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Frequently Asked Questions…about WebCT
WebCT is the name of an online learning Web
site management and presentation program. This program provides learning
tools such as discussion boards, email, the assignment drop box, and
gradebook to instructors and students who use it. Only you, your fellow
students, and your instructor have access to your courses on WebCT.
While it is fairly simple to navigate WebCT,
you should expect that it will take you a few days to become familiar with
the course. Spend some time exploring, clicking on each link and practicing
with the different tools and options. Be sure you have gone through the
browser tune-up and adjusted your browser settings as required. You can find
this tuneup at http://www.webct.com/oriented/viewpage?name=exchange_browser_tuneup
[link opens in new browser window]. You can also access orientation information at
the WebCT Student Orientation site (http://www.webct.com/oriented
[link opens in new browser window]).
Yes, you can access your course from any
computer that has Internet access. Remember, though, if you are using a
computer that you don't normally use, the browser settings may not be
correct. In addition, some places will have firewalls that may prevent you
from accessing WebCT.
The navigation bar is the "column" on
the left side of your screen. It contains links to some of the more commonly
used course pages. Links to these same pages may also be available in other
locations throughout the course.
The course homepage is the first page of your
course. It is the first page you will see whenever you log on UNLESS you
click the "new discussion" or "new mail" icons on your My
WebCT page when you log in. Many instructors will post important
announcements on the home page, so it's a good idea to check it frequently.
You may log out of your class by clicking the
"Logout" link on the blue WebCT toolbar at the top of the page. If
you are using a public computer, it is important that you do this when you
finish working on your class so no one else has access to your course.
You have a variety of help
features available to you. First, try the Help link at the top of the WebCT
page. This is a context-sensitive help tool, so if you are in the email tool,
for example, and click the Help button, you will see help topics related to
the email tool. Second, (if you have tried the Help tool and did not find
your answer), contact your instructor or click the Helpdesk link on your
navigation bar. Be sure to provide as much information as possible, including
your full name, the course and section you are in, exactly what you are
trying to do, and precisely what happens when you try to do it. Computer and Browser
Requirements
You can access WebCT using either a PC or a Mac
operating system. Recommended minimum requirements are: 1. IBM/PC compatible: Pentium 75 with at least
32 megabytes of RAM, a minimum of 10 MG free space on the hard drive,
monitor, sound card and speakers, and modem for Internet access. 2. Mac: Power Macintosh (G3 or iMac) with at
least 32 megabytes of RAM, a minimum of 10 MG free space on the hard drive,
monitor, sound card and speakers, and a modem for Internet access.
In general, you should not use these modified
browsers. Check the WebCT page for more information. This is a direct link [link opens in new window] to the WebCT page
with supported browsers listed.
Yes. Be sure you run the browser tuneup found
at http://www.webct.com/oriented/viewpage?name=exchange_browser_tuneup
[link opens in new browser window].
Yes, you can send e-mail through WebCT to your
instructor and fellow students in the course. You cannot send email to any
external email address from within the course, and you cannot send email to
the WebCT course email from any external email account.
Click the E-mail link on your course navigation
bar or click the Mail icon on the Communication Tools page.
Open the email or discussion tool, then click
"Help" on the blue WebCT tool bar at the top of the page.
Yes, all students are encouraged to post to the
discussion board and to assist each other. Sharing is an excellent way to
learn! To post a general question to the discussion board, open a discussion
topic and choose "compose new message." This will post your message
to a new discussion thread within the topic.
Course Content contains a summary or overview of
each chapter. Additional information called "Expand Your Knowledge"
is information that will enrich and enhance your knowledge beyond that
contained in your textbook.
The Interactive Labs on your CD or at the
Shelly/Cashman site provide an opportunity for you to learn to use various
computer tools. A list of all the Interactive Labs can be found in the
Preface to your Discovering Computers textbook.
If your instructor has asked you to submit any
Interactive Lab assignments, instructions for submitting the lab will be included
in the assignment.
The Assignments link is a feature you use to
submit your assignments to the drop box.
Yes, if your instructor has created a practice
link.
No, it simply means that the due date for the
assignment has passed.
No, it simply means that the due date for the
assignment has now passed. If you submitted your assignment on time, the
"late" notation will not show on your particular assignment.
Yes, just make sure you do not click the
"submit" button prior to uploading your second file. See
"Step-by-Step instructions in the Submitting Assignments document (from
the Home page, click Course Information and then click "Submitting
Assignments."
Contact your instructor and ask to have the
assignment reset.
Most likely, you have a mouse with a wheel. If
you spin the wheel before you click the next question, your answer will
change. Be careful!
Several things can cause a program to freeze.
This could be something that happens on the Internet or it could be a problem
with your computer. If this happens, contact your instructor.
No, you cannot return to a particular test
unless it is reset by your instructor. Some instructors may allow students to
take a test more than once. The instructor sets the number of times a student
can take a test. If you accidentally opened an exam and aren’t ready to take
it, contact your instructor for instructions.
Yes. On the Home Page, click Course Content to
display the Course Content page. On this page, you will find a practice test
for each chapter.
No, you should not use your textbook or any
other materials when taking exams unless your instructor specifically tells
you otherwise.
On the course navigation bar, click My Grades.
No, your grades are available only to you and
to your instructor.
Check the My Grades area. |
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