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.
Resolving Common Tech Issues
Our go-to solutions for common tech issues you may experience.
Koa Stationery Requirements
Here is a list of what stationery is required for all Koa learners.
*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 reliable and compatible with the most recent operating system.
- 4+ GB RAM and a reliable processor (preferably not a Celeron 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)
Grade 10-12 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. (Most Huawei Devices do not run Google Products)
- Backup Power Supply that can keep a device and Wifi running for 2 hours.
- Learners in grades 10-12 using a Chromebook will need to purchase a Chrome Education Upgrade licence (approx KES 7,000) 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.
Helpful websites
Laptops
Internet Access/Wifi
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
Price Bracket 2
Price Bracket 3
Webcams
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
Price Bracket 2 & 3 (Recommended)
Second Screen
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
Price Bracket 3
Headset
Price Bracket 1
Price Bracket 2
Price Bracket 3
Power Supply
Price Bracket 1: UPS for your router
Price Bracket 2: Additional power station for your computer
Resolving Common Tech Issues
Incorrect Device Type
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.
Insufficient RAM
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is essentially your computer’s short-term memory. It’s where your computer temporarily stores information that it’s actively using right now.
Having sufficient RAM is crucial for students at Koa because it ensures smooth transitioning between virtual classrooms, research tabs, and assignments, preventing frustrating lag. It also enables quick loading of educational resources and video lectures, making the learning experience more efficient and less interrupted.
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.
Insufficient Data Per Person
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.
Insufficient Internet Speed
Internet speed refers to how quickly data travels between your device (like a computer or phone) and the internet.
Download speed is how fast information comes to your device, like streaming videos, loading websites, or downloading files.
Upload speed is how fast information goes from your device to the internet, like sending emails with attachments, making video calls, or uploading photos.
Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) – the higher the number, the faster your connection. A faster internet speed means less waiting for things to load, smoother video calls, and quicker downloads/uploads.
You can improve your internet speed by:
- Ensuring that you are close enough to your wifi router
- Connecting to your router via an ethernet cable for maximum speed
- Upgrading your 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.
Insufficient Processor Speed
Processor speed, also known as CPU (Central Processing Unit) speed, is essentially how fast your computer’s “brain” can think and process instructions. It’s measured in Gigahertz (GHz).
For students at Koa, a fast processor is crucial for two main reasons: it enables seamless multitasking across various applications like video lectures and research, preventing slowdowns or crashes. Additionally, a powerful processor ensures smooth and quick handling of rich online content, such as high-quality visuals and interactive video calls, enhancing the overall learning experience.
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.
You can solve insufficient processor speed by:
- Buying a new Device
- Troubleshooting your laptop performance by following these steps
Audio Not Working
Your computer’s audio is simply how it handles sound. This includes:
Output: What you hear, like music, videos, or system sounds, played through speakers or headphones.
Input: What your computer “hears,” like your voice through a microphone, or sounds from other devices.
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.
Video Not Working
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 [email protected].
