WebCT Navigation

A program called WebCT delivers all coursework. Once you log on, you'll find a personalized page called "myWebCT page." Here, on the upper left hand side of the screen, you can see which courses you've registered for, as well as some course information, such as when quizzes become available, if you have new mail messages, and if new grades or assignments have been released. On the bottom half of the screen, you'll find "Bookmarks," or links to helpful sites.

To go to your class, click on the name of the class. The name will be in bold and underlined.

This takes you to the Homepage for the class. Though every class has a Homepage, they don't all look the same. However, they all serve the same function.

At all times, you´ll have a Toolbar across the top of the screen.

There will usually be a Navigation bar on the left hand side of the screen. This navigation bar remains consistent while the rest of the screen changes. You can always return to the Homepage from every other page of the course.

As you move through the different tools and sections of a course, your path will be recorded just below the tool bar across the top of the page. Each area you've visited will be listed in a row here. This is called "Breadcrumbs," because it's our way of marking your trail so you can easily find your way back. Just click on any of the headings, and it'll take you back to where you were. In WebCT you must navigate this way instead of using your back and forward browser button like you might ordinarily do.

One thing about WebCT is that every instructor, or every class, won't necessarily use all the tools. Each class homepage will probably look a little different on the surface, just the same way each grocery store or each library might look a little different when you first walk in. But after you spend time familiarizing yourself, you'll find everything you need.

Notice these buttons, called icons, in the middle of the screen. Icons usually represent tools or services for students. WebCT icons tend to be pretty similar from course to course, though they may look different and have slightly different names. Common icons include Orientation, Course Syllabus, Course Content, Quizzes, Email, Chat and Bulletin Board. These last four tools are dealt with extensively elsewhere in this Orientation.

When you first enter a course, look for the Orientation icon on the HomePage. Each instructor might use Orientation slightly differently. Some won't use it at all, but in general, you can expect this page to define the course objectives. Read everything on the Orientation page, and follow any specific instructions. You might even find your first assignment there.

Then, look for the Course Syllabus. This might have its own icon, be listed on the left-hand navigation bar, or only be available through another icon, such as Course Content. It all depends on the instructor. The syllabus will give you an overview of assignments and due dates.

Make sure you find a link to Course Content. This might be called Course Content, or it could have another name. It could be labeled Assignments, Lessons, Lectures, or even be part of the Syllabus. Again, the instructor designs the class, and each one will be a little different.

Course Content is where all the assignments are.

Make sure to look at the Course Content section weekly, or more often if your instructor advises it. A week comes and goes pretty fast—it's easy to get behind if you don't schedule this in.

Here you'll find the heart of the coursework. You'll find assignments, and with some instructors, you'll find available quizzes though most instructors make quizzes available through the Quiz icon on the homepage. Read the Course Content section carefully, and read all the links as they're assigned.

This has been an overview of getting around your courses. It's important to keep in mind the standard course features so you know what to expect in each course. Remember that they can have slightly different names and icons from course to course. Just remember to click on the links to get to where you're going, make sure to use the Breadcrumb menu to return to where you came from, and you should do fine.