The Ultimate Webct Handbook

The Ultimate WebCT Handbook A PracticalPractical aandnd PedaPPedagogicaledagogicaical GGuideuiduide ttoo WWebCTebCTCT 1st Edition The Ultimate WebCT™ Handbook A Pedagogical and Practical Guide Written by The Web Resources Staff Division of Distance & Distributed Learning Pullen Library Georgia State University November 2001 The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia by and on behalf of Georgia State University copyright Division of Distance & Distributed Learning The Ultimate WebCT Handbook Principal Authors and Editorial Staff Stephen D. Rehberg, co-author & Editor-in-Chief Donna M. Ferguson, co-author & Assistant Editor Jeanne M. McQuillan, co-author & Managing Editor Sean A. Winburn, WebCT/Academic Support Specialist Wendy Riley, Web Developer Contributing Authors: Although twice the size, “The Ultimate WebCT Handbook” is based upon an earlier book, the “WebCT Handbook of Tools, Tips and Techniques Or Almost Everything You Wanted to Know About WebCT” that was written and edited by the entire staff of the Web Resources Department of the Division of Distance and Distributed Learning at Georgia State University. The editors and authors of this version are indebted to the authors of the previous version. Without their assiduous contributions, this text would not exist. We would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the many employees of the Web Resources Department of Distance and Distributed Learning who have contributed to this body of work. Eduardo Acevedo Mesele Haile Yuxin Ma Sydney Aron Thomas Hall Adi Rabinerzon Carlyon Christian Sterling Herrington Karen Sanderfur Earl Daniels Brad Huchteman Administrative Staff: Judith McCarty, Karen Sanderfur, and Sterling Herrington Graphics: Sydney Aron, cover design Hugh Morgan, Distance and Distributed Learning logo Wendy Riley, “Five Steps for Creating Content” and “Server Interface” (depictions) Reprint Permission for: Accessibility and WebCT: Caroline Gergely, Director of the Office of Disability Services, Georgia State University Thomas Hall, Web Developer and Accessibility Expert, Distance and Distributed Learning, Georgia State University Stephen Rehberg, Manager of Web Resources, Distance and Distributed Learning, Georgia State University Storyboarding to Success Lorraine Stanton, Instructional Technology Consultant, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Stephen Rehberg, Georgia State University Sam Eneman, Instructional Technology Consultant, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Jeanne McQuillan, WebCT/Academic Support Supervisor, Distance and Distributed Learning, Georgia State University Using the “Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education” in WebCT, A Practical Approach Donna Ferguson, Assistant Manager of Web Resources, Distance and Distributed Learning, Georgia State University Printed by: Graphic Solutions Group, Kennesaw, Georgia ii The Ultimate WebCT Handbook Dedicated to: Carla Relaford, Ed.D. whose vision and hard work have made all of this possible, her encouragement has kept us going, and her guidance has shown us the way; and The Georgia State University Faculty who have helped to stretch our skills and our minds, and who have always shared their WebCT success stories and their renewed joy of teaching with us; and With a Special Thanks To the entire staff of the Division of Distance & Distributed Learning: without the commitment of the entire group we would not be able to produce a fraction of the quantity and quality of the service that we offer to our faculty; we are proud of our staff and the level of service that they provide; and to Michelle Lamberson whose enthusiasm, input, and editorial brilliance helped shape this handbook and motivate the authors. iii The Ultimate WebCT Handbook iv The Ultimate WebCT Handbook Preface to “The Ultimate WebCT Handbook” Every guide has a responsibility to show you how to get where you want to be. Many guides point out the highlights and problems along the way. Only the best guides go in advance, mark the potholes, and then fill them so that you don't experience the bumpy ride. This guide to using WebCT is the best. It virtually eliminates software "bumps": It shows you how to perform each step along the way, giving both instructions and clear screen-capture illustrations. It makes translating course components to the Web environment possible for faculty and others who have limited experience with WebCT software. It makes you effective by giving you the direct route to your goal and by eliminating time-consuming mistakes. It gives you time to work on creative pedagogy that engages students. I am fortunate to work with the authors at Georgia State University. Being right down the hall has definite advantages. I can walk in, ask my questions, get my answers, and advance my courses. In fact, many of the questions you see illustrated, I have asked. I know that the answers work. I know firsthand the frustration of trying to go it alone. Distance and Distributed Learning gave me this ten-minute rule, "If you can't figure it out in ten minutes, call or come by. Don't spend your time trying to decipher something that we can already show you how to do." Having this guide in hand will make it possible for you to follow the ten-minute rule, too. Of course, I also have questions outside of the ten-minute rule (more like a ten-day rule). The Distance and Distributed Learning group has worked on those, too. I am already using a draft of this guide. I am looking forward to the next one that describes the very creative applications that they have developed to engage students, to facilitate use of commercial materials, and to meet guidelines in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Mildred M. Cody, PhD, RD Associate Professor Department of Nutrition College of Health and Human Sciences Georgia State University v The Ultimate WebCT Handbook The 10-Minute Rule means spending no more than 10 minutes trying to figure something out. If you have not solved the puzzle after 10 minutes, ask for help either from a co-worker, tech person, help desk, senior staff, or online (HELP files or “Ask Dr. C”). If none of those options are available, check the Index of “The Ultimate WebCT Handbook.” It’s that simple. When the authors and our staff use the 10-Minute Rule, each problem becomes a good learning exercise, but without causing too much frustration. vi The Ultimate WebCT Handbook Dear Colleagues, Faculty, and Friends, The Division of Distance and Distributed Learning at Georgia State University is happy to bring to you The Ultimate WebCT Handbook: A Practical and Pedagogical Guide to WebCT, a comprehensive handbook designed to provide extensive strategies and references for successful teaching and learning with WebCT. This handbook will benefit beginners and advanced users of WebCT and is a valuable tool for those users who have limited resources or support for instructional design and technical assistance. Beginning in 1996, Georgia State University became a Beta Test Site (BTS) for the WebCT course management system (CMS). We became a BTS to assess WebCT’s potential to enhance teaching and learning at Georgia State University. Eventually, the University compared WebCT to five other CMS programs. After a successful experience in several pilot courses with WebCT and a thorough review, WebCT was selected as Georgia State University’s licensed course management system. In 1998, the University purchased its first license and launched twelve WebCT courses. The University currently offers over 1200 WebCT courses each semester. In the Fall of 2000, Georgia State University became a WebCT Institute and has trained users, faculty, and students from around the world. From the inception, Distance and Distributed Learning (DDL) staff members have been instrumental in the implementation and application of WebCT at the University. As the utilization of WebCT exploded, DDL accepted the challenge to serve faculty and students with specialized services including consulting, instructional design, training, production, and assessment of WebCT courses. In addition, new models, learning aids, and design strategies have been developed. One of our proudest accomplishments has been working with WebCT to make WebCT courses accessible for students with disabilities. DDL’s staff members have developed a team service approach that assists faculty members regardless of their knowledge of online learning strategies or technical experience. These tiers of service are reflected in the development of this handbook. As the Director of Distance and Distributed Learning, I am immensely proud of the innovative and creative approaches developed by our dedicated staff members to enhance teaching and learning at Georgia State University and throughout the world. I anticipate that you will benefit from this handbook as much as the faculty, students, and users at Georgia State University have benefited from DDL’s services. Best regards, Carla Relaford, Ed.D., Director Distance and Distributed Learning Georgia State University vii The Ultimate WebCT Handbook viii The Ultimate WebCT Handbook Table of Contents PAGE Section 1: Where Do I Begin? • Who Needs This Handbook and How to Use It ..........................................3 • The Top Ten Questions You Should Ask Before Creating an Online Course .......................................................................................5 • Checklist of Things to Think About and Do Before Putting Your Course Online ............................................................................................7

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