Register now
- Register through May 21.
Online Video Courses
Watch a sample online class to test your system
Before you register, watch one of the following sample lectures to test your computer system and get a sense of the experience. Also review the technical requirements below.
- Great Ideas in Computer Science with Java (Watch the video lecture)
- Intellectual Property (Watch the video lecture)
- Introduction to Quantitative Methods (Watch the video lecture)
Sample courses and preview lectures are also available to download to your computer or mp3 player for free at Harvard Extension School on iTunes U.
Watching videos after you register
Once you register and classes begin, you can access weekly videos on your course website (linked in the list of online courses). Lectures for online-option courses are available about 48 hours after they are presented on campus. Videos are password-protected, and you log in to watch your videos. You interact and discuss class topics through online media.
Technical requirements and log-in instructions
1. Install software for viewing videos and class materials.
Download and install the following software.
2. Verify you have the appropriate computer platform, Internet connection, and browser preferences.
- Platforms: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Macintosh systems running OS 10.5 and higher.
- Connections: A cable modem, DSL, or T1 Internet connection is recommended for optimal performance. A minimum reliable 56 kbps dial-up modem is required (56 kbps is useful only for the audio-only stream).
- Windows browsers: 32-bit versions of Internet Explorer 7 and higher and Firefox 3.6 and higher. Flash is not currently supported in 64-bit browsers.
- Mac browsers: Safari 4.0 and higher and Firefox 3.6 and higher.
- Browser preferences should be set to allow pop-up windows from *.dce.harvard.edu. For Safari, set the browser to allow all pop-ups while viewing lectures.
We do not support:
- Beta versions of any software, including Google Chrome
- Viewing via mobile devices
- Linux
3. Watch weekly videos.
Once you have registered and classes begin:
- Visit your course website (linked in the list of online courses). You may want to bookmark the website for future reference.
- Choose “Lecture Videos” from the menu on the course website.
- Select the video you would like to watch.
- Log in to watch the video using your Harvard ID number and PIN.
For the online-option courses, videos are available at least 48 hours after the course meets on campus.
Getting help
If you have any questions or are having difficulty with the online video system call (617) 495-4024 Monday through Friday from 9 to 5 pm. If you need technical help during off-hours call (617) 998-8571 Mondays through Fridays, 5 pm to midnight; Saturdays, 9 am to 10 pm; and Sundays, noon to 10 pm. You can also e-mail dce-distance-ed@harvard.edu.
For other questions or contact information please visit our Need Help page
