EQUIPMENT AND CONNECTION

Hardware Requirements

Kansas Connections Academy families are responsible for providing their own computer. Kansas Connections Academy recommends using a laptop or desktop computer as the primary device to access the curriculum.

Please make sure to check our minimum system requirements below.

Internet Service

Kansas Connections Academy households are responsible for providing their own Internet service.

Need help with internet service?  

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a United States government program run by the Federal Communications Commission to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch. If your household is eligible, you could receive:

  • Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
  • Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands. Learn more about tribal lands.
  • A low-cost service plan that may be fully covered through the Affordable Connectivity program

Do you qualify? See if your household qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Only one monthly service discount and one connected device discount is allowed per household. A household is a group of people who live together and share money even if they are not related to each other. If you live together and share money, you are one household. If you either don’t live together or you don’t share money, you are two or more households. Definition of a household. 

Show you qualify: See required documents and how to submit them. 

How to apply: Learn how to apply through three different ways: online; mail; or contacting your internet company.  

Printer

Kansas Connections Academy households are responsible for providing their own printer.

Support

We offer comprehensive technical support and usage information for the systems we provide.

PREPARING YOUR DEVICE

Connectivity Requirements

Students/Learning Coaches can log into Pearson Online Classroom  from various devices, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer. We regularly test a wide range of devices to ensure the accessibility and functionality of the education management system.

Hardware and Software

We recommend that students/Learning Coaches update software and Internet browsers regularly on each device. For the best experience, try the following connectivity recommendations for accessing Pearson Online Classroom:

  • Desktop and Laptop Computers—for the most user-friendly experience
  • Operating System
    • Windows 8.1 or later
    • macOS 10.13 or later
  • Browsers—the latest versions of the following:
    • Google Chrome
    • Mozilla Firefox
    • Microsoft Edge (Windows 10 only)
    • Safari (Mac only)
  • Plugins—the latest versions of the following:
  • Software
    • Microsoft Office 2007 or newer
    • Alternative: LibreOffice—a free productivity suite compatible with Microsoft Office file formats

 

Mobile Devices and Third-Party Curriculum

Although we regularly test our education management system, many mobile devices may not be fully compatible with third-party curriculum platforms that are accessed through Pearson Online Classroom. These include: Chromebook, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Kindle, and Android phones & tablets.

Connectivity

  • Broadband connection is required.
  • Use the chart on the FCC Household Broadband Guide to assist in selecting the appropriate speed
    • For one student, a minimum download speed of 8Mbps should be requested from your ISP.
    • For two or more students, a minimum download speed of 25Mbps should be requested from your ISP.
  • NOTE: As you add more users/devices (e.g., computers, gaming consoles, streaming devices, etc.) the need for bandwidth increases. Therefore, if you use multiple devices, you should request a minimum download speed of 25Mbps.
  • NOTE: If you have a satellite connection, you may experience performance issues depending on outside weather conditions and latency.
  • You can test your current Internet speeds at http://www.speedtest.net
  • Speeds less than those noted above may result in a less than optimum user experience
  • For LiveLesson sessions and other Pearson Online Classroom content, the following ports need to be open:
  • Data usage
    • The amount of data transferred over your Internet connection each month depends on what your student’s courses and online activities are each day. We are not able to provide this information because each session in Pearson Online Classroom is unique and varied. Please contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to discuss the best option for your needs.

Note: Another alternative software option is Google Suite. Families can use the Google Suite (Docs, Slides, etc.) if they have a Gmail account.

Contact Support

We provide extensive technical support for students and parents via toll-free phone service and email. Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

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