Technology Requirements and Recommendations

Purpose

To outline the technology requirements and recommendations related to the hybrid nature of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). To ensure that the relevant policies, procedures, and practice are applied consistently and equitably.

Background

The DPT curriculum is delivered using a hybrid education model. The DPT 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 that students possess the necessary technology to participate fully in the program. Additional recommendations are made so that students can create a distance-learning environment suitable for physical therapist education. These requirements and recommendations are shared with prospective students to provide prospective students with the transparency necessary to make an informed decision about participation in the BGSU DPT program.

Relevant University Policies

• Student Email Policy
• FERPA
• ITS Computer Lab Utilization
• Academic Honesty Policy
  
• Code of Student Conduct

Requirements

Students are required to have a mobile device AND a laptop computer that meet the following specifications.

MOBILE DEVICE

Android, Apple, and Microsoft products are acceptable and must have mobile broadband capabilities. (Please note: Microsoft Surface Pro can be considered under both laptop and mobile device categories. If you are considering a Surface Pro for use as a laptop, please see minimum computer requirements below.) Please see below for example products:

• Android - Example products include phones and tablets from Acer, ASUS, Google, HTC, and Samsung. Android operating system version 6.0 or newer is required. 

• Apple - Example products include the iPhone and iPad of various generations. Apple operating system version 9.0 or newer is required.

Mobile broadband capability for the mobile device is suggested to provide an internet connection when a local wireless network is not available.

A variety of mobile device applications are required for use throughout the program. 

LAPTOP COMPUTER 

The minimum system requirements for a PC or Mac laptop computer are listed below.  System performance (processing speed and available random-access memory or RAM) will vary based upon installed software, actively running software/applications, and internet speed. Therefore, each student should ensure their laptop, internet speed/capacity, and webcam can support the technology programs and resources used throughout the BGSU DPT Program.  The recommended minimum hard drive is 512 GB with RAM of 16 GB. See table below for additional recommendations.

Instructional Technology

Programs that are required for full participation in the BGSU DPT curriculum are securely accessed with a BGSU email address and are provided to DPT students at no additional cost. Click on the below links to view any further information on the technology requirements for each program. Programs include, but are not limited to:

• Programs that are required for full participation in the BGSU DPT curriculum are securely accessed with a BGSU email address and are provided to DPT students at no additional cost. Click on the below links to view any further information on the technology requirements for each program. Programs include, but are not limited to:

• Canvas – Canvas is the Learning Management System (LMS) used at BGSU. These minimum requirements are for the full Canvas web version. Students may choose to substitute with the Canvas App on their mobile device at times but should note the Canvas App does not have the same functionality as the full Canvas web version. The program builds resources as per the full Canvas web version.

• ExamSoft – This program will be utilized to provide assessment security in the remote environment.

• AccessPhysiotherapy – This is the web-based resource that will be used to provide students with instant access to textbooks, videos, and more through publishers McGraw-Hill and F.A. Davis.

• Navigate – This is a student success management system.  Students will access Navigate through their myBGSU Login and may choose to substitute with the Navigate App on their mobile device. 

• Zoom – This is a video and web-conferencing tool available to BGSU faculty, staff and students to support working, teaching and learning remotely and online. Visit the BGSU ITS website for more information. 

• The Microsoft Office 365 suite includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive and many other Microsoft Office tools. BGSU students can install the software on up to five different devices.

• EHRgo – This is a case-based simulated medical record system.

• PhysioU – A web-based (app available) resource to provide supplemental video-based instruction.

• Osmosis – This is a web-based learning platform that provides illustrated visual lectures based on evidence-based learning science.

• It is recommended that students load Chrome, Firefox, and Safari browsers on their computers.

Additional Information

Students are required to have the laptop computer and mobile device in their possession at the time of the DPT Program Orientation.

Many students find 16GB of RAM sufficient, other students may not. This depends on the other resources on your laptop which 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 these 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 DPT Program will be provided with a student kit of necessary materials to facilitate learning of skills at home. In addition to the materials, students will be provided with a portable treatment table and stool. It is recommended that students create a home lab set up for ease of skills practice and for submission of video assessments. 

Suggestions for home lab set up include: 

• A phone or camera mount or tripod 

• Ring light

• Appropriate lighting and background

• Headset or earbuds for audio modulation during web conferencing and recording

• Adequate space to set up a treatment table so that a patient sitting or lying on the patient evaluation table can be fully viewed in the camera frame.