This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.
Viewing Instructions
If you are having difficulty viewing a lecture, the information below can guide you. You may also refer to the frequently asked questions and technical requirements for more information.
How to Access Course Videos
Once you are registered and the term begins, you can follow these steps to access your online lectures:
- Visit your course website; you can find a link to your course website in the list of online courses.
- Select the video you would like to watch.
- Log in to watch the video.
Logging in to Watch Videos
After the second week of classes, lectures are password protected. You may log in to your course videos using your Harvard University ID number and PIN, which are different from your DCE ID number and PIN that you use to access Harvard Extension School online services. See ID Numbers and PINs for more information.
Downloading RealPlayer
To provide streaming video, we use technology provided by RealNetworks. You must download the current RealPlayer plug-in before you view the lecture videos. Earlier versions of the player are not supported. You must also be using a current version of Safari or Internet Explorer with the minimum Internet and system requirements. Please see Technical Requirements for more information and to download RealPlayer.
Determining Bandwidth
Three video format options are available depending on the speed of your connection to the Internet (bandwidth). The information below should help you determine your bandwidth. Before you view lectures, you will be asked to select a bandwidth option from the video preference menu (below). Please note that the faster the Internet connection you are able to use the better video performance you can expect.
- High bandwidth. Choose this option from the video preference menu if you have a cable modem, DSL, or a corporate network connection to the Internet.
- Low bandwidth. Choose the low-bandwidth option from the video preference menu if you use a 56 kbps dial-up modem or other low-speed connection to the Internet. This is the minimum connection speed required to view the lecture video.
- Audio only. Choose this option if you have a low-bandwidth connection to the Internet or you only wish to listen to the audio portion of the lecture.
Video Preference Menu
If you follow the video link from your course website, you will be presented with the video preference menu. Use this menu to choose the appropriate bandwidth option, as mentioned above. The video preference menu also shows how the different video format options will appear.
Sample video preference menu: Use this menu to choose the appropriate bandwidth option.
Lecture Viewing Window
Once you have selected your bandwidth option, you will be presented with the lecture viewing window from which you will view the lectures. (See the screenshot example shown below.)
Sample lecture viewing window: The control bar below the video allows you to stop, start, pause, and adjust the volume. The right side of the screen contains supplementary information, such as outlines and slides that correspond with the segment of the video you are watching. Note that the appearance of this window differs slightly in Flash and RealPlayer.
Live Streaming Option
A number of lectures and section meetings held in the Extension School's specially-equipped distance education classrooms are broadcast live so you can watch the class as it is given. Lectures will also be available 48 hours later.