General Information

Student Checklist
Learning to Use WebCT
   

Student Checklist
  • Feedback and Suggestions University of Houston-Clear Lake is currently using WebCT CE version 4.1. You can visit the WebCT Browser Tune-up page to fully prepare your browser for WebCT.
  • Visit WebCT's website Browser Zone frequently to find out what browsers have been tested by WebCT and are supported
  • If you are getting errors in WebCT or are unable to see the content on the pages, please confirm your browser's compatibility using WebCT's built-in Browser Check
  • Browser setup test page
  • Download all necessary plug-ins
  • How to Enable Java Virtual Machine
  • How to Enable JavaScript
  • Anti-virus software available
  • Determine your User ID
  • Determine how to login to WebCT
  • Determine where to login to WebCT
  • To find out where and when the Orientation for your class will be held, and whether attending the orientation is mandatory visit Distance Education
  • Student Information on Distance Learning (brochure PDF, Flash format)
    Note: In order to view and print the brochure you will first need to download and install a copy of Acrobat Reader to view the pdf file or Flash Player to view the flash file.
  • Test Yourself! is an on-line quiz to help you assess your readiness for on-line learning at UHCL
  • I need help!
  • Please provide us with some feedback on how we can improve our Student Support web site!
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Where Do I Begin?
How do I set up a WebCT account?
Your account is created automatically if you are registered at UHCL for the current semester. During late registration, allow at least one business day after your registration has been processed for your account to be created.

When will I be able to access my WebCT course?
Students who have registered for WebCT courses at UHCL will see the WebCT courses listed on their "myWebCT" page on the first official day of class in any given semester. You can not add courses. An automatic process releases your courses to the "myWebCT" page at the start of the semester.

Here is what you will see before the semester begins:

MyWebCT

Here is what you will see as soon as the semester begins:

MyWebCT

How do I find my WebCT ID (user name) and password?
To use WebCT at University of Houston-Clear Lake, you must know your WebCT ID and password. To determine your WebCT ID and password, follow the appropriate link below and read the instructions:
 Student Login instructionsStudent Login Instructions
 
How do I find out about online orientations?
After you have registered for an online course, you will want to find out about the Orientation. Some Web courses offer an orientation held on campus to help familiarize you with the Web course delivery system, the tools and multimedia you will see in the course, and the basics of the course itself. It is a good idea to go to the Orientation, if at all possible, since you will get to meet the professor and your classmates. In most cases, this is the only face-to-face contact you will have with the other members of the class. To find out where and when the Orientation for your class will be held, and whether attending the orientation is mandatory, visit Distance Education.

Who will provide technical support?
While most users will not experience any problems using WebCT, it is highly recommended that you read the instructions on the Browser Setup Test Page to check your web browser settings. The tune-up page provides step-by-step instructions to modify your browser settings (if necessary). If you experience problems with WebCT, check the tune-up page first to make sure you are using a valid web-browser with the proper settings.

If you have any questions please contact the Student Support Team.
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Learning to use WebCT
The best way to learn to use an online course is to explore it. Don't worry you cannot break anything. For these activities you will be using a sample online course called WebCT Tutorials. Here you will try-out the available tools and read the explanations of how they work. 
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On-line Success

Congratulations on your web course registration! Please read the following so that you can make this online semester a success. Here are some essentials to keep in mind as you start your first online course

  • If you do not have basic computer literacy skills, you will find yourself learning those when you should be learning the content of the course.
  • Understand the differences between online learning and traditional face-to-face classroom learning. You will not see an instructor who reminds you to turn your assignments in on time.
  • Online learning is not easier than learning in the traditional classroom.
  • Spend time before the class begins reviewing the layout of the course. Know where your instructor puts the syllabus, assignments, lectures, readings etc.  
  • Most communication in an online course uses a Chat Tool, Discussion Board and Email. 
    • Chat - allows students and instructors to have real-time conversations with each other.
    • E-Mail - allows students and instructors to send electronic mail. 
    • Discussion Board - allows students and instructors to send, read and search for messages.
  • Be an active participant in all online discussions. 
  • Organize your time. Don't wait until the last minute to submit your homework assignments. Most students find that online courses take more time than traditional courses. 
  • Keep in touch with your online instructor.  Many will assume that everything is fine unless they hear from you.
  • Test Yourself! is an on-line quiz to help you assess your readiness for on-line learning at University of Houston-Clear Lake.
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What is WebCT?

WebCT is a system that has been specifically designed to help Academic Staff to create, deliver, administer, and assess online learning within a secure, controlled setting. WebCT relies on a set of course tools that readily allow the user to create a well-presented, student-friendly online learning environment. WebCT is based on sound pedagogical principles. It adheres to the rules of best face to face pedagogy by, for example, including a range of tools that promote Delivery, Discussion, Activity and Feedback.
 
Feedback and Suggestions University of Houston-Clear Lake is currently using WebCT CE version 4.1. You can visit the WebCT Browser Tune-up page to fully prepare your browser for WebCT.

myWebCT
When you login to your WebCT account you will find yourself on the myWebCT page. This is your own personal homepage for online learning at University of Houston-Clear Lake. It is a gateway that provides links to all the WebCT courses that you are currently registered in. myWebCT allows you to move freely between courses without having to constantly re-enter your log in details when you wish to access different WebCT courses.

University of Houston-Clear Lake showcase:

  • An exemplary course takes teaching to a higher level and expands the possibilities of online and Web-enhanced education. Each year, WebCT/Blackboard recognizes outstanding e-learning offerings. UHCL has won two awards:
  • To view WebCT Web-based courses offered at UHCL use the View by Term or View by Category options. Note: Make sure the radio button is selected, choose the term or category and click the Course Information Icon  listed under "Course Information". 

To view WebCT Web-based courses offered at UHCL use the View by Term or View by Category options. Note: Make sure the radio button is selected, click the   listed under "Course Information". 

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