Studying courses in a WebCT(TM) learning environment
Introduction
WebCT(TM) is a program used to deliver courses on the Internet.
It provides the tools to present online learning in a variety of ways and allows students to communicate with each other and their online teacher through Mail, online Discussions and Chat.
As an online student, you may use WebCT(TM) as a tool to support your learning. Join in, ask questions and participate as you would in any classroom.
This section Studying courses in a WebCT(TM) learning environment will provide you with an overview of WebCT(TM) and its tools.
Click on any of the links below for more information.
What do you need before you can start using WebCT(TM)?
WebCT is accessed via the web, so before you start you will need a computer with Internet access and a web browser.
If you're viewing this on the Internet now, then you probably have all you need. If you want more details about the requirements, read on.
Hardware and software requirements
Because WebCT(TM) is on the World Wide Web, you will need to have access to a computer and the hardware and software resources needed to access the web.
Computer
You need a computer that can run one of the recent web browsers. For personal computers, a PC 486 or better microprocessor (or its equivalent Apple® machine) with at least 64 MB of RAM and a CD-ROM drive.
Web access
You will need to be able to access the World Wide Web through either a network at a library or your place of study, or through a modem connection from home. The modem should be at least 28.8 bps. If you can, use an Internet service provider (ISP) that has a local access number so you can avoid long distance charges.
Web browser
The browser that you use is important. For best results, use Netscape® Navigator 4.0 or higher. Alternatively you could use Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5 or higher. If the browser you are using is an earlier version, you may need to check with your online teacher to see if you need to make any changes to your browser.
User account
You will also need a myWebCT account before you can access online courses. You'll need a username and password for your account. If you are enrolled in an online course and haven't received these details please contact your online teacher.
How do you log on to WebCT(TM)?
Once you have the details of your myWebCT account, you are ready to log on to WebCT(TM).
Below is a picture of the WebCT(TM) 3.7 Campus Edition login screen. The training provider you enrol with will tell you how to get to the log on screen.
Once you are at the login screen, simply key in your Username and Password. Notice that your password appears as a series of asterisks (*******); this is so no one can see your password as you type.
Click go to login to WebCT(TM).
Tip: Your password and username are case sensitive. If you cannot login the first time check that the Caps Lock key is not on at your keyboard and try again.
Your myWebCT page
After you log on to myWebCT, you will see your own myWebCT screen.
It will look similar to the one shown here, but will have your name at the top and a list of all the online courses you are enrolled in.
There are eight important elements in the graphic below. Move your mouse pointer over the graphic to highlight each one and then click on each for an explanation.
Now move on to the next page to find out more about each of these tools.
Learning more about your myWebCT page
Your myWebCT page has many useful features designed to help make learning online easier. Some of these features are explained in more detail below.
Go to Global Calendar
The Global Calendar will display a calendar which may be useful in helping you plan your online study.
You can choose to view:
an entire month
an individual day simply by clicking the date required
entries from multiple course calendars within one calendar view
This allows you to change the way in which you view and access the WebCT(TM) environment.
You can choose to:
Use a high-contrast colour scheme
Use accessible interface for Whiteboard(TM), if it exists in your courses.
Entry Page
Clicking this link returns you to the WebCT login page.
Logout
Clicking this link will end your current WebCT session and take you back to the login page. You will need to reenter your username and password to get back into WebCT.
Help
Clicking this option accesses WebCT online help in a new pop-up window.
Courses
This area on the myWebCT page lists the courses to which you have access. To access a course, you'll need to click the course title in the list.
Links to new items of interest, such as discussions or assignment postings, may appear in this space too.
WebCT.com
Clicking this link will take you to the WebCT software company's home page.
Announcements
This area is reserved for the WebCT Administrator to post any special announcements that may be important to users.
What other features can you use in myWebCT?
Your myWebCT page has some other useful features down at the bottom of the page.
Bookmarks
This area of your myWebCT displays two types of bookmarks.
Institutional bookmarks
Institutional bookmarks provide links to useful websites. These are added by the administrator and you cannot change them; however you can hide those that are not useful to you.
Personal bookmarks
This option allows you to add and remove links to websites.
To add a Personal Bookmark
From your myWebCT page, click Manage Bookmarks. This displays the Bookmarks page.
On the right hand side of the screen click add bookmark.
This displays the Links page.
Enter the name of the website and its URL, as shown below.
Click Add bookmark. The Bookmarks page appears.
Click Return to myWebCT. The new links you've added will appear under Personal Bookmarks.
To remove a Personal Bookmark
From your myWebCT, click Manage Bookmarks. The Bookmarks page appears.
Select the bookmark that you want to delete.
Click delete bookmark. You will be returned to the Bookmarks page.
Click Return to myWebCT.
What does a WebCT course look like?
Once you are ready to enter your course, click the appropriate course link on your myWebCT page to access the course. Remember when using WebCT you only click ONCE not twice to access any tool or link.
The first page you'll see is the course homepage; its appearance may change slightly from course to course, but most features remain the same.
All of the course content and tools can be accessed from the homepage, and you can get back to the homepage from any part of the course.
The graphic below is typical of a WebCT unit homepage. Move your mouse pointer over the graphic to find all fifteen elements and their explanations.
How do you use WebCT(TM) help?
No matter where you are in your course, if you click HELP in the top right corner of the WebCT screen you'll get some help related to the page you're on. This type of help is called context sensitive help.
Clicking on Help displays the WebCT help topic most relevant to the page you are on. The Help screen opens in a new pop-up window.
If the WebCT help screen displayed doesn't solve your problem then you can chose to search the help index by clicking on the HELP INDEX link at the top of the help screen.
If you can't find the help you need, please contact your teacher.
How do you list the learning topics?
As you navigate from the homepage into the learning materials, you may see a list of topics.
Just like a table of contents for a book, the topics are organised in different levels (sections and sub-sections). See the small triangles next to some items? This means that you can expand the item by clicking on the triangle.
In the example shown here, clicking on the triangle next to Purpose of irrigation expands the section to show the sub-sections. By using the triangles, you have complete control over how the topics are displayed.
Clicking on any of the topics will take you directly to the information. When you are starting a new course, you would usually click on the first topic listed. Later, when you are familiar with a course, you can use the table of contents to fast track to sections of information that you are looking for.
How do you navigate?
Once you are in your course you need to know how to move around.
The ACTION MENU appears below the breadcrumbs and provides you with navigation options through the course content.
Move your mouse pointer over the graphic below to locate both the ACTION MENU and the breadcrumbs
Use the ACTION MENU to navigate through your online course as follows; Click:
Previous to take you to the previous page of content.
Next to take you to the next topic in the list.
Contents to return to the topics list for the section you're in.
Retrace to take you to the last page you were on, regardless of its place in the list.
Refresh to reload the page you're on again.
You will sometimes see other, un-shaded links in the ACTION MENU. These are links to tools such as Glossary, discussions and mail.
You will learn more about these tools later in this topic.
Using the breadcrumbs
The breadcrumbs show you a 'trail' of pages you have visited to get to the page you are currently viewing.
Breadcrumbs always start with Home, meaning that you started at the homepage. Arrows, showing the path you took, separate the titles of the following pages you've looked at. Each page title is a link to take you back to that particular page. The last breadcrumb is the page you are currently viewing. It is a different colour from the other breadcrumbs, and you can't click it.
If you think that you have gone 'off course' in your navigation, then you can click a link in the breadcrumbs to return to a point you were at earlier.
Alternatively you can click either Retrace or Previous in the ACTION MENU to return to the previous page.
TIP
If in doubt at any time, click Home to return to the homepage. You can always retrace your steps from there.
What tools are available in WebCT(TM)?
Most courses will have a variety of tools to assist you with your online learning. The availability of the tools, and the icons for each of the tools, will vary depending on the course you are doing. Explanations for some of the most commonly used tools are listed below:
Assignment Drop Box
This tool lets you view any assignment instructions, complete the assignment and then submit your completed work.
Calendar
You may recall that the Global Calendar is available from the myWebCT page. You can also access your Calendar using the Calendar tool. It allows you to view entries such as assignment due dates quickly and effectively. New entries will pop up when you access the calendar.
Depending on how the calendar tool has been set up, you, your fellow students and your online teacher may be able to post public calendar entries (visible to everyone in the course) or private entries (visible only to you).
CD ROM
The CD ROM tool allows you access to further information required for your course that is stored on a CD ROM. Your online teacher will provide you with a CD ROM if your course requires one.
Chat
The Chat tool allows you, your fellow students and your online teacher to have real-time conversations.
You will find out more about chat later in this section.
Compile
Compile allows you to condense several pages into one. You can then view them on screen, save them to a file on your computer, or print them from your browser.
Discussions
Discussions, like a bulletin board, is a place where messages are posted. This tool allows you, your fellow students and your online teacher to send, read and search for messages.
You will learn more about discussions later in this section.
Glossary
The Glossary tool allows you to find the meaning for the less common words within your course. You may find words in the course are underlined. These words will be linked to definitions in the glossary.
Mail
Mail allows you to send, reply and forward private messages to your fellow students in your course or to your online teacher. You can also receive messages from your fellow students in your course or from your online teacher. You will learn more about mail later in this section.
My Grades
The My Grades tool lets you see your assessment, quiz, and/or assignment results once your online teacher has released them.
Quiz
The Quiz tool gives you access to any quizzes within your course. Unlike Self Tests, these quizzes may form part of your assessment, and you may have to wait for your online teacher to mark the quiz before you know your result.
Search
You can search for particular words within the course content. You can then hyperlink to those pages containing the word you searched for.
Self Test
This tool allows you to test your knowledge. You receive immediate responses to the answers you give. No grades are assigned or recorded and your online teacher cannot see your results.
Student Homepages
If you know how to use HTML, you can use the Student Homepages tool to create your own webpage. If you wish to do this, you might like to include information about yourself, any courses you are doing, any projects you are working on, or even links to your favourite websites.
What is WebCT(TM) Mail?
WebCT(TM) Mail is an Email (electronic mail) tool that allows you to send to, or receive mail from, your online teacher and other students within the course you are doing. Unlike other email tools, you cannot use WebCT(TM) Mail to send emails to anyone who is not a student in your class.
Mail can be accessed from the homepage by clicking on Tools and then selecting the Mail tool. You will see a screen similar to the one shown below. There is often a Mail link in the ACTION MENU on each content page within your course.
Move your mouse over the different areas of the screen to read information about the various parts of mail.
How do you send Mail in WebCT(TM)?
You can access the WebCT(TM) Mail tool either through Tools on the homepage, or sometimes through a Mail link next to the ACTION MENU on each content page.
Once you are in the Mail screen, click the Compose Mail Message to start writing your message. This will bring up a new window, which should look similar to the screen shown below.
Move your mouse pointer over the graphic below to discover the four steps to be followed when sending a Mail message.
We will now look at each of the four steps in more detail.
Step 1: Type in the name of a recipient
At the top of the screen, there is a Send to box, where you insert the name(s) of the recipient. If you know the name of the person you want to send the mail to, type their name in here (make sure you use the correct spelling).
Alternatively, you can click on the Browse button to the right of the Send to box, which will open a new window listing all the people in your course. Click on the name of the person you want, and then click the Done button. The person's name will appear in the Send to box.
Step 2: Type in the subject of your message
Type a relevant subject of the message in the Subject box so that the recipient can see at a glance what the message is about. You must add a subject line or you will not be able to send the email.
Step 3: Type in your message
Type your message into the Message box.
Step 4: Send the message
When you've finished typing your message, click Send to send it.
How do you retrieve Mail?
Just as there are four steps to sending a Mail message, there are also four steps to retrieving a message.
Step 1: Access the WebCT(TM) Mail tool
Access the WebCT Mail tool by clicking the Mail link on the Tools page, or by clicking Mail in the ACTION MENU.
Your screen should now look like the one below.
Move your pointer over the graphic to find out more about the different parts of the screen.
Step 2: Open your Inbox
Clicking on the Inbox will display a list of messages.
Your screen should now look something like the one below.
Move your pointer over the graphic to find out more about the different parts of the screen. Take your time as there are 14 different elements to look for.
Step 3: Open the message
To open a message click on the message subject in the Subject column. The message will open in a new window as shown below.
Step 4: Read and respond to the message
When you have finished reading the Mail message, you can either:
close the message by clicking Close
forward the message to someone else by clicking the Forward button
reply to the message by clicking the Reply button
reply to the message, including the sender's message in your reply, by clicking Quote
download the message and save it to your computer or to a disk by clicking Download.
How do you read attachments?
One of the great things about WebCT(TM) Mail is that you can use it to send copies of your work to others in your unit. If you do your work on the computer, and save it as text document, spreadsheet or graphic, then you can attach this file to your email before you send it. This is called an attachment.
When you are sent mail with an attachment, it will contain a paper clip icon to the left of the message as shown below.
You can view the attachment by clicking the paper clip icon. This will open the attached file in a new window as shown in the graphic below.
Move your mouse pointer over the graphic to find out what each of the options do.
Tip: You may have been sent multiple attachments. Just click the name of the attached file you want to view and it will be displayed in the right hand window.
How else can you use Mail?
Sending a file attachment with your message is a great way of showing your work to others. The file can be a text document, spreadsheet or graphic. The person who receives the attachment will need the appropriate software in order to open the file.
Move your mouse pointer over the graphic below to discover the four steps to be followed when adding an attachment to a mail message.
We will now look at each of the four steps in more detail.
Step 1: Compose a new mail message.
Follow the steps you learnt earlier to compose a new mail message. Remember to include the recipient's name and a subject for the email.
Step 2: Locate the attachment
Click on the Browse button at the bottom of the screen. This opens a new window that allows you to browse through the files on your computer. Locate the file you wish to attach. Select the file and click Open.
Step 3: Attach the file
Click the Attach File button. The file name will appear underneath this, with the size of the file. If you want to attach more files, just repeat the process.
Step 4: Send the message
Click the Send button to send the message and the attachment.
How do you use WebCT(TM) Discussions?
You can access the Discussion tool either through Tools on the homepage, or sometimes through a Discussions link next to the ACTION MENU.
Your Discussions screen should look similar to that shown below. Move your mouse pointer over the graphic below to learn about the different elements on the Discussion screen.
Click on any one of the topics in the list to enter that particular topic.
How do you read and reply to Discussion messages?
Once you have entered the Discussions screen you need to click on a topic to access it. This will take you to the topic screen similar to that shown below.
Move your mouse pointer over the different parts of the graphic for more information.
Clicking on a subject heading of any message will open that message in a new window so that it may be read like the one shown below.
Move your mouse over the different options below to see what they do.
Once you have read the message and want to reply you have three options available.
You can select the Reply option to post a reply to this message. Your message will appear below the one you are replying to and can then be read by everybody in your unit.
You can select the Reply Privately option. This will send a reply to the sender's email account so that only the sender can see the response.
You can select Quote. This will include the original message as part of your reply. Your reply will be visible to everybody in this unit.
Once you have made your choice you will see a screen similar to the one below.
Enter in your response and then click the Post button.
How do you start your own thread?
If you want to start a brand new Discussion that does not relate to any of the existing messages, then you need to create a new message thread.
Move your mouse pointer over the graphic below to discover the five steps to be followed when creating a new Discussion thread.
We will now look at each of the five steps in more detail.
Step 1: Compose a new message
From the Discussion screen, select Compose discussion message.
Step 2: Select an appropriate topic
Using the pulldown arrow to the right of Topic, select the topic for this message. This is where the message will be posted.
Step 3: Enter in a subject for this thread
Type an appropriate subject for this message in the Subject box. The subject you choose will become the new thread.
Step 4: Enter in the message
Type in your message.
Step 5: Post the message
Click Post.
How do you use WebCT(TM) Chat?
WebCT(TM) chat allows you to 'talk' to other students or your online teacher while you are online. Unlike Discussion, Chat is synchronous - there is no time delay, so you can have real time conversations as you would with someone whom you were talking to in person.
A chat room is not an actual room, but a structured place online where people can send messages to each other. Chat in WebCT(TM) contains four general chat rooms and one general forum for the course. Conversations in the four general chat rooms are recorded, and may be viewed by your online teacher. There is also a general chat room for all courses.
To use chat, you must have the Java option enabled in your Web browser. WebCT(TM) chat will only work with 32-bit operating systems (Microsoft® Windows 3.1 is a 16-bit operating system and is not compatible with chat). You should contact your online teacher if you think your computer is not able to use Chat.
You can access WebCT(TM) chat either from the chat icon on the units Tools page or using the link in the ACTION MENU if available.
Once you are on the Chat page, click on the chat room you would like to enter and you will see a graphic similar to the one below.
Move your mouse pointer over the different parts of the graphic below for more information about using chat.
We will now look at some of these features in more detail.
Using the chat room
Type your message in the text box labelled Enter your message below.
To send the message, press the Enter key on your computer keyboard. Your message should appear in the Output Interaction Box.
You can tell which message you have sent because your name will be in front of the message.
How do you send a private message to someone in the room?
In the right hand window, select the recipient of the message. To select more than one recipient, hold down the Shift key while selecting the names, as shown below.
Type your message in the text box labelled Enter your message below.
To send the message, press Enter on your computer keyboard. Your message should appear in the Output Interaction Box of the designated recipient(s).
How do you send a URL?
Click on Send URL on the lower right of the Chat window. It brings up a box where you type in the URL, as shown below.
When you have finished typing it in, click Send.
The other Chat room users will receive a screen similar to the one shown here. It gives them the choice of opening the URL in a browser window or cancelling it.
Ending chat
Click on the Quit button. This will close the window and end your Chat session.
What are WebCT(TM) Self Tests and Quizzes?
You may have the opportunity to complete Self Tests and Quizzes as you work through a WebCT(TM) course.
Self Tests
Self Tests usually contain multiple choice questions to help you revise or recall key ideas and points covered in the learning material. They can be attempted as many times as you like and you will receive immediate feedback on completing each question. These are for your personal use and no one else will see your results.
You will find the Self Test link in the ACTION MENU.
Quizzes
Quizzes are online tests that you take to assess your progress. Unlike Self Tests, your online teacher may use the mark you receive in a quiz as part of your assessment. Quizzes can:
be set to be taken on a certain day and time
be timed
be attempted more than once (if your lecturer agrees)
have multiple choice, short answer, matching or paragraph answers
be marked automatically by the computer or by the online teacher.
You will usually find a link to the quizzes on the Tools page of your course or in the ACTION MENU.
Starting a quiz
When you go to start a quiz you will notice a number of options available as shown in the image below. Move your mouse over the options for more information.
When you click on the title, you will be presented with some information about the Quiz. You should read this information carefully to make sure you understand what to do. When you're ready to start, click the Begin Quiz button. You may need to scroll down to find this button.
How do you complete WebCT(TM) Quizzes?
When you are ready start to the quiz, click the Begin Quiz button. The quiz will open in a new window. You will be shown:
the time you started the quiz
the time allowed for the quiz
the time remaining
the total number of questions
the number of answered questions
the number of unanswered questions.
Tip: The symbols will change as you work through the quiz so that you know which questions you still have to answer.
Assessment 1
Name: Susan Tan
Start Time: Feb 12, 2001 15:54
Time Allowed: 30 min
Number of Questions:
4
Time remaining: 5 min
Unanswered Answered
1
2
3
4
Quiz questions may take the form of:
Question
How to Answer
matching
select your answers from the drop down menus
short answer
type your answer in the text box
paragraph
type your answer in the text box
multiple choice
select your answer using the radio button
Below are examples of these four types of questions. Try them to get a taste of what it's like to do a WebCT(TM) Quiz.
You need to click the SAVE ANSWER button after each answer. If you change your answer, you will need to click the SAVE ANSWER button again.
Click the FINISH button when you have completed the quiz to submit it for grading.
How do you print out multiple course pages in one go?
Compiling material allows you to create your own collection of notes from the topics in a course. After compiling the notes you can view them on your computer screen or print them.
From the homepage, click Tools and then select Compile. This will bring up the Content Compiler screen, similar to the one below.
Select the radio button next to the section you want to compile and then click the Compile button.
This brings up a new screen listing all the pages in that section. You have the option of:
manually checking the boxes next to the pages you wish to compile
clicking the Mark All button and all pages will be selected
clicking the Mark None button which clears the check boxes.
Once you have selected an option, click the Compile button and all the pages that are checked will be compiled into one continuous page.
You can then print it using the browser printing options.
How do you search?
Sometimes you may find it difficult to find specific information in your course. You know it is there somewhere! You may use the Search function to locate that information. Search is accessed from the Tools link on the homepage.
You can search for certain topics or keywords in the course.
Once you have clicked on the Search tool you will see a screen like the one below.
Click on the dropdown menu next to Search and you should see a menu similar to that shown below. This dropdown menu allows you to restrict your search to only certain sections of the course.
Select All allows you to search all the text in the course.
Enter the topic or key word you want to search for in the Contains box on the right. Then click on the Search button. In the example shown below, we have searched for the word 'assessment'.
After you click Search, the search results are listed beneath, as shown below.
You can click on any of the blue underlined links that appear in the search results. This takes you straight to that content in the course.
WebCT is accessed via the web, so before you start you will need a computer with Internet access and a web browser.
questions
questions.
