Minimum Technology Requirements

In order to complete studies at Kaplan, students are assumed to have the following skills relating to technology:

  • Ability to use email to correspond with staff and students

  • Ability to access, create and save documents in Microsoft Office formats. At a minimum, students must be familiar with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel 

  • Ability to browse the Web, including downloading and installing common plug-ins (listed below) and configuring common browser options 

  • Ability to configure and run applications, including an antivirus application, to ensure that the student's system is secure and transmitted files are virus free

Hardware

To enrol in classes all Kaplan Online Higher Education (KOHE) students must have access to a computer with the following minimum requirements:

  • A computer running Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 or Mac OS X with the operating system's minimum requirements for processor, memory, and hard drive (See the Microsoft or Apple website for minimum requirements) 

  • At least 10.0 GB of free hard-drive space (additional space may be needed for multimedia files) 

  • 1024 x 768 monitor with a 16-bit or greater video card (24-bit preferred) 

  • DVD-ROM drive or CD-ROM drive (for some subjects where content is available in this format)

  • Headset and/or Sound card with speakers and microphone (for selected courses)

Software

KOHE recommends the following software be installed.

  • Microsoft Windows Operating System (XP, Vista, Windows 7) or Mac OS X

  • Microsoft Office 2003 or later

  • A current antivirus and antispyware application that is updated regularly

  • Internet Explorer 8.0 or later, Google Chrome, Firefox 3.0 or later, or Safari 2.0 or later

  • Adobe Reader 10.0 or later

  • Adobe Flash Player 10.0 or later (free download)

  • Sun Java 2 SDK (Java 1.3.1) or later for PC (free download)/Classic Java (MRJ 2.2.5) or later for Mac (free download)

Most subject assignments are submitted online.  Please refer to the relevant guide in your online environment for further information detailing the technical requirements of this facility.

Internet/email

Students studying at Kaplan require ready access to the Internet. KOHE recommends as a minimum a dedicated, reliable 128 Kbps or faster Internet connection with .JavaScript and Cookies enabled in their browser.

Students are also required to have an active email account that is not limited by size. By enrolling, students understand and acknowledge that Kaplan will communicate with students via the email account they provide to Kaplan on enrolment and the online Subject Rooms.

The font size throughout the KOHE website is adjustable. To resize the font go to View > Text Size on your browser toolbar and select a suitable size. You can also use the Ctrl Key + the Mouse Scroll Wheel. We recommend using 'Medium'.

Any problems accessing the site should be directed to your KOHE student adviser. 

Calculators and financial calculators

Students will require a calculator that has, as a minimum, the ability to raise numbers to a power (a yx or xy button). Some subjects also require processing of numbers to eight decimal places.

A financial calculator is required for some subjects, and is likely to meet your long-term requirements in the financial services industry.

There are a range of financial calculators available and while KOHE does not recommend a specific calculator, the list below provides a range of options for students to consider based on their needs.

  • Hewlett Packard 17B+

  • Hewlett Packard 12C

  • Texas Instruments BAII Plus

Note that calculators or other electronic devices (e.g. hand-held computers/devices, translation devices*, MP3 players and mobile phones) that have the ability to store and display text are not permitted in examinations.