Skip to Main Content

Technology Guides for Students

A central place for common technology-related questions and solutions for students at Viterbo University.

Moodle RequirementsPlatforms

Moodle works on PCs, Macs, and on Android and Apple mobile devices. Using a web browser on your mobile device to access and work in Moodle is recommended over using the Moodle app. 


Note: Moodle may not function on Chromebooks, especially if users need to use/download MS Office files.


Recommended Screen Resolution (laptops, desktops)

A 1024x768 screen resolution or higher is recommended for non-mobile devices.

 

Internet Access

  • Recommended: Broadband or high-speed internet access. Broadband includes DSL, cable, and wireless connections.
  • Not Recommended: Dial-Up and Satellite internet connections. These types of connections may load so slowly that viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.

The following browser recommendations and settings will improve your experience using Moodle and ensure access to the activities and tools in your Moodle courses.


Note: Depending on the use of streaming media, interactive multimedia, or other content in the individual courses, you might need additional hardware/software or browser plug-ins.


Recommended Browsers and Versions

Recommended browsers for the best experience in Moodle:Moodle browsers

  • Firefox, most recent version*
  • Chrome, most recent version
  • Safari, most recent version
  • Microsoft Edge, most recent version
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer, DO NOT USE

*Preferred browser

Browser Settings

The following browser settings should be selected:

  • Enable Cookies
  • Enable popups (if requested)
  • Enable Javascript* 
    Note:
    Javascript is NOT the same as Java. Moodle does not require Java (read about security issues with Java).   

* Some devices such as Smartboards and certain tablet PCs with touch screen capabilities may exhibit problems with Moodle's drag-and-drop features.  If you experience problems with such devices, you may wish to use a desktop computer when you need these features. You can also turn off Javascript in your browser (see below) and use the alternative interface instead of drag-and-drop.

Instructions for browser settings for are available here:

  • Firefox help
  • Chrome help
  • Safari: go to Safari > Preferences. The settings are located on the Security and Privacy tabs.

Note: In most browsers (not Safari), you can make an exception for Moodle if you don't want to use these settings for all websites.


Browser Add-ons

You may find it useful to install the following add-ons if your browser does not already have them:

A PDF Reader

To view PDF files, you need a PDF reader to be installed on your computer. A PDF browser plugin will let you view PDFs in a browser window without opening a separate program.

Microsoft Office
  • Office 365 is available both online on MyVU as O365 and for free download to Viterbo University employees and students.

Internet Connection Speed

Online and blended courses may require access to a broadband or high-speed internet connection. Cable Modem, DSL or ADSL, or Satellite is acceptable. Please note that dial-up connections will not permit the required data exchange.


Note: Some services are labeled “DSL” when in fact they are dial-up connections with varying compression rates and cache servers located at central server locations, which may give the sense of faster speed. If the rates at which you can transmit and receive data are not 128 Kbps up and 256 Kbps down, you do not have a broadband connection or “DSL.”  


How to check Internet speed: Click the following link to test “Upload Speed” and “Download Speed.”  http://speedtest.charter.com/

True high-speed internet access will have download speeds in excess of 384 kbps (this being the minimum) and upload speeds of128 Kbps (this also being the minimum). The internet service provider’s SLA (Service Level Agreement) is usually 70% of what you buy. At 256 Kbps, you are promised 179 Kbps. At 384 Kbps, you are promised 268 Kbps. A constant 179 Kbps or better should work, but to get a true 256 Kbps, the service would be rated at 384 Kbps.

Credits: Ambridge University

All courses:
  • Broadband or high-speed connection (see Basic Requirements tab)
  • Ability to play YouTube and Echo360 videos
  • Ability to access all websites used in the course (i.e., no restrictions on internet access)
  • Access to a desktop or laptop computer (not a Chromebook)
  • A browser, such as Firefox or Chrome, that will work with Moodle. See Browser Recommendations for more information.
Some courses:
  • Camera and microphone
  • Telephone

Students who do not have the above requirements can visit the Viterbo University campus library to use computers, check-out laptops, cameras and/or microphones (for details visit: https://www.viterbo.edu/library/computers-and-equipment)

What should you do if you experience problems using Moodle?

  1. Check supported browser versions.
     Check to see if your problem is related to known issues with your browser version (see information at right).
     
  2. Clear your browser's cache.
    Clearing your browser's cache may help to resolve problems such as trouble using drag-and-drop features, or trouble viewing the gradebook. See how to refresh your browser's cache
     
  3. Try a different browser, and/or move to a different computer.
    You may find it helpful to have more than one browser installed on your computer. If you run into problems using Moodle, moving to another browser may resolve your issues. You can also try moving to a different computer to see if the problem persists. This may help to discern whether your issue was a problem with your browser or computer, or with Moodle.
     
  4. Still having problems?
    If the issue persists in several browsers, and on different computers, please report your problem to coursehelp@viterbo.edu.

Source: UMass Amherst Information Technology.