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Get Equipped

This page outlines Koa’s IT and physical stationery requirements. We also provide a range of helpful resources to equip your child with the best possible tech setup. Please note that you will still need to do your own research, but we hope that this gets you pointed in the right direction!

Click on the links below to take you to the relevant section of the page.

Minimum IT Requirements

Find out exactly what you need in order to learn effectively at Koa.

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IT Setup
Selection

Some tech options and extras to improve your learning experience.
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Resolving Common Tech Issues

Our go-to solutions for common tech issues you may experience.

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Koa Stationery Requirements

Here is a list of what stationery is required for all Koa learners.

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*Tip: You can press Ctrl-F to search for anything on this page. Or select the ‘Find’ option from the menu on your phone’s browser.

Minimum Requirements

Whole School Requirements
  • A computer or laptop (NOT iPad, tablet, or phone) for each child (not shared) that is up-to-date and reliable.
  • 4+ GB RAM and a reliable processor with a speed of 1.5GHz or more.
  • 11.6 inch or larger screen size (14 inch or larger recommended).
  • 70GB of data per month per child (Your data limit is divided by the number of people using your wifi = data per person). Uncapped is recommended).
  • 10+ Mbps of reliable download and upload internet connection per person connected in the home. Test your actual internet speed here: www.speedtest.net
  • Webcam and microphone for video conferencing (most devices have these built-in).
  • Web browser (suggested: Google Chrome)
FET-Specific Requirements
  • Mobile Device with a working camera and audio that can run Google apps such as Google Meet and log into their Koa Account.
  • Backup Power Supply that can keep a device running for 2 hours.
  • Learners in grades 10-12 using a Chromebook will need to purchase a Chrome Education Upgrade licence (approx R880) in order for their textbook and exam applications to function. Our IT team will guide you through the purchase and implementation of the licence.

Setup Selection

Here are some of our recommendations for what devices to look at when considering an upgrade or needing to change your child’s device. You will still need to do your own research on top of this to make sure your child’s setup is the best fit for your situation.

www.speedtest.net

www.takealot.com

www.incredible.co.za

www.cashcrusaders.co.za

www.vodacom.co.za

Here are some websites that will help you find the right laptop with the correct specifications that match our minimum requirements.
Incredible Connection: Filtered Search
Takealot: Filtered Search

We do suggest having a wifi router with uncapped data, however, some cheaper options can work, such as modems that you can load with data for your child. Below are some suggestions for products.

Price Bracket 1
Vodacom
Takealot
Price Bracket 2
Telkom
Price Bracket 3
Atomic Access

If your child’s internal camera on their laptop isn’t working, or you want better video quality and microphone, here are some options for you.

Price Bracket 1
Incredible Connection: Trust Exis Webcam
Price Bracket 2 & 3 (Recommended)
Incredible Connection: Logitech C310 HD Webcam
Incredible Connection: Logitech C505 HD Webcam
Takealot: Filtered Search

While a laptop is sufficient, if you want to upgrade your child’s setup and get a bigger display, here are some options.

Price Bracket 2
Takealot: Samsung 19" HD Flat Monitor
Price Bracket 3
Takealot: Samsung 21.5" Full HD Monitor
Another additional option for your child is a headset, especially if the sound on their computer isn’t working properly.
Price Bracket 1
Takealot: Logitech H111 Stereo Headset
Takealot: Volkano Headphones with Mic Falcon Series
Price Bracket 2
Takealot: Volkano Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Phonic Series
Price Bracket 3
Takealot: JBL T500BT Wireless On Ear Headphones
A device that we strongly recommend for any Koa family is a backup power supply. The possibility that load shedding will end, is slim and so to not have that interrupt your child’s learning, we at least suggest having a UPS for your wifi, if not wifi, and extra devices. Here are some options below.
Price Bracket 1: UPS for your router
Takealot: Gizzu 30W Mini DC 32Wh UPS
Price Bracket 2: Additional power station for your computer
Takealot: Gizzu 150w Portable Power Station

Resolving Common Tech Issues

Solution
  • New Device or Upgrade RAM
We do not accept anything below a laptop to be a learner’s primary device for learning. If your child is using a tablet or iPad, they will have to get a new device. Please make sure that the device matches our minimum requirements, specifically processor speed.
Solution
  • New Device or Upgrade RAM
We require at least 4GB of RAM. It is possible to upgrade your RAM without having to get a new device, but this is only possible on certain devices. You will need to do your own research on this matter, otherwise, your child will need a new device.
Solution
  • Upgrade Data Plan
We require at least 70 GB of data per month per child. (We calculate this by dividing your total internet cap, by the number of people using the data). We strongly recommend getting uncapped data for your household.
Solutions
  • Check that you are close enough to your wifi router
  • Connect to your router via an ethernet cable for maximum speed
  • Upgrade WiFi Line
Our minimum requirement for internet speed at Koa is 10mbps both for download and upload speed. We recommend a fibre optic line for your Wifi but there are some other alternatives. See WiFi/Internet Access above for more information.
Solutions
  • New Device
  • Troubleshoot laptop performance by following these steps
We require at least 1.5 GHz of processing speed for your child’s device. Celeron processors commonly have rather low processing speed, but this is not always the case. We recommend a better processor than that, i3, i5, etc. There are ways to improve laptop performance, but generally, if a new laptop has low processor speed, it will not improve much, in which case, purchasing a new device will be preferable.
Solutions
  • Headphones with microphone
  • Webcam with microphone
If your child’s audio is not working, we suggest that you purchase some headphones with a built-in mic, so that they can hear audio clearly and be able to speak. Please test to see if earphones work with your child’s device. The second option is to purchase an external webcam with a built-in microphone, this can improve most setups and is easy to set up.
Solution
  • External Webcam
If your child’s internal camera is not working, we suggest purchasing an external webcam with a microphone. Alternatively, in the interim, your child can use companion mode with a phone or tablet for Google Meets.

Koa Stationery Requirements

We are big fans of everything digital. But we are also big fans of physical learning, so our school work also involves stationery.

Here is a basic list (please note that additional items may be required for specific Grade 10-12 subjects): 

  • Pens (black, blue, red, green)
  • Pencils, sharpener and eraser
  • Highlighters and/or coloured pencils
  • 30cm clear ruler
  • Scientific calculator (our top recommendation: CASIO FX-82ZA Plus)
  • Math set (protractor, compass, set square, etc)
  • Grades 4-9: softcover 72-page lined exercise books x6
  • Grades 10-12: narrow ring-binder files x7 and exam pads

Need some more help?

If your haven’t found your answer here, please reach out to us at hello@koaacademy.com.

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