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Attention Firefox users!
You will need Firefox 3, and the MediaWrap 0.1.7.3 add-on to be able to view videos successfully. If you do not have this latest version of Firefox with the add-on, your media player will be substantially smaller than normal, and may look distorted.
What is the Media Center?
The WSU Distance Degree Programs has moved most required course media into an online Media Center so you can watch your provided course videos, presentations, and other media on your computer, instead of having CDs and DVDs mailed to you. You will be charged a media online fee, but you don’t have to worry about returning media at the end of the semester and potentially incurring late return fees.
This is an exciting change, as you will be able to access your course media easily from one location anywhere you have Internet access!
How do I access the Media Center?
In myDDP, you can access the Media Center either by selecting the Media Center quick link at the top, or from the link listed in your My Courses tab. By accessing the Media Center from myDDP, you will notice that all of your courses with provided online media are shown.
In your Angel course space you can access the Media Center by clicking on the link when the video is referenced in the course. You will also be able to access it from the Course Information page within the Map in your course space. By accessing the Media Center from your course space, you will notice that only media for that individual course is shown.
| Icon Key | |
|---|---|
 |
Video |
 |
Presentations, Lectures, etc. |
 |
Audio |
 |
You Get - media you are responsible for obtaining on your own |
Why are “You Get” media items listed in the Media Center when I have to obtain them on my own?
The items are listed in the Media Center as reminders of the additional media you are required to obtain and view on your own. Be sure to review the information in your course space so you know when you will need these items.
For more information on required course media, click here.
What does Low/High mean below each video link?
Most videos have two viewing options, Low (or small) and High (or large).
The difference between low and high is the size of the viewing screen. The Large viewing option requires a fast Internet connection (e.g., DSL, Cable Internet, Wireless).
By default the smaller viewing size is launched. There is no quality difference. At any point you can select High for a larger view area. You may find that you are able to successfully watch your media on the High setting at certain times, but on the Low setting at other times. You may also enlarge the size of the viewing screen by using your browser’s zoom function.
See Technology Requirements for additional information and take the Media Center speed test if you haven’t already.
What is the speed test?
The Media Center speed test checks the average download speed of your computer, to determine if you will be able to view the media in the Media Center successfully.
Note: Each time you test your speed, expect to get a different result. We recommend running the same test three times at different times of the day to determine your 'average' speed.
If your download speed is below 250 kbps (kilobits per second), you may not be able to view some of the online media successfully. Video delivery is guaranteed at 756 kbps or higher. (The speed test will automatically check your upload speed, but since you will only download media the upload speed is irrelevant.)
Before your course begins, we recommend that you sample a video in the Media Center to see if you can view it without any difficulty. To access the Media Center before the first day of classes, go to myDDP and select the Media Center quick link at the top of the page.
If your average ‘speed’ is around or below 250 kbps, and your course contains videos, we recommend that you request hard copies of the online media for your course.
| Speed < 250 kbps | Recommend request hard copies of videos |
| Speed > 249 kbps | Media should be viewable without difficulty |
See Technology Requirements for additional information.
Can I see a transcript of the media?
Most of the media available in the Media Center has been transcribed.
If the item is a presentation, lecture, or audio clip, the “Transcript” link will be displayed below the link to the item in the Media Center.
If the item is a video, look for the “Transcript” link directly below the media player after selecting the video.
What if I need technical support?
Help is available 24/7. Go to Get Technical Support for contact information.
Have questions?
We’re happy to help! Contact us at 800-222-4978 or e-mail distance@wsu.edu.
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