Internet Connection

Online learning requires having the appropriate resources in order to access your CDU online courses. A strong internet connection can make all the difference in your online classes, meetings, and presentations.

It is the responsibility of the student to secure and maintain access to required technology resources, including an internet connection, when taking a CDU online course. A broadband internet connection is required to participate in discussions and assignments, read email, access course resources (audio, video and text), and receive feedback from your instructor.

  • High speed Broadband Internet Connection is Required
    • Minimum recommended Internet speeds:
      • Download speed of at least 25 mbps
      • Upload speed of at least 3 mbps
    • Test your Internet speed at speedtest.net
  • Please consider the following while participating in online courses:
    • Using a shared Internet connection (Ex. Additional household member’s use of streaming TV, gaming, and other Internet usage) will impact connectivity.
    • Wireless connectivity may be impacted by the distance from the router and interference from microwaves and other electronics. (Wired connections are recommended)
    • Your Internet Service Provider’s performance may vary throughout the day based on community usage.

Broadband refers to high-speed internet access that is faster than dial-up and delivered through several types of technologies such as fiber, wireless, cable, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), and satellite. A broadband connection has two speeds: download and upload. Download speed is the speed of getting information from the web to your computer, and upload speed is the reverse. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sets the minimum bandwidth for a broadband connection to be 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload.

Internet Browsers

CDU’s online courses are delivered on Canvas, which is a web-based learning management system. In addition, you will have access to other online resources such as the Library and external web based publications. A modern Internet browser is required to access web pages, portals as well as online information and content such as images, videos and documents. Since Internet browsers vary in terms of viewing compatibility, please be sure that you are using the recommended Internet browser and keeping your browser updated. Canvas LMS supports the current and previous major releases of the following browsers: Chrome, Firefox and Safari (Macintosh only).

Proctored exams at CDU are administered through Examity. Their new platform requirements only support the Google Chrome browser with the pop-up blocker disabled.