Hardware & Software requirements:
To be successful in taking an online course your computer has to meet minimum hardware requirements including having your browser configured correctly. Go to the Overview section and review the requirements.

Back to top

Course Log-on:
Enter your course the first day of the semester. Visit http://staff.bcc.edu/webct/ for complete information and log-on instructions.

Back to top

Using WebCT Email:
The Email tool in WebCT allows you to correspond with your instructor and the other members of the class. Follow these simple steps:

• Click on the "Mail" icon in your WebCT class
• The mail screen appears
• To view new messages, click on the "Inbox" link. If you want to view all messages, click on the "All" link.
• To send an email message, click on the "Compose Mail Message" button. To choose the person you are sending the message to, click on the "Browse" button and highlight the name.
• If you want to attach a file to your email, click on the "Browse" button. Click on the file name, and then click on the "Attach File" button.
• When the message is complete, click the "Send" button to send the email.
• To reply to a message, click on the "Reply" or "Quote" button (The quote option includes a copy of the original message.) When the message is complete, click the "Send" button to send the email.
• To delete or forward a message or to move it to another folder, click on the "Manage Messages" button. Click on the "Manage Folders" button to add, rename, or delete a message folder.

Back to top

Online Discussion:
The discussion tool is for you to engage in e-conversations with you fellow classmates. Many instructors use the discussion tool to share comments, ideas, review topics from either the class or the readings. This is usually the most exciting part of the online class.

• Click on the "Discussion" icon. A list of discussion topics will appear. Throughout the course this list will become quite lengthy.
• Click on the topic link you want to view. All unread message will be viewed.
• Click on "All Messages" to view all messages discussion in the course.
• Click on the title of the message to read the message.
• To respond to a message, click on"Reply" (to send to entire class); "Reply Privately" (to send to sender only); or "Quote" ( to include the original message).
• Type your response and click on the "Post" button.
• Click on the "Compose Message" button to post a new message. Select the appropriate message category from the drop-down listbox labeled "Topic."
• If you want to attach a file to your email, click on the "Browse" button. Click on the file name, and then click on the "Attach File" button.
• Enter a subject, the message, and then click on the "Post" button.

Back to top

Test & Quizzes:
Many instructors put tests and quizzes for the course under the quiz tool. This means that you can take the test and/or quiz and view your score online.

• Click on the "Quiz" icon; a new screen containing a list of quizzes appears.
• Additional information about each quiz includes the time span for taking the quiz; the amount of time allocated for completion; your score; and the total number of attempts completed and remaining.
• To take a quiz, click on the name of the quiz and then click on the "Begin Quiz" button.
• Read each question carefully and answer. Be sure to click on the "Save Answer" button before continuing on the next question. Notice that the red circle under the question number (top right side of the screen) changes to a green.
• When you're done entering and saving answers to all the questions, click on the "Finish" button. Click "OK" in response to the "Submit Quiz for grading?" prompt.
• Depending on the quiz settings, the results may be available immediately. If so, click on the "View Results" button.

Back to top

Online Calendar:
The calendar tool in your WebCT course allows you to view important events that your instructor has posted. Many announcements will pertain to the overall direction of the class. You can only view the calendar when you are logged into the course. To use the calendar:

• Click on the "Calendar" icon; the current month is displayed. To move forward or backward, select the desired month and year from the drop-down menus at the top of the screen and click on "Go".
• To see the details related to a date on the calendar, click on the link for the specific date.
• To add an entry to the calendar, click on the date link and then click on the "Add entry" button.
• The "Add a Calendar Entry"screen appears. Fill in the boxes, and click on the "Add" button.
• To make changes to an existing entry, click on the date link and then click on the "Edit" button.

Back to top

WebCT Assignments:
The Assignment Dropbox tool allows you to view, work and submit your assignments online. To submit an assignment:

• Click on the "Assignments" icon; a new screen containing a list of assignments appears. To view a particular assignment click on its name. You will see the due date, maximum grade and the instructions. Related files for the assignment may also be included.
• To view a related file, click on the linked filename and then click again on the filename when it appears in a new dialog box. To copy the file to your computer, click on the "Download" button.
• When you're finished working on the assignment, you need to copy it to WebCT. Click on the "Student Files" button (on the assignment detail screen) and then click on the "Upload" button. Browse to locate the file, and click on "Upload" again.
• The filename now appears under "Student File Listing". Click on the "Return to Assignment" link at the top of the window. Click on the "Summit Assignment" button. If necessary, enter your e-mail address and click on "Submit Assignment" again.
• Note: Be sure to use the same procedure to upload any additional files that go with the assignment.

Back to top

Printing from WebCT:
WebCT uses frames; this means that what you usually see on the computer monitor is not one continuous area of text. The screen image is made up of individual areas of text and images that are contained in their own frame. To print information from a particular frame:

• Click to place your cursor inside the frame you want to print. A thin rectangle should appear around the border of the frame indicating it has been selected.
• Choose "Print Frame" from your browser's File menu.
• If you don't see that option, you may not have properly selected a frame, or the page just may not include any frames. If your online course is a publisher course (you entered an access code to enter it) you may not be allowed to print the information on the screen.

Back to top

Compiling Messages and Files:
The E-mail and Discussion tool screens both have a "Compile" option. This option allows you to create a downloadable file containing selected messages. Your instructor may also include a Compile tool, which performs the same function for the course content. This is a convenient way to print a hard copy of the course material.

Back to top

Software, Plug-ins & Tutorials:

Plug-ins Many online class sections require that you download specific course materials. Some will require software to complete the tasks. The plug-in section gives you the direct links to download "free" software to view course materials. Go to: Plug-ins for further information.

Tutorials The tutorial section of the WebCT help is designed to demonstrate to you how to navigate through your online course. Go to: Web Tutorials for complete instructions.

Back to top

NJVCCC would like to thank the University of Pan Am in Texas for allowing the use and alteration of their tutorial materials.
© 2003 NJVCCC, Bergen Community College and Burlington County College