Help

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

What are the technology requirements I must meet to participate?

You’ll need a modern browser: the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. If you’re unsure of what browser or version you’re using, visit WhatsMyBrowser.org. A broadband internet connection is recommended to access the rich media in the program.

What do I do if I’m having trouble playing a video?

If you’re having problems with playback, we recommend the following troubleshooting methods:

First, verify that your device is up to date and meets the supported viewing requirements:

Our videos work best using one of the supported browsers noted in the technology requirements section above.
Newer Android phones (4.1 and up) and iOS devices, such as iPhones and iPads, work best for video. We’ve found the most consistent support on all iOS devices and on Android devices running version 2.2 or later.
The minimum connection speed for reliable streaming is about 768 kilobits per second (equal to .768 megabits per second). We recommend a connection speed of at least 5 megabits per second for an optimal HD experience.

Next, confirm you are accessing the site via onlinelearning.hms.harvard.edu by checking the URL in the address bar of your browser.

If you meet the supported viewing requirements but still having trouble, try:

refreshing the page
clearing your browser cache
using a different browser
using a different network connection

What do I do if my completion indicators (green checkmarks) aren't showing up?

Revisit the pages to ensure you have completed all of the course material (readings, videos, assessments, and other activities). If you've done so and the completion indicator is still not appearing, try these steps:

clear the cache in your browser
for videos: make sure that you are watching the video in its entirety (without leaving the page or skipping through the video)
scroll to the bottom of the page
refresh the page after reviewing
click through to the end of the section

If these steps do not work, try completing the section using a different browser (see recommended browsers in the technology requirements section above).

If you continue to have issues with missing completion indicators, contact us as soon as possible via the form below.

What do I do if I’m having trouble accessing an interactive?

If your course contains interactive content, note the recommended browsers in the technology requirements section above. For the best experience, access interactives on a desktop or laptop computer (not a tablet or mobile device). You may also try:

refreshing the page
clearing your browser cache and restarting your browser
using a different recommended browser
using a different network connection

If you’ve tried all of the above and still have trouble accessing an interactive, please reach out to us using the form below.

I have a suggestion to improve the course. Where can I make my suggestion?

At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to submit your thoughts, comments, and feedback through an end-of-course survey.

I am doing well on the assessments, but when I look under “Progress” I have a very low score. Why is this?

The Grade Summary is based on all of the graded assessments (quiz and exam assessments) in the course. It includes both the assessments you have completed and those you have not completed yet. As you work through the course your total score will improve.