• Technical Information
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  • Technical Requirements

    The following are the minimum technical requirements to enable you to successfully take a PISD eSchool course.

    Skills

    Basic computer skills are necessary to progress normally through your online courses. It is not necessary to be an expert, but a student must know how to use the basic capabilities of a computer:

    • the keyboard and mouse and/or touchpad;
    • access the Internet through various browsers;
    • navigate websites; and
    • open, close, and save files on your computer’s hard drive and Google Drive.

    Note: Plano ISD students have a district-sponsored Google Drive. Non-Plano ISD students may need to create one.

    Connectivity

    • Students must have a working Internet connection.

    Supported Browsers

    Plano eSchool’s online courses are hosted on Blackboard. It is recommended that you have more than one browser available for your work on your eSchool course.

    Blackboard is compatible with the following browsers:

    • Chrome
    • Firefox
    • Internet Explorer
    • Microsoft Edge
    • Safari

    Email

    • Students must have an active, functioning email account with an appropriate email address. Some courses require students to have a Gmail account in order to access Google Drive. 
    • PISD students in grades 6-12 have a district-provided email address @mypisd.net. Students can send and receive emails from within the district only. They will be able to access their PISD Google Drive.
    • PISD students who may leave the district before completing a course should use an alternate email address.

    Accessories

    • Depending on the course, you will need to have the capability to create audio and/or video files.

    Printer

    • A printer is recommended, but not required. Printing course materials may enhance your eSchool experience, depending on your learning preferences.

  • Applications & Software

    Applications & Software

    In addition to Blackboard, other applications may be needed for successful completion of your eSchool course.  If your course requires one of these applications, click the link to take you to the appropriate download site for your situation.

    Word processing documents

    In order to work through an eSchool course most efficiently, students should have access to Microsoft Office. If Microsoft Office is unavailable, use the following methods to open and view documents:

    1. Download free OpenOffice software.
    2. Open the document using Google Docs.
    3. Open the document on a Mac if you have Pages.

    Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations

    If you don’t have access to PowerPoint, you can open and view presentations using the following methods:

    1. PowerPoint Online extension in the Google Chrome Store.
    2. Open the presentation using Google Slides.
    3. Open the presentation on a Mac if you have Keynote.

    Acrobat Reader

    Quick Time

    Audacity

    Browsers