A webcam and speakers are incorporated into all Macs
Software
Microsoft Office365 – free of charge to all active Parker University students via their university account
Adobe Reader 11 or higher – free download
Respondus LockDown Browser
What is Respondus LockDown Browser? It is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment for tests taken in Blackboard. If an instructor requires that students use the Respondus LockDown Browser, Students need to download and install the browser and use it to log in to Blackboard to take the test. Students are required to have sufficient technology to support the Respondus LockDown Browser. See MyParker Student Resources to download the software and validate computer requirements.
Browser
Firefox and Chrome are the recommended browsers for accessing the Blackboard Learning Management System and other course software.
Parker Email
Students are required to use their Parker University student email account for their online course. Parker’s email is accessible 24/7 from any computer with a web browser.
Antivirus and Malware Software
We highly recommend that students purchase anti-virus / anti-malware for their computer or laptop, even if they have a Mac. There are free versions available; however, they are typically minimally featured and frequently advertise their paid versions. Some common antivirus/malware software options are below. The best one will depend on the student’s specific needs and budget:
Assistance
If a computer doesn’t meet these requirements, students should contact their Financial Aid advisor to see if they qualify for additional funding to purchase a computer. For specific questions regarding personal technology equipment, please work with the Parker University IT Service Desk at servicedesk@parker.edu or 214 902 2430.