Is Your Device Supported? Check here!
For New Students
Make sure that you have a device that meets our technology recommendations before you start school. Parents, you can also find this information on Heartbeat.
Here's a quick recap of what you need to know:
Tablets are not recommended as a primary Sora device due to software restrictions Mobile devices like cell phones are not supported as a primary device. Contact [email protected] for information on alternatives to tablets and mobile devices.
Make sure that your device is able to support its most recent operating system (so it can install necessary security updates).
Using Chromebooks/ChromeOS
We’re actively working to improve the experience for students using ChromeOS devices.
Recent updates to Sora Home and Zoom’s new ChromeOS app have brought greater stability, and we’ll continue to make improvements wherever possible.
While success at Sora is certainly possible on a Chromebook, we recommend having access to a Mac or Windows device for the best overall experience.
Please note that full support for ChromeOS is still limited at this time.
Contact [email protected] if you'd like more guidance about using Chromebooks at Sora.
Hardware and Operating System Minimum Recommendations
Students need a computer to successfully participate in the Sora program. The minimum hardware recommendations for the Sora Program are as follows:
Windows
Operating System: Windows 7+ (Windows 10+ recommended)
CPU: Intel/AMD processor with OpenGL 4.4 / DirectX12 level GPU
RAM: 4GB of RAM
Storage: 10 GB of free storage space
Recommended Browser: Google Chrome
macOS
Operating System: macOS 10.11+ (macOS 10.14+ recommended)
CPU: Intel processor with OpenGL 4.4 / DirectX12 level GPU (Apple M-series chips work too)
RAM: 4GB of RAM
Storage: 10 GB of free storage space
Recommended Browser: Google Chrome or Safari
Internet Connection
Sora recommends a broadband connection of at least 10 Mbps to properly access Sora’s learning resources. You may go here to perform a speed test: https://www.speedtest.net.
Mobile Devices for Learning at Sora
Unfortunately, mobile devices such as tablets and phones cannot be used as a primary device for accessing Sora because they do not support all the necessary software products.
Software Needed on Day 1
Learn more about being day 1 tech-ready for Sora here.
Google/Gmail (your account login information will be sent to the parent/guardian email so you can help your student log in to start the onboarding process)
Make sure you are logged in and have your password saved somewhere safe! Contact [email protected] if you need to have your password reset.
Zoom (download and install + test to see if you can connect to a meeting)
You will be able to access Sora Expeditions and House meetings via your Sora Google Account! You won't need a separate Zoom account for Sora expeditions or meetings.
Heartbeat (download and install the Heartbeat native app, or keep Heartbeat as a tab in the browser you use for other Sora websites)
Parents and students will be emailed an invitation to access the Sora community before the first day of school.