Support

We're Here to Help

Did you forget how to do something you learned in a training session?  Do you want to try something new in your web conference course?  We're here for both brand new users and web conference veterans.  

In addition to answering your web conference questions, we work closely with DCE Online Support to solve technical issues for all of DCE's academic technologies. 


If we can't help you, we can find the people who can.

Tech Basics

Before You Begin

  • Use a computer to teach your course
    • We do not support teaching or participating in web conference courses on mobile devices.
  • Visit the general system requirements for web conference students on the Extension School website. 
    • For internet speeds, we recommend teaching staff have 5 Mbps for upload/download speeds, which is more than we require for students.
    • You can check your network speed by going to http://speedof.me
  • Check the specific system requirements for the web conference software you will use in your course.
  • For best audio quality, use a USB headset with microphone. The microphones built into laptops frequently lack echo cancellation, increasing chances for feedback. If you would like to discuss a headset-free option, please contact the web conferencing team for recommendations.
    • The Logitech H390 USB headset is our primary recommendation.

Related Group Websites

Student Web Conferencing Information: 
https://canvas.harvard.edu/courses/12626

53 Church Street Computer Facility: 
https://lab.dce.harvard.edu/

Instructional Technology: 
https://itg.extension.harvard.edu/

Digital Teaching and Learning:
https://teach.extension.harvard.edu/

Best Practices

1) Internet Connection

  • A wired internet connection (using an ethernet cable) is the most stable and consistent option. Adapters are available if you have a computer with no ethernet port.
  • With Wi-Fi or wired internet, make sure that no one on your network is doing any bandwidth heavy activity.
    (Streaming movies, playing online video games, downloading large / many files, etc.)
  • If you are restricted to Wi-Fi, the same bandwidth speed-minimums of 5 Mbps for upload/download speeds, apply.
  • Sit as close as you can to the Wi-Fi router – proximity matters!
  • Public access points (cafés, libraries, etc. – even with password, they are 'public') are unsupported. They have too low bandwith with highly variable traffic.
  • No mobile phone broadband connections are supported (tethering).

2) Open only the applications necessary for class.

  • Close all other unnecessary windows, programs, and tabs.

3) Keep your Browser of choice up-to-date.

  • We strongly recommend Firefox or Chrome.

4) Make sure your computer does not need major system level updates.

  • Do at least 24-Hours in advance.
  • These and other updates frequently require a restart.

5) A restart a day keeps IT away!