Technical Setup for Science Journalism Learning
Getting started with our science journalism courses doesn't require a high-end workstation. Most people already have what they need at home. But there are some practical considerations worth thinking about before you begin.
We've built our platform to work across different devices and connection speeds. That said, certain tools and setups make the experience smoother—especially when you're juggling research, writing drafts, and reviewing multimedia content.
This isn't about having the latest tech. It's about making sure your current setup can handle the day-to-day work without frustration.
What You Actually Need
Here's a straightforward breakdown of the technical requirements that keep things running smoothly throughout your coursework.
Computer Basics
Any laptop or desktop from the last five years works fine. Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14+, or recent Linux distributions all handle our platform well. 4GB RAM minimum, though 8GB makes multitasking easier when you're researching and writing simultaneously.
Internet Connection
You need stable internet with at least 5 Mbps download speed. Video lectures stream at adaptive quality, so slower connections still work—just expect some buffering. Most home broadband or decent mobile hotspots handle this without issue.
Web Browser
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge—keep whichever you prefer updated to the latest version. Our platform uses standard web technologies, nothing exotic. You'll want JavaScript enabled and cookies allowed for the learning dashboard.
Software Tools
You'll need word processing software for assignments. Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or LibreOffice all work. For some advanced modules, we recommend a basic text editor like Notepad++ or Sublime Text for working with structured data.
Audio Equipment
Standard headphones or earbuds for video content. If you plan to participate in live discussions or interviews (optional but valuable), a basic USB microphone improves audio quality significantly over built-in laptop mics.
Storage Space
About 10GB of free storage covers downloaded course materials, your writing projects, and research files. Cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox helps with backups—we've all lost work to computer crashes at the worst possible moment.
Platform-Specific Details
Video Content Access
- Lectures stream in 720p and 1080p quality depending on your connection
- Download option available for offline viewing (uses more storage)
- Closed captions provided in English for all video content
- Playback speed controls from 0.75x to 2x for personal pacing
Assignment Submission
- Written work accepted in .docx, .pdf, .txt, or .rtf formats
- Maximum file size 25MB per submission
- Multimedia projects can include links to external hosting (YouTube, SoundCloud)
- Direct upload for images and graphics up to 10MB each
Communication Tools
- Discussion forums work through standard web interface—no special software needed
- Optional live sessions use Zoom (free account works, no paid subscription required)
- Email notifications for course updates and assignment deadlines
- Mobile app available for iOS and Android for on-the-go access
Accessibility Features
- Screen reader compatible throughout the platform
- Keyboard navigation supported for all interactive elements
- High contrast mode available in user settings
- Text resizing without breaking layout functionality
Questions About Your Setup?
Not sure if your equipment meets the requirements? Reach out and we'll help you figure out what works. Most technical concerns have simple solutions, and we'd rather address them before you start.
Get Technical Support