Technical Basics
At TRU Open Learning, we believe that limited or no internet access should not be a barrier to learning. To support students with limited or no internet access, we are modernizing our services to help facilitate access to course materials. TRU Open Learning will work with students to find practical solutions and support their learning journey. If you have any questions, please contact our dedicated delivery support for students with limited or no internet access at DeliverySupport2@tru.ca.
If you have a newer computer (purchased within the last five years), you likely have the tools you need to complete a course delivered in an alternative format. If a course has specific technology requirements, they will be listed in the course schedule. Please review the course details before you enrol.
Operating system and computer requirements
Supported operating systems are Windows 10 or newer and macOS 10.7 (Lion) or newer. There may be special considerations if you are using a Mac, so please check course details. Newer computers have more storage capacity and memory, making tasks faster and videos easier to access.
Webcam and microphone
Webcam and microphone capabilities are highly recommended for students enrolled in courses being delivered in alternative formats.
Tablets and phones
Tablets and phones are not recommended to access course content. Although a tablet or phone can provide access to some online course content, neither device enables reliable access to all content. In some cases, you may not be aware that the course content is not displaying correctly. To successfully access all course content reliably, you will need a computer running Windows or Mac.
Internet connection
For most courses, you need access to high-speed internet. Although a dial-up connection allows you to send email and access your learning environment, download and upload times are slow, and you may have trouble viewing certain types of media and participating in video-conferences.
For secure, high-speed internet, you can access the Eduroam wireless network for free on many university campuses, including TRU.
Software requirements
Web browser
Your web browser is your most important tool in a web-based course. You should use the newest versions of web-related software to avoid problems.
We recommend you have at least two browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, installed on your computer. Some pages and software function better on some browsers than others. Internet Explorer and Safari are not recommended.
If you have trouble viewing course content, your browser likely needs to be updated. You can check by going into the browser’s File, About or Help menus.
Browser add-ons
Some courses may have additional interactive content that requires Java software to be installed in order to display correctly in your browser.
Microsoft Office
We recommend that you have access to Microsoft Office or compatible software. The latest version of Microsoft Office is available to you with a free subscription. Visit the ITS Portal for currently available programs.
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Acrobat PDF files may be included in your course material. Adobe Acrobat Reader allows you to open, read and print these PDF files.
Additional software for students
You can download a variety of software options onto your home computer for free or a small fee through IT Services. These software offerings can be helpful for online coursework, communicating with fellow classmates and professors and helping to protect your computer. You can view all the available options and details on the ITS Portal.
If you have any questions about your computer’s capabilities, or are not sure how to check if your tools satisfy these requirements, send an email to itservicedesk@tru.ca.
Moodle Tutorials
Most TRU Open Learning courses offered online are delivered through our Moodle learning management system. This web-based software allows you to view course material, submit assignments, interact with other students, and communicate with the Open Learning Faculty Members.
Once you enrol in a course, your first step is to login to Moodle and review the Course Guide section. If you have not set up your TRU network/email password, you can do so here. If you have a TRU ID but have not registered for a TRU course for two years then you will have to reset your password.
You’ll return to Moodle throughout your course to find and submit your assignments and receive feedback. We suggest you check in regularly to keep up-to-date with information about the course material.
If you need help navigating Moodle, TRU Open Learning provides detailed tutorials on its Moodle wiki page.
You can also contact the IT Service Desk at 1-888-852-8533.
