Technology Requirements

Each doctoral participant is expected to demonstrate basic computer skills and to have working knowledge and capability with computer hardware as well as a variety of software applications. Each doctoral participant is expected to install, manage, and utilize all required software during class meetings and when completing course/program deliverables. 

At a minimum, the software applications include:

• UTC Learn/Canvas
• Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint 2010 version or newer
• Adobe Reader
• EndNote bibliography management software
• SPSS statistical analysis software
• Zoom video conferencing
• Other applications as indicated by the faculty

Technology Hardware/Software Requirements

Each doctoral participant must have administrative rights to the computer being used during coursework in order to install necessary software. Each doctoral participant is expected to install, manage, and utilize all required software during class meetings and when completing  course/program deliverables. 

Minimum technology requirements for the LEAD programs include:      

• PC or Mac computer with Windows-based operating system*
• Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint (2010 version or newer)
• High speed Internet connection
• Webcam (USB preferred) 
• Adobe Reader
• EndNote
• SPSS statistical analysis software
• Zoom video conferencing
• UT system provided survey software
• Other applications as indicated by the faculty

*We highly recommend using a PC type computer. Our program faculty/staff and university administration utilize Windows and Microsoft software; therefore, a PC type computer is preferred to ensure compatibility. While the majority of the required software programs are available in both PC and Mac formats, select software programs are not available for use with the Mac operating system and require a Windows-based operating system. Some participants have experienced difficulty and noticed differences when formatting documents when using a Mac Operating System (Mac OS).

A number of software applications are provided by the university/UT at no charge for all current participants and faculty (link: UTC Software for Students & UTK Software Distribution). Additionally, current participants have access to Microsoft 365 for Students (links: O365/Microsoft 365 Portal & Microsoft Education & FAQs) and Adobe Reader (link: Adobe Reader). All doctoral courses utilize the online learning platform, UTC Learn/Canvas (link: UTC Learn). Most deliverables for the program are submitted in Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint. 

Class Meetings on Campus

Complimentary wireless Internet access is available for all coursework on campus. Participants are required to bring a laptop (PC preferred) with a charging cable to all class meetings on campus. Each doctoral participant is expected to install, manage, and utilize all required software during class meetings and when completing course/program deliverables. 

Virtual Classroom Presence

In order to enhance the interactions within the Virtual Classroom, participants are expected to upload and maintain an appropriate head and shoulders profile image in UTC Learn (Canvas). Additionally, participants are expected to join any synchronous course activities conducted via distance technology using a computer and webcam. Unless specific pre-approval has been given by the instructor(s), participants are expected to remain engaged and keep their webcams turned on during class meetings. Contribution points are directly related to ongoing engagement during the class meeting(s).

Communication Policy 

Technology Support