Required Computer Settings  |  WebCT Tips

This class uses WebCT course software to provide all course materials. You can access WebCT through a Web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape. Campus computers should be configured properly for WebCT, but if you plan to take the class from off campus you will want to be certain your computer's settings are optimized for running a WebCT course.

You should optimize your computer's settings for running a WebCT course and use current versions of Web browsers and have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.

About WebCT

Required Computer Settings for WebCT

You will also want to be certain your computer’s settings are optimized for running a WebCT course. WebCT will not grade your quizzes unless you enable Java and set the cache to reload every time.

Go to WebCT's Browser Tune Up page and follow the instructions for the browser you are currently using. It includes step-by-step instructions to make sure your browser settings are optimized for the best possible WebCT experience.

Enable Java

Internet Explorer 4.0  (and higher)
  • Select Tools Internet Options
  • Select the Advanced tab
  • Locate Microsoft VM
  • Make sure the Java console enabled and Java logging enabled boxes are checked
  • Click OK
  • Restart your computer if you checked the Java console enabled box
Netscape Navigator 4.5 (and higher)
  • Select Edit Preferences
  • Select Advanced
  • Make sure the Enable Java and Enable JavaScript boxes are checked
  • Click OK

Set Cache to Always Reload a Page

Internet Explorer 4.0 (and higher)
  • Select Tools Internet Options
  • Select the General tab
  • Select Settings from Temporary Internet Files
  • Select the Every Visit to the Page radio button
  • Click OK
Netscape Communicator (Navigator 4.5 and higher)
  • Select Edit Preferences
  • Click the + sign next to Advanced to see more options
  • Select Cache
  • Select the Every Time radio button at the bottom
  • Click OK

Download Current Versions of Software

In order to view all aspects and documents provided in this WebCT course, you may need to download a newer version of Internet Explorer (we recommend at least version 5.0) and the Adobe Acrobat Reader program. These software are free and can be installed on your home computer.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

 Acrobat Reader
Download Internet Explorer Internet Explorer

If you have any problems optimizing your computer's settings for running a WebCT, contact your instructor.

WebCT Tips

  1. WebCT Help is available from the menu at the top of the WebCT page.


     

  2. E-mail allows you to send mail to the instructor. Click on E-mail, then click on Compose message. Next to the Send to: window, click Browse... to see a list of mail recipients. Your instructor is the first person listed. Click on the instructor's name, click Select, type a subject and message, then click Send.

  3. Quizzes 

    1. You can maximize the screen when taking a quiz or doing an exercise. With several windows open, try using the Task Bar [on the bottom of the screen next to the Start Button] to switch between open windows.

    2. When taking a quiz, remember to click on Save answer for each question. That way, if you get interrupted or do NOT complete a quiz, you can close the window, login later, and your completed answers will still be there. Once you press Finish, you will not be able to re-enter that quiz. Quizzes are graded automatically by WebCT if you remember to click View Results to view your score.

    3. Can't see your Quiz score?  After completing a quiz, you should be able to see your score immediately. If you cannot, make sure your computer is optimized for running a WebCT course. To check the required computer settings, see About WebCT above. Campus computers should be configured properly for WebCT, but if you are taking the class from off campus, you will want to be certain your computer's settings are optimized for running a WebCT course.

  4. Viewing Chapters

    1. Click on the Course Menu green triangle to close the menu and view more text. 

    2. To view chapter pages, click the green triangles to open () or close () chapters.

    3. To view a page, click its name. It is recommended you NOT use your browser's Back and Forward buttons to navigate within WebCT. To navigate in WebCT, use these features:

      • The Action Menu at the top of Chapter pages allows you to navigate forward and backward through the chapter.

      • Breadcrumbs are located on the Menu Bar, showing your location in the course. To return to a previous screen, click the corresponding screen name in the breadcrumbs.

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      • Take Notes allows you to make study notes of Chapter pages.

      • Bookmarks allow you to create links to pages in a chapter that you want to visit later.

  5. My Grades allows you to see your scores on Quizzes, Assignments, and Examinations. Quizzes are graded automatically by WebCT. Assignments, however, are graded by the instructor, not by WebCT. Allow 24-48 hours for the instructor to grade your assignments.

  6. My Progress allows you to see parts of the course you have visited, including the number of pages and how much time you have spent.

  7. Calendar provides a calendar of all course activities and deadlines. You can also make private calendar entries to the calendar for your own use.

If you have any questions about using WebCT, contact your instructor.