Introduction to WebCT

WebCT is the course management tool used for this course. It offers a course designer flexibility to customize the look, feel and functionality of the learning environment.  The graphical option simplifies the environment and makes it easier for students to navigate and feel at home in the space.  In this section, the course layout and  WebCT tools will be described.  The Student Manual in the course will explain in detail how to use WebCT.

Getting Into the Course

To get into the Sample Module that is described below, click on Sample Module on the left and follow the isntructions. 

Course Homepage

Top Row
 

myWebCT	links back to the index page of all the classes the student is enrolled in WebCT.
Resume Course	allows students to resume where they left off when they logged off the course.
Course Map	provides students with a hyperlinked map of the course tools and links.
Help	an excellent help resource for students who want to know how to use WebCT.
Breadcrumbs	provides a path of active links that record where the student has been in the course.  Students can retrace their "steps" at any time by clicking on any of the active links.
Hide Navigation	Students can hide the Navigation bar for more screen space.  A Show Navigation link will allow students to return the Navigation bar to view.

Course Menu Options
The course menu provides a set of active links that is always available to tools and resources within the course.
 

Homepage	links to the page shown in the screen shot above.
Student Manual	a manual that describes how to use WebCT.
Class Directory	student homepages that provide a picture and contact information for the class.
Syllabus	an interactive syllabus that includes: instructor information,   course objectives, schedule, required  texts, details of assignments, grading scale, and a disabilities statement.
Calendar	displays the fluid course schedule (i.e., the original schedule and any adjustments that are made during the semester.
Course Content	interactive menu that links to all course modules.  [In the sample, only "Task" is active]
Case Studies	link to case studies with discussion questions that are discussed throughout the course.
Search	used in the course design to identify learning objects that pertain to topics related to each course module.
ID Resources	links to instructional design resources and other pertinent sources for the class.
Student Tools	a page of links to WebCT that are available for the course.  They are described in detail below.
Discussions	asynchronous bulletin board tool used in the course for all discussions, learning journals, announcements, HELP, assignment questions, and student cafe. Details on how to use the Discussions tool are available in the Student Manual.
Projects	individual file spaces where students can manage files.  When an index.html file is loaded into the space, the project becomes available for other students to view.  This space is used not only as personal spaces for students, but also for group project spaces.
Quizzes & Surveys	The quiz tool is used for a technology assessment and student self assessments (should students choose to test their own mastery of the module content).  The survey tool is used for course formative evaluation.  A survey is given at the course mid-point and at the end of the course.
Grades	provides current grades for each student as well as information on how the student did in relation to other students.
eLearning Hub	educational resources available through WebCT.

Icon Menu
 

Orientation	students begin at the orientation to obtain information on how to navigate and find information they will need to be successful in the course.
Syllabus	iconic link to syllabus described above.
Calendar	iconic link to calendar described above.
Student Tools	iconic link to student tools described below.
Course Content	iconic link to course content described above.  When clicked an interactive menu is available.

Student Tools

When you click on the Student Tools link (either on the Course Menu or the Icon), the following page is available.  Directions on how to use the tools are available in the Student Manual.  Just click on the Student Manual link on the left.