Online Technical Requirements
Since UMA is an online school, our students must have access to a working computer or laptop and have internet access. If you have a tablet or a smartphone, it’s important that you realize not all classroom functions are accessible on a tablet, smartphone or other mobile device.
Each program offered by UMA online is primarily taught through distance education; however, some programs contain an externship/practicum which is conducted at an approved off-site location.
UMA utilizes an asynchronous learning environment demonstrated for students and faculty in their respective orientations. The orientation provides an overview of the learning environment. The syllabus for each distance education course is available within the Learning Management System and delineates learner objectives.
UMA Online programs have the same goals as a traditional learning institution but due to its format, they use different methodologies than ground courses. For example, while a ground course uses small group discussions, an online class uses a threaded discussion board to review the same topic. In addition to threaded discussions, other distance education delivery methods available in UMA’s Learning Management System include simulations, case studies and multimedia presentations.
In addition to the foregoing admissions requirements, prospective students for an online program must:
- Have Internet access
- Meet the technical requirements indicated below
- Participate in orientation prior to the start of the program which includes:
- A browser check to ensure compliance with technical computer requirements
- An introduction to online learning and UMA resources
- An overview of UMA’s Learning Management System, i.e., Blackboard
To ensure students’ on-line learning experience is satisfying, Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) requires the following minimum hardware, software and Internet specifications:
Hardware
- Windows computer with a 1.6 GHz frequency or above CPU
- Mac computer (Intel Processor) with a 1.83 GHz frequency or above CPU
- 40 GB of free hard drive space
- Ethernet connection (LAN) or wireless adapter (Wi-Fi)
- 2 GB Memory (RAM) or above
- 1024 X 768 or higher computer screen resolution
- Speakers
- CD/DVD ROM player (recommended but not required)
- Recent video and sound card
- Internal or External webcam and microphone (recommended but not required)
Software
Internet Browser
Both Windows and Mac Computers:
- Mozilla Firefox (stable channel) at mozilla.org (Recommended browser for both Windows and Mac)
Windows Based Computers:
- Internet Explorer Version 11
- Health Sciences – Healthcare Technology & Systems program requires Internet Explorer 11.
- Google Chrome (stable channel) at google.com/chrome
- Versions 45+ are not compatible with Java
- Microsoft Edge (Version 20)
- Edge is not compatible with Java
Mac Based Computers:
- Safari Versions 6+
- Versions 8 and 9 are not fully compatible
- Google Chrome (stable channel) at google.com/chrome
- Versions 45+ are not compatible with Java
Determine Which Browser and Version You Are Using:
- In Edge, select the menu icon and choose Settings then scroll down to the bottom of the screen. The version of Edge is located below the words About this App.
- In Firefox, select Firefox then “Help” and About Firefox. The version of Firefox is located in the Version field.
- In Google Chrome, select the Customize and Control Google Chrome button on the top right hand side of the screen then select About Google Chrome. The version of Google Chrome is located in the Version field.
- In Internet Explorer, select “Help” from the menu bar and click About Internet Explorer from the menu. The version of Internet Explorer will be displayed in the Version field.
- In Safari, select Safari then “Help” and About Safari. The version of Safari is located in the Version field.
Internet Service Provider
- A reliable high-speed internet connection is required (Upload and Download Speeds of at least 3 Mbps).
Supported Browsers
For all Internet Browsers:
- Disable Pop-up Blocker
- Enable Cookies in Browser
| |
Desktop OS Browser Versions |
Mobile and Tablet OS Browser Versions* |
| Android Browser |
Not available |
4+ |
| Chrome |
36+ |
35+ |
| Edge |
20+ |
20+ |
| Firefox |
31+ |
Unsupported |
| Internet Explorer |
11 |
Unsupported |
| Safari |
6+ |
6+ |
* Mobile versions of these browsers aren't supported for Blackboard Learn 9.1 at this time, although users may have success using them.
Supported Devices And Operating Systems
Since UMA is an online school, our students must have access to a working computer or laptop and have internet access. If you have a tablet or a smartphone, it’s important that you realize not all classroom functions are accessible on a tablet, smartphone or other mobile device.
A variety of devices and operating systems were used to test the supported browsers. Support is not limited to these specific operating systems. The desktop browser versions above are supported regardless of the particular device or operating system on which they run. Blackboard strives to make all its products as accessible as possible.
| Category |
Tested |
| Operating Systems |
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac OS 10.8, Mac OS 10.9, Mac OS 10.10, iOS, Android, Windows Mobile, Chrome OS |
| iOS Devices |
iPod Touch, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5S, iPhone5c, iPhone 6, iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad Mini 3, iPad Air 2 |
| Android Devices |
Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, HTC G1, LG C800 myTouch, HTC One, Galaxy Note 2014, HTC One M8 |
| Windows Mobile Devices |
Venue 8 Pro, Lumia 520, Lumia 930 |
| Chrome OS Devices |
Chromebook is not supported (Chrome browser; features requiring NPAPI plug-ins are not supported) |
