Software Checklist

Are You Ready for Digital Learning at North Island College?

To help you get ready for learning at North Island College, we’ve put together a list of recommended software, useful bookmarks, and NIC support resources. These checklists are designed to ensure you have the tools and information you need to start your studies with confidence.

We recommend the following software and applications for learning success at North Island College. It is advised you download and install the following software and apps before you begin your studies.

Web Browsers 

  • Recommend for PC: Chrome or Firefox
  • Recommended for Mac: Chrome, Safari or Firefox

Microsoft Office 365

Including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. (for assignments, homework, projects)
Free download for NIC students

Scanning Documents App

Adobe Acrobat Reader

For reading PDFs – get Adobe Acrobat Reader

Note: NIC’s licensing agreement with Adobe no longer includes the “Acrobat Pro DC” entitlement for students. PDF files can be opened using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader application.

If you require “Adobe Acrobat Pro”, Adobe offers a discounted version for students.

Kaltura Video Conferencing MOBILE ONLY App

For Android and iOS, Kaltura makes a mobile app called Kaltura Video Conferencing that is Kaltura Virtual Classroom. Instructions on how to use: Webpage

  • ANDROID – Google Play Store App: Link
  • iOS – Apple Store: Link

NIC App

For mobile devices (for staying connected, course schedules, paying tuition, course grades, registration etc.)

Free download from: https://library.nic.bc.ca/studenttech/Apps

Other Software

Your instructor may suggest other subscriptions, software downloads or purchases of software required for your course. See course outline or ask instructor.

We recommend you confirm that you can access and view these pages related to NIC’s Student Technical Services team. These are the key support pages and resources will want to have ready when you have a technology question!

Locate Home Page
  • https://library.nic.bc.ca/studenttech/home
  • This is the home page that includes a calendar of Brightspace Drop-In Sessions for asking questions, learning new features and functions, and gaining more comfort with the learning platform!

Locate Ask A Question Page

Locate Microsoft Office 365 Download Page

We recommend you test that you can log in, navigate, and undertake key activities in MyNIC student portal.

Locate link

Can successfully log in

Can find links for Brightspace courses

  • Can successfully see your Brightspace courses and can click on links to directly access

Can access webmail

  • Can successfully find and access your email within MyNIC

Can use MyNIC to see my financial information

  • Can find your financial information including receipts, charges on account and tax information

Can find key dates

Can change mailing address

  • Can locate the area in MyNIC where you can change your mailing address

We recommend the following bookmarks for easy access to North Island College Learning tools and sites.

North Island College Website

Life at NIC

NIC Student Technical Services Website (supporting students with technology questions)

NIC Library and Learning Commons

NIC Student Services

MyNIC (self-service student portal to all NIC services)

MyNIC (self-service student portal to all NIC services)

NIC Brightspace (course learning management system)

NIC MediaSpace / Kaltura (video creation, storage, and streaming platform)

Career Central – NIC Employment Services