BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Call-Out Process

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) defines a program delivery model at Algonquin College requiring learners to have a mobile computing device that meets the technical specifications outlined by each academic program.

The BYOD Call-Out process gathers mobile device requirements on a program basis from academic departments and publishes them on the BYOD website for the upcoming academic year. This ensures learners are informed and equipped with the appropriate and required hardware before the start of the Fall term.

We are requesting that faculty:

  1. Review the BYOD requirements for their program.
  2. Notify the BRM team of any required updates to the current specifications for the 2026/2027 academic year using the form below.

Details on device options are available at the bottom of this page. Please ensure the updated requirements are submitted no later than May 29th, 2026.

Update Your Program’s BYOD Requirements

Device Options

Given the continuation of remote teaching for many programs, the following technology remains standard for all learners:

  • Adequate internet services
  • Integrated or external microphone
  • Integrated or external speakers or earphones
  • Integrated or external webcam is highly recommended

Below is a chart that summarizes each of the BYOD models, and some common software/uses of each model. Please keep in mind that as the device requirements increase (going from a Good to a Better model, for example), the price of the device will likely increase, but so will the quality of the user experience.

One of the below models can be selected, or faculty can customize the requirements by changing any of the specifications that are needed (for example: larger screen required, more RAM, specific processor, Apple MacBook, etc.).

Good Model Better Model Best Model
Example student device uses: Internet searches, Microsoft Office, Adobe Products Example student device uses: Internet searches, Microsoft Office, Adobe Products

Generally, a faster experience than the good model in more intensive tasks like video rendering, 3D, etc.

 Example student device uses: Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, video/audio editing, AutoCAD Software, 3D design/rendering, virtual machines
Specifications:

  • Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or equivalent processor (ARM based systems are not recommended to avoid software compatibility issues)
  • 16GB or more of RAM
  • 250GB or larger SSD Hard Drive
  • 1 full size USB port
  • Wireless 802.11ac
  • Windows 11
 Specifications:

  • Intel Core i5 or i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 or equivalent processor (ARM based systems are not recommended to avoid software compatibility issues)
  • 16GB or more of RAM
  • 500GB or larger SSD Hard Drive
  • 1 full size USB port
  • Video card (consider a dedicated video card with 1 GB of video memory or more)
  • Wireless 802.11ac
  • Windows 11
 Specifications:

  • Intel Core 7 or AMD Ryzen 7 or equivalent processor (ARM based systems are not recommended to avoid software compatibility issues)
  • 16GB or more of RAM
  • 500GB or larger SSD Hard Drive
  • 1 full size USB port
  • Dedicated Video Card with at least 2GB of RAM
  • Wireless 802.11ac
  • Windows 11