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This is a fully online course. Nothing fancy is required. Anything you already use for school will probably work. Here is what you actually need.

Required

A computer or laptop

Any Mac, Windows, or Chromebook from the last 5 or so years. Phones and tablets are not sufficient for proctored quizzes (Honorlock). Desktop or laptop is required.

Required

Reliable internet

Enough to stream video comfortably. If you watch YouTube or Netflix without problems, you are fine for this course.

Required

A modern browser

Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge in their current versions. Canvas works best in Chrome and Firefox. Chrome is required for weekly quizzes (see Honorlock below). Keep your browser up to date for best performance.

Required

Honorlock (Chrome extension)

A free Chrome extension used only for taking weekly quizzes and lab exams. At ARC, it is configured in lockdown-only mode: no webcam, no audio, no recording. It just prevents other tabs from being open during a quiz. Installation instructions will be posted in Module 0 before Week 1.

Required

PDF reader and PDF creation

Built into most operating systems. You will submit weekly workbooks and portfolio pages as PDFs. The Submission Directions page walks through how to create PDFs from any platform (phone scan, Google Docs export, Word save-as).

Required

Your Los Rios login

You should already have this from registration. Use it to access Canvas at lrccd.instructure.com.

Optional

A printer

Optional. The submission policy gives you three ways to complete weekly work: print and handwrite, build digitally with revision history, or handwrite on blank paper. A printer makes Option 1 easier but is not required. Public libraries and campus printers also work.

Optional

A camera or scanning app

Any phone camera works. Use a free scanning app (Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, Apple Notes, Google Drive) to capture handwritten work and convert to PDF. Optional if you build everything digitally.

If something is not working

Tech issues are real, and they usually are not your fault. Here is where to go.