If you encounter any technical issues with the MIT Learn Portal or the MITx Online site (like Course or Program About Pages not loading or working correctly) or within any MIT Learn/MITx Online Courseware (like missing form fields, malfunctioning buttons, or problems with displaying content), then carefully review the information and follow the instructions below.
Technical issues like these are most often related to your web browser (including any browser extensions you may be using). Following these basic troubleshooting steps should resolve the most common causes of these issues:
First...
Ensure your device and browser meet the recommended system requirements. Keep in mind that, while the learning platform can be accessed from both computer and mobile devices, it is not optimized for viewing on smaller mobile devices, and some functionality may not be available on mobile operating systems.
Next...
Follow these steps in order, and check between each step to see if the issue has been resolved:
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Restart your device: Completely restart your device, using the "Restart" option.
- This might sound simple, but restarting your device is actually the fastest, easiest, and best way to resolve most kinds of technical issues!
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Update your browser to the latest version: Check your browser to see if any updates are available. Most modern browsers have a specific "Updates" section, usually found in their "Settings" or "Preferences" menus/pages, to check for updates.
- Keeping your browser up-to-date helps ensure continued compatibility with the learning platform, and also helps keep your devices and personal information secure!
- Disable ad-blockers and other browser extensions: Browser extensions—especially ad-blockers—can sometimes interfere with the functionality of web pages. Try disabling them temporarily and reloading the problem page to see if the issue persists. A quick way to test this is often to open a private browsing/incognito browser window (as long as you haven't allowed your extensions access to that environment). More information & instructions can be found at the links below:
- Check your browser settings: Ensure that both JavaScript and cookies are enabled in your browser settings. Some course features rely on JavaScript, and cookies are used to remember your preferences and login information across the platform.
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Clear your browser cache & cookies: Clearing your browser's cache can often resolve persistent problems with platform access, display, and loading. The steps for clearing your browser cache vary, depending on the specific browser you're using. You can find instructions for the two most-used browsers, Chrome and Firefox, at the links below (instructions for other browsers can be found via web search).
- At a minimum, ensure that you clear at least all of your browser's cookies for the mit.edu domain.
By following these steps in order and checking if the problem has been solved between each step, you should be able to resolve most common issues with a minimum of disruption.
However...
If, after following the troubleshooting steps described here, you continue to experience problems, please reach out to the MITx Online Support Team at mitxonline-support@mit.edu for further assistance. As always, please provide as much information in your message as reasonably possible, including exactly what issue you're encountering and which of the above troubleshooting steps you tried.
The more detailed information you provide, the better able we will be to assist you quickly and efficiently!
Alternatively...
For non-urgent technical issues, you can also post your question in your course session's In-Course Discussion Forums (if available). This can be a quick way to receive help and may also benefit other learners who may have similar issues or questions.