Computer Requirements for Incoming Students

Overview

The Boonshoft School of Medicine uses current technology in the teaching process and, therefore, all medical students are required to own a laptop computer with the capacity for using computer-based instructional materials. Tablets and iPads are optional. All of the instruction materials will run under either the Macintosh or the Windows platform.

General support to Windows and Macintosh users is provided by Wright State University Computing and Telecommunications Services (CaTS), but CaTS does not support specialized medical school applications. The decision whether to purchase a Macintosh or Windows-based computer must be made by each student.

All course content is located in the medical school’s Learning Management system, the Elentra portal (https://wright.elentra.cloud). Firefox and Chrome are the browsers recommended to access the Elentra Portal.

Course audio and video files are available through the Elentra Portal and reside on Wright State's media server, Panopto. Media files run on Windows, Macintosh and iPads/Tablets.

Students are required to have a device capable of accessing course content and to use for examinations.

The information provided below are the minimum recommended requirements provided by ExamSoft and the National Board of Medical Examiners. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure their device is properly maintained and functional for exams. Students have successfully used devices with screen sizes less than the 13” recommendation below.

Minimum Laptop Requirements

During the first two years of medical school, the majority of the course exams are administered on the student’s device. These assessments are administered using Examplify by ExamSoft. Note that the tablet computers listed below may be used with Examplify. Some assessments will also utilize the testing interface provided by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). NBME does NOT support iPad/Tablets for exams!

If you do not already have a computer that you believe is suitable for medical school and would like to purchase a new computer, your financial aid budget may be increased by up to $2,000 on a one-time-only basis to pay for it. This may be done at any time during your four years at the Boonshoft School of Medicine. Contact BSOM Financial Aid at som_finaid@wright.edu for more information.

Privacy Screen Requirement

All students will be required to own and use a privacy screen for all computer-based exams administered on personal devices.

• A privacy screen is a filter that attaches over your device’s display to make information visible to only you. You’ll need to select one that fits your device. Because there are many kinds of devices and privacy screens we cannot provide recommendations or guidance on purchasing, but see 3M Privacy and Screen Protectors for examples.
• You can usually find privacy screens at stores that carry computer accessories. When not taking an exam that requires it, we do not require you to use the privacy screen. Most privacy filters detach easily, enabling you to use them only when needed.

Although a tablet computer cannot yet fully replace a laptop, many students find the use of a tablet for their course work and developing facility with note-taking, highlighting and indexing of content using one or another of the available tablet applications to be very beneficial. Every effort is made to develop content that will load on a tablet. All course note packs are converted to PDF, and any videos are compressed in the standard MP4 CODEC. New HTML5 compressions will be added for the upcoming academic year to enable the use of audio and video files on more platforms. We encourage students to be as “paperless” as possible in their academic endeavor.

Software and Operating System Upgrades

Wright State University also has special licensing agreements that allow us to distribute a wide variety of software programs to students and employees. Software is provided either free or at a minimal charge. Available packages include the Microsoft Office suite, Windows and MacOS operating system upgrades, McAfee virus protection software and much more.

Webcams and Microphones

Along with the minimum laptop requirements, all students MUST possess a functioning microphone and web camera. Most of your laptops have onboard cameras and microphones and those are perfect; however, if your camera or microphone is not functional, it is required that you purchase a USB camera and/or an audio input device. They do not need be expensive devices, just functional. There are assessments and simulations that require observation. Make sure you meet this requirement.

MedOPS can work with you to help troubleshoot audio/visual issues. Just email us at som_medops_help@wright.edu.

Internet Service Provider

A dependable and consistent internet connection is critical for your learning. Bad connectivity happens, but if you notice you cannot consistently maintain connection, it is recommended you contact your Internet Service Provider. You are paying for a service, make sure they are meeting their obligations by reading and understanding their Service Level Agreement. If they are not meeting the agreed upon service, let them know!