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Subsection1.2Hardware and Software

Participating in an online course will require you to have -- at minimum -- reliable access to an internet connection throughout the term. The tools we'll use work best on a PC, Mac, or Linux operating system running Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Most will function adequately on larger mobile devices like iPads, Galaxy Tabs, Surfaces, and the like. A few work well enough to use on a mobile phone running iOS, Android, or Windows Mobile, but you may not want to rely on these for anything more involved than reading portions of the textbook or contributing to a video chat.

You'll need access to a printer and a document scanner or document camera for printing blank copies of written assignments and uploading your completed work to Blackboard.

You'll need access to a webcam for video contributions. Mobile devices running the Flipgrid app (see below) will suffice for this requirement, if your computer does not have a webcam.

Some more specific tools we'll use are the following. Claim your free accounts where necessary at the links below.

  1. PowerPoint or Google Slides.
  2. Sage open-source computer algebra system. No account needed; you can access a cloud-connected computation cell at http://sagecell.sagemath.org.
  3. Piazza group discussion board. Sign up at http://piazza.com/bridgew/summer2018/math202. Optional apps: Android | iOS
  4. Hypothes.is web annotation service. Sign up at https://web.hypothes.is/start/.Then, join our group at https://hypothes.is/groups/JZbMVnKm/linear-algebra.
  5. Flipgrid video discussion service. Sign up at https://admin.flipgrid.com/signup. Optional apps: Android | iOS
  6. Zoom virtual meeting room (for synchronous meetings). Sign up and download the browser plugin here: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362033-Getting-Started-on-PC-and-Mac.
  7. Overleaf collaborative math authoring. Sign up here: https://www.overleaf.com/signup.
  8. Screencast-O-Matic screencasting software. Sign up and download at https://screencast-o-matic.com/loginframed. A free account will be sufficient for our course. You may use any alternative means of audio/video screencasting if you prefer.
  9. WeBWoRK online homework environment. Enrolled members only, use Blackboard link for your first access.