Accepted Student Technology Requirements

Photo of students in classroom all recreating the sign demonstrated by the instructor
 

Department of
American Sign Language and Interpreting Education
Accepted Student Technology Requirements

The ASL-English interpretation program is video intensive. You will need a computer for watching, recording, and editing videos. Additional recommended equipment will improve the quality of your videos and optimize your participation in online meetings. The equipment below will not only support your success throughout your years in the program, but also will be useful for beginning your career after graduation.

Required Equipment

Computer

You are required to have a laptop computer. A laptop has the speed, memory, and other capabilities you will need for multitasking.

Any of the options below will meet your needs in the program.

Windows Laptop

  • HP, IBM, Dell, MS Surface, or similar
  • 13” screen or larger
  • Current (not beta) Windows operating system
 

Apple Laptop

  • MacBook Pro or MacBook Air
  • 13” screen or larger
  • Current (not beta) Mac operating system

If you cannot afford a new laptop, there are many places to purchase refurbished laptops at a lower cost. Here are a few examples:

  • Amazon Renewed
  • Backmarket
  • Best Buy Outlet
  • Craigslist
 
  • FaceBook Marketplace
  • Newegg
  • OfferUp
Headphones

You will need to purchase noise-canceling headphones with a built-in microphone for use starting spring semester of Year 2.

Software

RIT provides students with free access to Microsoft 365. You do not need to purchase it.

Recommended Equipment

External Camera

For better quality video, we recommend that you purchase an external camera similar to this camera.

Backdrop

You are required to have a plain background when recording videos. The background should contrast with your skin tone. Any of the following would work:

  • A solid color wall with no distracting features (avoid neon and bold colors)
  • A solid color drape
  • A solid color room divider
  • A solid color collapsible video backdrop similar to this backdrop.
Videoconferencing Light

To reduce shadows when recording videos, we recommend you purchase a ring video conferencing light similar to this light.

Contact

If you have any questions, please send an email to info-aslie@rit.edu.