A Request to Prepare for Online Classes
April 15th, 2020
Sophia University
Dear students,
Due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we have decided to move all classes online for the spring semester. Students need to prepare certain materials and complete specific tasks in order to participate in online classes – they are provided below.
1. Information Dissemination through the Loyola Platform
In the future, announcements and specific information and procedures will be updated and released on Loyola’s “Online Classes” page. Please regularly log into the Loyola platform and check for announcements and notices from the university.
If you are a new student please refer to the backside of “What to check on Loyola for new students,” which is currently being sent to you with your student ID, so you can know how to check Loyola.
2. What to prepare for taking online classes
(1) A Network Connected to the Internet
While it will vary from class to class, we estimate you will use about 30GB to 40GB of data each month. Please check your data plan and prepare accordingly for the online classes.
| Network Type | Comments | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LAN line for your home | <A> | Fiber-optic cable, Internet-ready cable TV, FLET’S, etc. are all acceptable |
| 2 | Flat-rate data plan and mobile router / similar smartphone contract | <B> | It’s possible the connection will be unstable depending on the location of use |
| 3 | A mobile router / smartphone contract with additional data charges possible | <C> | Depending on the class’ required materials and interactions, additional charges may be required for your data use |
(2) A Computer
- We recommend a mid-tier, or better, computer with a Windows or Macintosh operating system.
- If you are making a new purchase, we recommend a laptop with a webcam, microphone, and speaker. Microsoft Office software is distributed to Sophia students free of charge, so you do not need to purchase it as part of a bundled package.
- If you want to use a computer that you already own, please be sure it has a functional webcam, microphone, and speaker.
- You can use a tablet device, or a smartphone with a keyboard, but a screen size of about 10 inches is required.
| Device | Necessary Equiptment | Comments | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laptop computer (Windows/Mac) | A built-in microphone, speaker and camera are strongly recommended. Please purchase items separately if the device does not have the above three items. | <A> | A mid-tier or better computer is recommended. For new purchases, it is unnecessary to buy Microsoft Office software and virus software, as they can be downloaded free of charge using Sophia’s licenses. |
| 2 | Desktop computer (Windows/Mac) | Headset (headphone with microphone) and webcam are required. | <B> | A mid-tier or better computer is recommended. For new purchases, it is unnecessary to buy Microsoft Office software and virus software, as they can be downloaded free of charge using Sophia’s licenses. |
| 3 | Tablet/Smartphone | Headphones. | <C> | It may be difficult to view learning materials and video conferencing screens if the screen is small, so an external screen of 10 inches or more is recommended. |