Technology requirements and recommendations

Background

The OTD curriculum is delivered using a hybrid education model. The OTD program encourages faculty and students to develop, integrate and/or use innovative technology (approved for use by the University) in ways that improve course delivery, active learning, coaching, communication and student outcomes. 

This model requires students possess the necessary technology to participate fully in the program. Additional recommendations are made so students can create a distance-learning environment suitable for occupational therapy education. 

These requirements and recommendations are shared with prospective students to help you make an informed decision about participation in the BGSU OTD program.

Requirements

Students must have a mobile device AND a laptop computer that meet the following specifications.

Instructional technology

Programs required for full participation in the BGSU OTD curriculum are securely accessed with a BGSU email address and are provided to OTD students at no additional cost. Review individual programs for further information on their technology requirements. 

View included programs

Additional information

Students must have a laptop and mobile device in their possession at the time of the OTD program orientation.

Many students find 16GB of RAM sufficient. Other students may not. This depends on the other resources on your laptop that compete for RAM use. Many of our technology applications require at least 2 GB of your total RAM to be free for proper function. This 2GB of free RAM should be considered the minimum, as several of the programs will be used concurrently. 

Even while using the most compatible applications, some software and applications may not be fully compatible with all hardware and across all platforms. In situations where incompatibility results, it is the student’s responsibility to view any required files utilizing compatible hardware. The BGSU computer laboratories are available for students local to Bowling Green. 

In all circumstances, faculty must ensure protection of student data in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and BGSU policies. All personal computers and electronic devices must be password protected and maintained in secure environments. Students also have a responsibility to maintain information security. 

Students are responsible for all uses of their computer accounts. Security passwords should be protected information, changed periodically to improve security and not shared with other individuals.

Recommendations

Students in the BGSU OTD program will be provided with a student kit of necessary materials to facilitate learning skills at home. We recommend that students create a “home lab” to more easily practice skills and submit video assessments.