Sufficient technology and Internet access are required to complete online classes. The basic technology requirements for online students are outlined below. Note: Even if students are not taking online classes, access to a computer and the internet is required to access information about your student's courses and progress through the Bridgeway Learning Center.

Basic Technical Requirements:

How it Works-girl relaxing on computer

  • Standard laptops and desktops; running Windows, Mac OSX, and Chrome OS (Chromebooks) are supported.
    • Smartphones and tablets (including iPads) are not fully supported. 
    • Our website and learning center are mobile-friendly, but not all of our learning content is compatible with iPads and other mobile devices.
    • Using an iPad or Android as your primary device is NOT recommended for these reasons.
  • Operating System: Windows 10 and 11; Mac OSX 10.8 or newer
    • Windows 7 and 8 are no longer supported by Microsoft and most websites and may not be compatible with most websites and platforms.
    • Macs and iPhones sometimes use the HEIC image file that is not compatible with Windows computers without buying software to read it. Please follow these steps to convert them to Jpeg before uploading them to your BLC or sending them to teachers or advisors.
  • High-speed Internet connection (Cable, DSL)
    • Most DSL speeds max out at 6 Mbps, most Cable internet speeds start at 25 Mbps. Cable internet is recommended and has the most reliable connection.
    • “Tethered” wi-fi hotspots (cellular) or satellite Internet may be unsatisfactory. Check with your provider if you have a data limit for your service. A single course with our Live class program can use about 20 GB per month.
  • Home Wifi network
    • The current Wifi technology standard is AC, also known as Wifi 5. An AC1200 router is the lowest type you can buy on the market, but we recommend AC1750 or a higher type.
    • If you are in an older home with plaster walls, or a larger home over 2500SqFt, we recommend a mesh network. Linksys Velop, Eero Pros, and Google Wifi are examples of mesh networks.
  • Supported browsers: Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome
    • Safari is no longer compatible with our content due to constant issues. We recommend using Chrome or Firefox when using Mac OSX
    • It is recommended to adjust your firewall or anti-virus software to allow our sites and 3rd party applications.
  • World Language courses require speakers and a wired microphone, and Placement testing for Grades K-3 requires speakers and a microphone.
  • We recommend (and courses may require) the latest versions of:

Students will need a program to create and edit documents online. The standard for this is Microsoft Office. *It is not necessary to purchase a program if you don’t already have it; free alternatives such as OpenOffice or Google docs can be used.

International Students


Some platforms may not be accessible to all students without additiuons services such as VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). The biggest platforms that block certain countries and will need VPNs for access are the Imagine Learning apps: Edgenuity, Galileo, Odysseyware, and MyPath. Please see the list of blocked countries from Image Learning.


In addition, some countries may block specific apps and will also need VPNs. An example is Rosetta stone in China, Russia, and most Middle East countries. 


United States Armed Services bases will also need additional security measures for access. 


For additional questions or resources, please reach out to Bridgeway's Support team.


Need Help?

Bridgeway Academy advisors and our technical support team have an expansive knowledge of computer technology and our Learning Management System. Our support team also has remote diagnostic tools, allowing them to “see” a student’s computer and help diagnose issues from a distance. Visit the Bridgeway Help Portal to chat with Bridgeway Bob, review support articles or submit a support ticket.


 

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