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What is WebCT?WebCT (Web Course Tools) is an integrated set of educational tools for developing and delivering courses or course components over the Web. It was originally developed at the University of British Columbia and is presently being used by universities and colleges all over the world. Students will use WebCT if the instructor has chosen to implement it into his or her course. Mason is currently using version 4.1. More information about WebCT can be found on the main WebCT website at: http://www.webct.com. Hardware and Software RequirementsBecause WebCT is accessed via the World Wide Web, you will need to have access to a computer, an Internet connection, and the appropriate hardware and software resources. If students wish to access WebCT from off-campus, they must provide their own connection to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider. Students can also access the Internet and WebCT by using a computer in a Mason Lab. Recommendations for each are listed below: Operating System
Modem / Internet Access56 kbps or Broadband Web BrowsersThe Web browser that you use is important. WebCT requires a browser that is both Java and JavaScript enabled. This option needs to be set in your browser. For best results in WebCT, use Netscape 6.2 or later, or Internet Explorer 5 or later. Earlier versions of Internet Explorer and Netscape do not support Java and JavaScript properly. If you do not have an up-to-date version of Netscape or Internet Explorer, you can download the latest versions from George Mason’s ITU Support Website: http://itusupport.gmu.edu Configuring Your BrowserFor WebCT to function properly, you will need to ensure that your Web browser has the necessary settings, listed in the table below:
WebCT recommends the following browsers:
Note: Setting up your browsers to be WebCT compatible, you must do the following:
Note: Most of these settings are default settings, if you had changed the security level or make any advance changes, you should reset the settings to default before accessing WebCT. To get detailed instructions on how to do any of the above, go to: http://www.webct.com/exchange/viewpage?name=exchan ge_browser_tuneup_windows_ie#notes You can use earlier versions but some features will not be available and you will most likely get errors. Make certain that you set your browser so that both Java and JavaScript are enabled. In Netscape Navigator, go to Options/Network Preferences/Languages and check both boxes. Note to AOL Users: If you use America Online (AOL) for Web access, you must first access the Internet with AOL, minimize the AOL browser, and then use one of the preferred browsers noted above. The compatible and supported AOL browser is version 7.0, with Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher also installed on your computer. Do not use earlier versions of AOL’s browser, as you will have difficulty accessing many of WebCT’s tools. If you have an older version of AOL, connect through AOL, but then minimize it and use the other browser. If you have any questions regarding your system requirements, access the support page at the WebCT (https://webct41.gmu.edu/webct/public/check_browser.pl?back_key=mywebct) and click on Browser Tuneup Page. From there you can specify the operating system and browser on your computer and read the related notes and support information. Screen SettingsWebCT has many tools and this will often cause the screen to look crowded. To avoid this:
It should not be necessary to change the screen resolution of your computer though a minimum of 800x600 would be easier for you to read and your screen will not appear as crowded. How do I Log in and out of WebCT?To access your course:
(NOTE: The login is case sensitive and cannot have spaces. This means it knows the difference between upper and lower case! If your User ID is rsmith1, you cannot enter RSmith1 or RSMITH1.)
myWebCTYour myWebCT is a central location where students see a list of courses in which they are currently registered. In addition to the customized list of courses, myWebCT also features the following links and functions:
 Course HomepageThe Courses area of myWebCT displays the names of your courses as well as reminders and notices regarding assignments, discussion topics, and other course materials. Click the hyperlinked text to go directly to the course material or course home page. You can bookmark any page in WebCT and the login prompt will appear on the bookmarked page. (Bookmarking the Homepage allows you to bypass your myWebCT page)
How Do I Navigate?There are three ways to navigate through WebCT: The Course Menu, the Home Page, and the “Breadcrumb” trail. Course Menu: The course menu is a list of quick links located on the left-hand side of the page. While you navigate to specific pages within WebCT, the course menu can be used to access main areas that the instructor may designate as course menus.
“Breadcrumb” trail: The breadcrumb trail is a trail of pages that you have visited. It is displayed on the top of your screen and it is useful if you need to quickly go back to a previous page. WebCT discourages the use of the back button and instead encourages the breadcrumb trail if you need to go back. For example, if you click on the email icon from the homepage and then from there go to the grades page, on the top of the screen you should see Homepage > email > grades.
Where do I get help?User SupportFor specific WebCT user problems, contact webct@gmu.edu. Technical SupportThe University Help Desk at (703) 993-8870 can provide assistance with general computer hardware and software problems. WebCT HelpOnce logged on to WebCT, there is a help feature in WebCT. From the myWebCT portal, locate the help link at the top of the screen. Instructor or TAThe instructor and/or TA can provide assistance. When the instructor and/or TA are not available and the online help is not sufficient, please contact STAR. STARGo to STAR*Works located in the Johnson Center room 311. There are also resources online at http://www.irc.gmu.edu/coursetools/webct/index.html |
