Computer Requirements

The Online OTA program courses will require students to interact with peers through discussion, video, and interactive modules. Therefore, access to a computer with the recommended hardware, software, and internet connection speed is crucial to online learning in the Online Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Students must be able to access and change settings, including firewall settings. Therefore, the primary use of a public computer, such as a library computer, is not recommended.

St. Catherine University cannot assume responsibility for the inability of a computer to connect to university websites or course delivery sites. Students are responsible for keeping computers in working order and should notify an instructor immediately if a computer issue limits a student’s ability to fully participate in course activities.

Recommended Computer Specifications

  Windows Apple® Macintosh®
Computing Device A full-featured PC or MAC laptop or desktop, with a webcam, is recommended.
NOTE: Google Chromebooks cannot run Microsoft Office, the university’s common word processing platform, and may experience other limitations. iPads do not run all academic applications and should not be used as the primary device.
Operating System Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows Pro (not RT)
How to Find Your Windows Computer Specs		 Mac OS X (version 10.6 Snow Leopard or later)
How to Find Your Mac Computer Specs
Processor Pentium 4, Celereron 2Ghz or faster Intel, 800Mhz or faster
Hard Drive 200 GB or more 200 GB or more
Soundcard Soundcard Soundcard
RAM / Memory 2 – 4 GB (4GB Preferred) 2 – 4 GB (4GB Preferred)
DVD/CD Drive Combo drive (dvd-rom/cd-rw) Combo Drive (dvd-rom/cd-rw)
Internet Connection
(Unsecured WIFI, e.g., coffee shop access, is NOT recommended)
  • High speed connection, such as DSL, Cable modem, ISDN, T1, or T3 lines, is recommended for all students and is required for any courses that include video or video desktop conferencing.
  • Test your connection at http://speedtest.net/
  • Recommended download speed of at least 5 Mbps
Video Player
It is recommended that you have at least two video players installed on your computer to accommodate different file types.		 Pick two video players from the list below:
Office Software
So you can share files electronically with instructors and fellow learners.		 Microsoft Office 2010 or 2013 Home, Student or Professional version. Microsoft Office Mac 2008 or later
Note: iWorks is not acceptable.
Google Docs (free with St. Kate’s Google Apps email account)
Office 2013 (Windows) and 2011(Mac) are available for a reduced price from Microsoft for students at http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/edu

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