DE Computer and Technology

Email Communication

All registered students have access to Microsoft Outlook Email in their MyDRAKE Experience account. Log in to your MyDRAKE Experience account and click on the Outlook App. It will open your Drake State email account. Please check this account regularly for important information. When emailing your instructor or others on campus about a class, include the course name, the course number, and your instructor’s name. You can also access email inside Canvas LMS by clicking on the Inbox tab on the left side of the Canvas home screen. Canvas uses your Drake State email account, and messages generated within Canvas will be delivered to your Drake State email and your Canvas inbox. For assistance with your Drake State Outlook email account, please get in touch with Technical Support at helpdesk@Drakestate.edu.

All student emails will be their A number at alabama.edu. This must be set up and claimed before students can access MyDRAKE and their courses.

Required Computer Skills

Students who enroll in a distance education course (online or hybrid) are responsible for having adequate computer skills to complete the tasks expected of them. Online instructors are not responsible for teaching these skills within the course. If you do not possess the following skills, you may want to take a computer class to increase your knowledge before attempting an online class.

Here are some essential skills required:

Knowledge of computer terminology, such as browser, operating system, application, software, files, documents, icon, etc.
Understanding of basic computer hardware and software with the ability to perform computer operations, such as:

Using keyboard and mouse
Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, check properties
Software installation, security, and virus protection
Using software applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, email
Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking, and saving files in different formats
Uploading and downloading attachments

Internet skills (connecting, accessing sites, using browsers)
Ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print, send/receive attachments), discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), chats, and messengers
Perform online research using various search engines and library databases
Create online accounts

In addition to the key skills above, you must also have access to the technology required for distance education courses.

Required Technology

If you register for distance education courses you must have the necessary technology to access Canvas course materials and complete course activities such as assignments and quizzes. This means having access to a computer connected to reliable, high-speed Internet.

This computer must also be equipped with a working webcam and microphone for HonorLock use in courses. All online quizzes and tests will require HonorLock. Student will be required to submit their personal identification for access. Honorlock, a Canvas-licensed product, provides this service. The use of Honorlock helps to ensure that the student taking the exam and completing coursework is the same student enrolled in the course. Honorlock ensures exam integrity by combining AI-driven monitoring with live proctoring interventions, browser lockdown tools, and unique features that detect leaked test content and unauthorized devices.

Student authentication: Honorlock requires students to verify their identity before starting an exam, typically through photo ID checks and facial recognition. This ensures that the person taking the test is the enrolled student.

	Windows	Mac
OS Version	Windows 10 (64-bit) or 11 (Honorlock: Windows 10 or 11)	macOS 11 Big Sur or higher (Honorlock: 10.14 Mojave+)
Processor	Dual-core 2.0 GHz (Intel i3 or AMD)	Intel i5 or Apple M1
Free Disk Space	20 GB	20 GB
Free Ram	4 GB	4 GB
Internet Download	5 Mbps (Honorlock: ≥1.5 Mbps)
Internet Upload	2 Mbps (Honorlock: ≥750 Kbps)
Microphone	Integrated or external
Webcam	720p (Honorlock requires webcam)
Browser	Google Chrome 120+ (Honorlock requires Chrome 120 or newer + extension)
Other Notes	(Honorlock: No dual monitors; VPN may cause issues)

Canvas, Banner, Direct Deposit, & Student Email Assistance

Every student needs technology to realize their educational goals. Drake State offers a variety of online resources and other tech support to ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed. If you have a specific request, it should be sent to helpdesk@drakestate.edu or you can call 256-539-8161 and select option # 5 for IT support.

Click here for instructions on how to access your Canvas, Banner, and student email accounts, and how to enroll in Direct Deposit. IT staff is available to provide support to students having trouble accessing Banner, Canvas, or student email. For assistance, please email helpdesk@drakestate.edu or call 256-539-8161 and select option # 5 for IT support. General inquiries.