User Services Spring 2005 Introduction WebCT 4.x at MSU Web Course Tools (WebCT) is a course management system designed to aid in the delivery and facilitation of online instruction and learning. It was developed by the University of British Columbia, purchased by Universal Learning Technologies, and is presently being used at varying levels by a variety of educational institutions worldwide. Contents What is WebCT...2 Making the most of WebCT at Mississippi State University...3 What s New in Version 4.1...4 Applying Essential PC Updates to Your Computer...5 WebCT Browser Checker...6 More Browser Information...12 WebCT Environment at MSU...12 Logging into WebCT at MSU...13 Determining Your NetID...14 My WebCT...15 Academic WebCT...16 External WebCT...18 Development WebCT...19 WebCT Environment Overview...20 e-packs...21 oncampus: Selecting Your Course Delivery Method...22 WebCT Testing Student Account...24 WebCT Accounts for Non-MSU Persons...25 Adding Students...26 Hide Inactive Users...27 Hide Equation Editor...27 Getting Help The ITS Help Desk is a service provided to all Mississippi State University students, staff, and faculty. The ITS consultants are available to help with various computer-related problems as well as provide answers to computer and technology-related questions. Visit the Web site at www.its.msstate.edu for handouts and resolutions to common computer problems. If you cannot find an anwer to your question on the Web or you do not have access to the Internet, please call at 325-0631 (7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday). You may also contact the ITS Help Desk by email at helpdesk@msstate.edu.
What is WebCT? What is WebCT? WebCT is an integrated set of tools that includes a secure environment, communication features, online testing and collaboration that facilitates learning over the Internet. Advantages of Using WebCT for Online Instruction Accommodates a variety of teaching methods and learning styles. Student management allows instructors to track student s use of the site. Online quizzes and tests that can be automatically graded, therefore reducing paper used and time spent grading. Password protected environment that allows only enrolled students to enter and view content. Communication tools such as calendar, email, bulletin board and chat are available with little or no set-up required. Preformatted layout and design that is easy to use and develop. Tips for Success Set your browser settings before using WebCT (make sure your students do this as well). You can use the Browser Checker to assist in applying the correct settings. Use the WebCT navigation tools (breadcrumbs and buttons), do not use the browser navigation buttons. Make backups of the course. Hide features that are not ready for students to view or use. Zip files to upload numerous files at one time. Teach your students how to use WebCT at the beginning of the semester. Information Technology Services (ITS) has developed a handout, WebCT: A Student s Walkthrough, that is a great start for students. Students can download the file at: http://www.its.msstate.edu/information/documentation/webct_workshop.php. Use the WebCT discussion board to answer questions. Keep the course site design simple and clean. Give students a reason to visit the course. 2
Making the Most of WebCT at MSU WebCT 4.x, the currently supported version at MSU, operates with both Netscape and Internet Explorer. However, both browsers at specific version numbers are NOT supported. Supported browsers are as follows: Netscape 6.2.x, 7.0, and 7.1 (6.2.x may require an updated Java plug-in for use with WebCT) Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher, including 6.0 (except Internet Explorer 5.5 service pack 1) A Pentium (200 MHz or higher) or PowerPC (120 MHz or higher) based computer is a minimum system requirement. Your Internet connection speed should be 28.8 Kbps or higher for minimum expected performance. WebCT is internally navigated with its own buttons and links. Once logged in, there is no need to use your browser buttons. You can interact with WebCT in one of three ways: student, grader, or course designer (instructor). WebCT runs entirely on an Internet connection through your browser. Connection speed, computer performance both client (your computer) and server (WebCT system), and network traffic (other activity somewhere between your system and the WebCT server) can all impact your (or your student s) total WebCT experience. There are many ways of achieving the same end result using WebCT. Try exploring other areas of the system using the Designers Expanded Control Panel. Spend time mapping out and cataloging your resource materials before you begin developing your WebCT courses. Have an idea of how much (or how little) online support WebCT will give your students and what types of files you will need to import to provide that intended level of support. Note: File Types - WebCT s file system supports all file types. However, your intended audience (e.g., students) must have the proper computer system configuration (Web browser plug-ins and helper applications) to view your content as you intended. 3
What s New in Version 4.1 Browser checker WebCT Campus Edition 4.1 includes a browser checker that automatically detects whether or not the user s browser is supported by WebCT. If the browser is not supported, users are given the option of downloading a supported browser. The browser checker provides automatic troubleshooting, which enhances the user experience. Updated Styling WebCT Campus Edition 4.1 has a new look! The style of the application has been updated throughout and controls have been grouped and positioned to facilitate easier access and more efficient course design. Additionally, the designer interface has been divided into tabs that clearly separate the student and the designer views, making it easier to design and preview courses. Course Design Wizards WebCT Campus Edition 4.1 includes new course design wizards, providing step-by-step guides that walk faculty and course designers through the completion of common course tasks, including setting up their course Homepage, Syllabus, Organizer Pages, Content Modules, Discussions, Mail, Calendar and Chat. Designer Preview of Student Tools Designers have the ability to preview all student tools, including MyGrades and MyProgress. Dual-Mode Control Panel WebCT Campus Edition 4.1 has a Dual-Mode Control Panel. New designers may wish to keep the Basic Control Panel with a simple overview of options as their default. More advanced users may wish to set the Expanded Control Panel as their default - giving them a single point of access to WebCT s full array of powerful course design and management options. More Flexible e-pack Adoption for Faculty With WebCT Campus Edition 4.1, instructors can import e-packs into their existing courses without overwriting their own content - giving them the flexibility to add publisher content to their courses at any stage of the course design process. 4
What s New in Version 4.1 15-day Trial e-pack Access for Students With WebCT Campus Edition 4.1, students can request temporary access to an e-pack - allowing them a 15-day window to engage with the course. This simplifies start-of-term administration by allowing students to view course material prior to purchasing an access code for the course. Integrated HTML editor WebCT Campus Edition 4.1 includes an HTML Editor with spell-check, providing course designers with What You See is What You Get (WYSIWYG) content creation and editing capabilities, making it easier than ever to create and maintain content within the WebCT course environment. Student Assignment and Assessment Status Summary In both the assignment and assessment areas, students can now see a quick summary of which assignments and assessments are available, which are already late, and which are due within the next 48 hours. Have you applied essential PC updates to keep your computer safe and healthy? Windows Updates current Configure your Windows operating system to automatically download and install critical updates. Go to www.its.msstate.edu to learn how. Anti-virus software loaded and current All computers on the MSU network are required to have an anti-virus software. Symantec Anti-Virus is available at 108 Allen Hall and at no charge at www.its.msstate.edu Spyware/Adware removal tools loaded and current Protect yourself by downloading the FREE software Spybot-Search & Destroy at www.its.msstate.edu 5
WebCT Browser Checker WebCT Campus Edition 4.X includes a browser checker that automatically detects whether or not the user s browser is supported by WebCT. If the browser is not supported, users are given the option of downloading a supported browser. The browser tune-up includes step-by-step instructions and automatic troubleshooting to make sure your browser settings are optimized for the best possible WebCT experience. Below is a summary list of the supported operating systems and the browser settings that your computer needs to use WebCT. WetCT 4.1 Supported Operating Systems Microsoft Windows 98, 2nd edition/2000/xp operating systems Macintosh OS 9 operating system Macintosh OS X v.10.1.x and v.10.2.x operating systems Supported Browsers: Microsoft Windows OS Netscape 6.2.x, 7.0, and 7.1 (6.2.x may require an updated Java plug-in for use with WebCT) Internet Explorer 5.0 and higher, including 6.0 (except Internet Explorer 5.5 service pack 1) Your computer must have the appropriate browser configurations to use WebCT. Below is a summary list of the browser configurations. Complete instructions for browser configurations are located in the Browser Checker. Configure Your Browser Settings for WebCT Enable Java Set Browser Cache Turn Off Anonymous Logon Enable Cookies Disable Pop-Up Killers Note: The Browser Tune-Up does NOT check to insure the browser settings are configured properly. There are steps in the WebCT Browser Tune-up that will guide you through the process. However, it does not check your computer. 6
Location of the Browser Checker WebCT Browser Checker The WebCT Browser Checker is located in two areas within WebCT and can also be found at the WebCT Web site. Below is a listing of the Browser Checker locations. 1. At the My WebCT page. The Check Browser link is located in the Menu Bar at the top of the screen. 2. Within a WebCT course. The Check Browser link is located in the Menu Bar at the top of the screen. 3. At the WebCT web site located at www.webct.com/tuneup 7
Using the Browser Checker WebCT Browser Checker All users are recommended to use the Browser Checker feature to insure their browser is valid and configured properly. To use the Browser Checker follow the steps below. 1. At the My WebCT page select the Check Browser link is located in the Menu Bar at the top of the screen. The Check Browser link is also located within WebCT courses and at www.webct. com/tuneup 2. The next screen will indicate if your browser is validated for use with WebCT. Validated Not Validated Wait! You are not finished. Click on the Browser Tuneup Page link to check browser configurations. Click on the Browser Tuneup Page link to update your browser and to check your browser configurations. 3. The link will take you to WebCT s Browser tuneup page. Select your operating system by clicking on the corresponding arrow. 8
WebCT Browser Checker 4. Confirm your browser by clicking on the appropriate link. 5. The next page will contain the appropriate browser information, configuration settings and links to updated software that your computer will need for the operating system that you are using. You can navigate on this page by using the links at the top of the page or by scrolling. 6. Scroll down to review the supported browser versions. If your browser was Validated, you do not need to verify that your browser is support and can go to the Prepare your browser settings for WebCT step. WebCT Version 4.1 Your Browser Version Select the link determined your WebCT and browser version if you do not know your browser version 9
7. If your browser is Unsupported or Non-Validated for WebCT 4.1, click the link to download a supported browser. WebCT Browser Checker 8. After you have validated your browser, you must prepare your browser settings for WebCT. Depending upon your browser and pc type, you will have the appropriate instructions for your computer. There are normally 5 configurations that you must set. Instructions are located on this Web page along with appropriate downloads and plug-ins as needed. The browser configurations are: Enable Java Set Browser Cache Turn Off Anonymous Logon Enable Cookies Disable Pop-Up Killers 9. If you need plug-ins, a link is located at the bottom of this Web page. 10. Congratulations, you have successfully used the Browser Checker tool to validate your browser version and to properly configure your browser settings. 10
More Browser Information More Browser Information WebCT Browser Tune-Up The WebCT Browser Tune-Up is available in your MyWebCT page, in WebCT courses and at the WebCT web site. Check your web browser to insure it is ready to be used with a WebCT course at this site: http://www.webct.com/tuneup Additional Support In Spring 2001 the MSU Course Management Task Force submitted their final report to the Provost. Two of the general Task Force recommendations were 1) in-depth training and 2) one-on-one support for faculty in the use of course management systems. Consequently, ITS, in its continued commitment to help faculty integrate technology into their instruction, has expanded its direct support for faculty. This summer, in response to the training recommendation of the task force, ITS began the Faculty Instructional Technology Series (FITS). Now, in answer to the second recommendation of one-on-one support, ITS is providing dedicated individualized assistance to help faculty with the incorporation of instructional technology into their courses at 10 McArthur Hall. Instructors may choose to come by at their convenience or by appointment. The 10 McArthur Hall location is available for use Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information or to make an appointment, call 325-1403 or email training@its.msstate.edu. MSU WebCT Resources MSU WebCT resources such as factsheets can be found at: www.its.msstate.edu/information/webct/ 11
WebCT Environment at MSU In August 2003, changes were made to WebCT that significantly affect your usage. These enhancements are part of a tighter integration of WebCT with Banner as well as part of the initial rollout of the MSU portal, oncampus, located at oncampus.msstate.edu. There are three WebCT instances. Two instances are for production: Academic and External. One instance is for development: Development. The separation of instances by type of course is essential in an integrated environment. This handout describes each WebCT instance, special features and its uses. WebCT at MSU Logging into WebCT at MSU Users login to WebCT using their NetID and NetPasswords. This handout provides information about determining your NetID. Users can login to the WebCT systems at MSU by three ways: 1) through the MSU portal, oncampus, 2) using the Main WebCT welcome page and 3) using the individual WebCT URLS for each system. Logging into WebCT at the main WebCT welcome page 1. Go to the WebCT welcome page at webct.msstate.edu. Select the WebCT system (Academic, External or Development) you wish to enter. To Log In Select a WebCT System 2. At the Log On screen, enter your NetID and NetPassword. Note that the Log On screen will indicate the WebCT instance (Academic, External or Development). When completed, click the Log on button. 12
Logging into WebCT at MSU 3. Your MyWebCT page will appear. 4. Congratulations, you now know how to log in to WebCT. Logging into WebCT at the direct URL for each system Academic WebCT External WebCT Development WebCT courses.webct.msstate.edu external.webct.msstate.edu devel.webct.msstate.edu:81 Logging into Academic WebCT through oncampus (only for courses on Academic WebCT) To access Academic WebCT through the portal, the instructor must select WebCT as the course delivery option within oncampus. Information on how to select the delivery option is in this handout. 1. In your Internet browser (e.g. Internet Explorer) type in the URL for oncampus: oncampus.msstate.edu 2. At the Welcome Page, log in using your NetID and NetPassword. Click the Login button. 3. At oncampus, select the Classroom tab. Select the course in the My Courses channel. WebCT will open in a new window. To access Academic WebCT through the portal, the instructor must select WebCT as the course delivery option within oncampus. 4. Congratulations, you know how to log into WebCT through the MSU portal, oncampus. 13
Determining Your NetID All Mississippi State University faculty, staff, and students have an electronic network identifier, the NetID. The NetID is a unique identifier for accessing a variety of information technology resources. NetIDs are displayed on MSU ID cards (since April 2001) and on class rosters (for Faculty only). The step-by-step instructions below demonstrate how to determine your MSU NetID. MSU ID Card 1. All MSU ID cards since April 2001 display the NetID underneath the name. Banner Web 1. Go to Banner Web (https://www.uis.msstate.edu) and click the Lookup NetID? button. 2. Next, enter your social security number to query for your NetID and click the Search by SSN button. The associated NetID will be returned. 3. Congratulations, you have located your MSU NetID. Note: If you need to change your NetPassword or do not remember your NetPassword, please go to Banner Web at www.uis.msstate.edu. At the login screen, click on the Forgot Password? button. 14
MyWebCT My WebCT With the use of two production and one development WebCT systems, users could possibly have three MyWebCT pages. The three My WebCT pages are separate and not integrated with each other, therefore, they are accessed differently. For example, if a faculty member conducted the following three activities, he/she would have three separate MyWebCT pages. 1. Teaching a credit class this semester (Academic) 2. Developing a WebCT class for next semester (Development) 3. Teaching a non-credit workshop (External) Each WebCT system is identified in the upper left corner as seen in the image below. 15
Academic WebCT Purpose: The purpose of Academic WebCT is to provide integration between WebCT and Banner. Logging In All users access Academic WebCT in one of three ways: 1) Using the MSU portal, oncampus, located at oncampus.msstate.edu 2) Using the Main WebCT welcome page located at webct.msstate.edu 3) Using the direct WebCT URL courses.webct.msstate.edu Course Creation Every academic course in Banner has a WebCT course automatically created 10 working days prior to the beginning of each semester. Faculty no longer request a course creation. Cross-listed Courses Cross-listed courses (e.g. 4303/6303 ) in Banner are one course in WebCT. Combining Course Sections The instructor of record in Banner can request that different sections of the same course be combined. This request must be made prior to course creation (10 working days before start of the semester) using Banner Web (www.uis.msstate.edu) and complete the WebCT Combine Course Request form. From the Main Menu select Faculty & Departmental Users. Then, select Course Management and finally select WebCT Combine Course Request. 1. Cross listed courses are automatically combined (e.g. 4303 and 6303). 2. Cross listed courses (e.g. 4303 and 6303) cannot be combined with other sections of the course. 3. Instructors can only combine sections of the same course for which they are instructor of record. 4. Departmental Users will be able to combine courses for the department. 4. The combine request must be submitted prior to course creation. Course Development Since courses are not created on Academic WebCT until 10 days prior to classes beginning, instructors can use Development WebCT to develop and design their WebCT course. Instructors can work on course content prior to the actual course creation on Development WebCT. More information on the Development WebCT Server is available in this handout. 16
Academic WebCT Adding Students The students enrolled in each section of a course load automatically into the appropriate WebCT course. Students who add or drop a course are updated automatically in WebCT. Faculty no longer have to manually synchronize courses to adjust course rosters for adds and drops. Faculty cannot add students to WebCT who are not recognized by Banner as being enrolled in the course. Primary Designers The primary designer is the faculty member listed as the instructor of record in Banner. Courses with multiple instructors in Banner have multiple designers created automatically in WebCT. Adding Designers/Teaching Assistants The Primary Designer can add Shared Designers and Teaching Assistants to his/her WebCT course. Integration with Banner The Academic WebCT instance is tightly integrated with Banner. Password The password is a users NetPassword. Banner Web requires the use of your NetID as username and NetPassword for password. Course Content All courses start out blank with no tools which eliminates the possibility of student s using a WebCT course that an instructor is not using. If an instructor is using the course he/she can add tools and content. 17
Purpose The purpose of External WebCT is to host all courses that are not on Academic WebCT. For example, professional development courses and seminars are hosted on External WebCT. Additionally, classes that do not conform to a semester based course structure (such as Continuing Education classes) are also be hosted on External WebCT. Logging In All users access External WebCT in one of two ways: 1) Using the Main WebCT welcome page located at webct.msstate.edu 2) Using the direct WebCT URL external.webct.msstate.edu Course Creation External WebCT is made available to any university faculty member or instructor of official university courses. Faculty members for special departmental or university sponsored projects may also request courses. To request a new WebCT course, please complete and submit the form located at: http://www.its.msstate.edu/services/accounts/create/course-create.php?application=webct Course Development Course development for courses hosted on External WebCT will occur on External WebCT. External WebCT classes are not made available to students until the students are added by the designer(s). Therefore, there is no need for a course on External WebCT to use Development WebCT for development. Adding Students The designer(s) for a course must add students to classes hosted on External WebCT. This handout has complete instructions on how to add students. Primary Designers The primary designer is specified when requesting a course creation (see the section Course Creation above). Adding Designers/Teaching Assistants The Primary Designer can add Shared Designers and Teaching Assistants to his/her WebCT course. When requesting a course, additional designers can be requested at that time as well. Integration with the Banner External WebCT is not integrated with Banner. External WebCT Password The password for users will be the same as Banner. Banner requires the use of your NetID as username and NetPassword for password. 18
Development WebCT Purpose: The purpose of Development WebCT is to host courses that are in development for use on Academic WebCT. Logging In All users access External WebCT in one of two ways: 1) Using the Main WebCT welcome page located at webct.msstate.edu The Development WebCT link is located in the Faculty Quick Links section. 2) Using the direct WebCT URL devel.webct.msstate.edu:81 Course Creation Development WebCT is made available to any university faculty member or instructor of official university courses. Faculty members for special departmental or university sponsored projects may also request courses. To request a developmental WebCT course, please complete and submit the form located at: http://www.its.msstate.edu/services/accounts/create/course-create.php?application=webct Adding Students Students can not be added in courses hosted on Development WebCT. However, testing student accounts may be added. Development WebCT is not a production environment and should not host courses in which students participate. Primary Designers The primary designer is specified when requesting a course creation (see the section Course Creation above). Adding Designers/Teaching Assistants The Primary Designer can add Shared Designers and Teaching Assistants to his/her WebCT course. When requesting a course, additional designers can be requested at that time as well. Integration with the Banner External WebCT is not integrated with Banner. Password The password for users will be the same as Banner. Banner requires the use of your NetID as username and NetPassword for password. 19
WebCT Environment Overview Item Academic WebCT External WebCT Development WebCT Purpose Provide integration between WebCT and Banner Web Host all courses that are not in Academic WebCT Host courses that are in development for use on Academic WebCT Course Creation Every academic course in Banner will have a WebCT course created automatically Requests must be made online Requests must be made online Cross-Listed Courses Combining Course Sections Course Development Adding Students Primary Designer Will be one course in WebCT Request must be made prior to course creation for combining of courses On Development WebCT Loaded automatically including testing Student accounts Instructor of Record in Banner Web NA NA On External WebCT Designer(s) must add Specified when requesting a course creation NA NA NA Students may not be added. Testing student accounts may be added. Specified when requesting a course creation Adding Designers/ Teaching Assistants Multiple instructors in Banner will have multiple designers created automatically. Primary designers can also add designers/ teaching assistants. Specify additional designers when requesting a course or the Primary Designer can add one after course creation Specify additional designers when requesting a course or the Primary Designer can add one after course creation Integration with Banner Tightly integrated No integration No integration 20
e-packs Digital content is available to instructors through e-packs. e-packs are course content that are developed by WebCT content partners and designed for use with WebCT. All e-packs are different - they are created by textbook publishing partners. They are fully customizable and contain media rich course materials including quiz and test banks, glossaries, lecture notes and more. Although e-packs are developed by publishers, they are intended to be an online teaching aid. You have the option of bundling them with a textbook, or they can be used on their own. e-packs eliminate the labor and resource-intensive process of creating digital content from scratch. WebCT offers over 2,000 e-packs in more than 65 subject areas. e-packs are the perfect starting point for instructors who are new to teaching online. They are a great time-saver, while extremely adaptable to support your pedagogical styles and addressing your students unique learning needs. For those who have experience teaching online, e-packs deliver a platform of tools that can be customized to create the ultimate online course. To search for an e-pack in your discipline and find out if one accompanies your textbook, visit the WebCT Digital Content page at http://www.webct.com/content. WebCT Digital Content 21
oncampus: Selecting Your Course Delivery Method Access to WebCT within oncampus is available for Academic WebCT courses only. Faculty must follow these steps for students to have access to WebCT in oncampus. oncampus is designed to enhance personal productivity by providing customized and personalized access to a variety of university systems and information. oncampus provides single sign-on to online course tools and homepages. Through the My Courses channel, faculty choose the course delivery method. Each class can have a different course method selected. Review the options below and select the option that best fits your class(es). The 4 options for course homepages includes: Campus Pipeline The tools provided by Campus Pipeline include content tools, announcements and a message board. WebCT Courses in Academic WebCT will be displayed for this option. If you use Academic WebCT for a class, this option is recommended because students (and faculty) will have access to the course through oncampus. There are a variety of online resources and workshops provided by ITS on WebCT to assist new and advanced WebCT users. Other A link to another Web page will be displayed for this course. Through this option, faculty will specify the course home page located at a URL. This option should be used if faculty design a course home page located at a specific URL (e.g. http://www.msstate.edu/dept/ xxxxx). External WebCT courses can be linked with this opion by entering the URL: http://external.webct.msstate.edu. None This option will display no course tools for the class. Select this option if you do not plan to use online course tools. This factsheet provides step-by-step instructions on the selection of a course homepage in the My Courses channel. 1. Once you have successfully logged in to oncampus (oncampus.msstate.edu) click the Classroom tab. 22
oncampus: Selecting Your Course Delivery Method 2. At the Classroom tab you will see the My Courses channel. Click the Edit button to set your course homepage option. Note: To maximize the My Courses channel, click on the Focus button. 3. At the Set Course Homepage screen, click the WebCT radio button (or the course homepage of your choice). Click the Save Changes button. 4. The Set Course Homepage screen will close. In the MyCourses channel, click on the course to view your WebCT course homepage. 5. Your WebCT home page will appear in a new window. Students can now view the course home page through oncampus. 6. Congratulations, you have successfully selected your course delivery method within oncampus. When students login to oncampus, they can now view the course homepage you selected in their My Courses channel. 23
WebCT Testing Student Account The purpose of the testing student account is to allow all WebCT designers to view their courses as students. For Academic WebCT, testing student accounts are automatically created for each course designer. For External and Development WebCT, a designer must enroll his or her testing student acount in the course. All WebCT designers have been assigned a testing student account. This account is for testing purposes only. It can be used to enter and view your course as a student. The following are highlights of the testing student account. a. The testing student account is created for all course designers. b. On Academic WebCT, the testing student account of the instructor of record is automatically enrolled in each course and does not need to be added by a designer. The primary designer is the faculty member listed as the instructor of record in Banner. c. A designer in External and Development must enroll his or her testing student account in the course. To use the testing student account, the process is two steps. To Log In Select a WebCT System 1. Go to the WebCT welcome page at webct.msstate.edu. Select the WebCT system you wish to enter. Note: When using the Development and External WebCT instance, a designer must enroll the testing student account(s) in the course. 2. The login WebCT ID for the testing account is: testingonly-netid, where NetID is the NetID of the designer (e.g. testingonly-tmg3). Each designer is given one test account. For the testing account password, contact the ITS Help Desk at 662-325-0631. 3. Congratulations, you now know how to use the testing student account. 24
WebCT Accounts for Non-MSU Persons WebCT authenticates using Banner Web and a MSU NetID as the WebCT ID. Therefore, only current MSU faculty, staff and students can be entered as students or have a course in WebCT. Non-MSU persons can obtain a NetID for the purpose of using WebCT. To request a NetID for use in WebCT, the appropriate MSU faculty or staff (not a student or a graduate assistant) must request the account with the ITS Help Desk. The non-msu person cannot request the account. To request a NETID for use in WebCT: 1. The appropriate MSU faculty or staff (not a student or a graduate student) must contact the ITS Help Desk by: Phone: 325-0631 Email: helpdesk@msstate.edu Web site: www.its.msstate.edu 2. When contacting the Help Desk, the following information must be provided: a) A NetID is requested for use in WebCT b) Full Name (first, middle and last) c) Social Security Number d) Date of Birth 3. Once this request has been processed, the person requesting the NetID will be contacted by ITS. 25
Adding Students Within WebCT students can be added by the designer(s) or they can be added automatically when WebCT is integrated with Banner. This page provides step-by-step instructions for adding students in External WebCT and Development WebCT. Academic WebCT External WebCT Development WebCT Faculty cannot add students to Academic WebCT who are not recognized by Banner as being enrolled in the course. The designer(s) for a course must add students to courses hosted on External WebCT. Students cannot be added in courses hosted on Development WebCT. However, testing student accounts may be added. The Development WebCT is not a production environment and should not host courses in which students participate. 1. Access student management by clicking the Control Panel button. Select Manage Course in the Basic Control Panel area. 2. Click Add or Import Students under the Manage Course heading. 3. In the Import from Global Database section, type a student s NetID in the Enter the student s WebCT ID text box. Click the Add button. 4. Your result is a new student entry. 5. To add more students, repeat steps 1-3. Note: Entire classes from Banner cannot be added into the External or Developmental WebCT courses. 6. Congratulations, you have successfully added a student into your External or Development WebCT course. 26
Hide Inactive Users In Academic WebCT, students who drop a class are considered inactive users in WebCT. To hide the inactive users in WebCT, follow the steps below. 1. Access student management by clicking the Control Panel button. Select Manage Course in the Basic Control Panel area. 2. Click Change settings under the Manage Course heading. 3. At the Course Settings screen, select the Hide inactive users radio button. When completed, click the Update button. 4. Congratulations, you have successfully hidden the inactive users in your WebCT course. Hide Equation Editor The WebCT Equation Editor allows you and your students to create, view, and edit complex mathematical equations and include them in WebCT content. 1. In the Designers Control Panel, select Course Settings. 2. At the Course Settings screen, select the radio button for the option Hide equation editor interfaces throughout the course. When completed, click the Update button. 3. Congratulations, you have successfully hidden the equation editor in your WebCT course. 27
A publication of ITS, a division of Information Technology Services, Mississippi State University Mississippi State Univesity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national orign, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. ko8