Online Classes Technology Requirements
Our Online classes are an exciting immersion experience for your child. In order to ensure the best experience, we ask that you take a few steps to make sure you have the right setup. Each child attending Online programs will need their own setup described below. Depending on the class, you or your student may need to install or sign up for additional software.
Your student will need the following for Online classes:
1. Computer with microphone, speakers and internet. We recommend a recent Windows or Apple computer. If you have used this computer for Zoom, or used audio collaboration features in Fortnite or Minecraft you’re probably all set. If using a laptop, a mouse is highly recommended for ease of navigation. Chromebooks and tablets will only work for some of the classes below (be sure to check the details) and also don’t fully support Zoom features that we use in online classes.
2. Internet Connection. We recommend speeds of at least 20 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. Here’s how to check your speed: fast.com. If you have multiple people streaming or working remotely on the same connection, you should have 20 Mbps per person.
3. Zoom. Zoom is the program we use to create the virtual classroom that connects your child to our teachers and the other students. We ask that you download the free Zoom application at https://zoom.us/download rather than connect to Zoom in the browser.
4. TalentBox. Empow’s online curriculum and learning management system, Talent Box, is accessible and fully functional on any web browser. We will provide a log-in before your class starts.
5. Application software. Empow teaches its students to code, create movies, build video games, architect buildings, design in Minecraft and more in industry-standard software. Please check your class below for details on what needs to be installed ahead of time.
6. Other equipment or supplies. Some classes require additional equipment or supplies. We will clearly identify these below and provide clear instructions on where and how to obtain them. Please find your class in the list below.
Tech & Design Survey Class
NOTE: This is a survey class, exploring one topic every 4 weeks. You do not need to install all software in advance. We will let you know which topic is coming up so that you can set up your student’s computer in advance.
System | Software | |
---|---|---|
Computer:
|
Tinkercad account:
Sweet Home 3D installation:
Scratch account:
Stykz installation:
Sculpt GL:
|
HUE Animation
Flowlab
Adobe Rush
Minecraft
Roblox Studio
|
Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session.
3D 101: Model & Sculpt & Architect, 3D 201: Modeling & Printing
System | Software |
---|---|
Computer:
|
Sculpt GL:
Tinkercad account:
Sweet Home 3D installation:
Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. |
Minecraft Exploration and Coding with Redstone & Commands
System | Software |
---|---|
Computer:
NOTE: Linux Systems, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks earlier than 2018 will not work for this camp type. Chromebooks from 2019 or later can work with an advanced setup. |
Minecraft: Java Edition purchase & installation required:
Cost: $26.95 lifetime purchase or an existing Minecraft Java Edition account. Note that Minecraft: Java Edition is not the same as Minecraft from “pocket edition” or “Bedrock” or “Windows 10 Edition” and is therefore a separate purchase. All versions of Minecraft require unique accounts, and therefore if you have more than one child joining a Minecraft class, a unique account will need to be purchased for each child.
Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. Unfortunately, we cannot support issues resulting from the advanced setup for a Chromebook. |
Minecraft Modding with mCreator
<
System | Software |
---|---|
Computer:
NOTE: Linux Systems, Apple/Android Tablets, or Chromebooks earlier than 2018 will not work for this camp type. Chromebooks from 2019 or later can work with an advanced setup. |
Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. |
Minecraft Modding with Java
System | Software |
---|---|
Computer:
|
Note: This is probably the most technically difficult setup process of any Empow Studios camp. Feel free to reach out to us for technical support.
Step One: Follow instructions for Minecraft Exploration to purchase and Install Java Edition Step Two: Install the Java Development Kit (JDK)
Step Three: Install Forge
Step Four: Install and Configure Eclipse Note: I have found that sometimes Eclipse “hiccups” on a task but that closing Eclipse, starting it again, and repeating the step will work.
Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. |
Coding with Scratch
System | Software |
---|---|
Computer:
|
Scratch account:
Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. |
Coding with Python, all levels
System | Software |
---|---|
Computer:
|
Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. |
Movie Production
System | Software |
---|---|
Computer:
Note: Adobe Rush is a fairly resource-intensive application. Please check Adobe website for specific requirements. |
Adobe Rush :
Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. |
Roblox: Game Design
System | Software |
---|---|
Computer:
|
Need Help? If you would like support setting up your child’s computer, please click here to book a live video tech support session. |