Distance Learning

What do I need before I start using WebCT?

• Are you connected to the Internet?
• Do you know how to use email?
• Are you using Netscape or Internet Explorer?

If you can answer these questions easily, you may want to go directly to hardware and software requirements, otherwise read on.

Using WebCT does not require any specialist skills. WebCT is, however, an Internet tool and contains some concepts that apply to online learning.

If you are not an Internet user, you may find it takes a little while to adjust to the constantly changing environment of the Internet, and the frustrations that are often associated with new technology.

Your first pre-requisite then is to learn as much as you can about browsing the Internet. A good source of information is the magazines at the local newsagent. However, the best thing to do is to get connected and start surfing the net (browsing the vast pool of information available on the Internet). This will provide the skills necessary to begin using WebCT.

Hardware and Software requirements

Because WebCT is based on the World Wide Web, you will need to have access to a computer and the hardware and software resources needed to access the World Wide Web. Suggestions for each are listed below:

Computer

The computer must be robust enough to run one of the recent web browsers and download files in a reasonable amount of time. For personal computers, we recommend at least a 486 personal computer (or its equivalent Apple or Unix machine) with at least eight Mbytes of RAM. Keep in mind that this is the absolute minimum, and it is best to be as up-to-date with your computer technology as you possibly can.

Web Access

You will need to be able to reach the World Wide Web, either through a network at your place of business or through dial-up, DSL, cable or satellite service from home. If you are using dial-up, the modem should be at least 28.8 kbps but 56 kbps is recommended and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) should have a local access number so that you can avoid long distance charges.

Web Browser

The browser that you use is important. WebCT requires a browser that is both Java and Javascript enabled. This option needs to be set in your browser. Go to Blackboard Client Support if you are still having difficulties.

If you don't have Netscape or Internet Explorer, you can download these versions by going to the websites listed logo below:

Netscape Navigator

Internet Explorer

Java - If you are having Java errors, follow the Java link provided in the WebCT Browser Check. Version 1.6 is not compatible at this time.

Netscape Communicator - Go to Edit > Preferences. Choose Advanced. Click on the Enable Java and Enable Javascript boxes. Click on OK.

Internet Explorer - Go to Tools > Internet Options. Choose the Advanced tab. From the long list of options find Java VM and from there enable the Java compiler.

Download any required plug-ins from the WebCT help page.

Screen Settings

WebCT has many tools and this will often cause the screen to look crowded. To avoid this :

• change the font display size in your browser
• turn off or hide the browser menu and toolbars
• put the mouse over the frame border and move the frames to one side

It should not be necessary to change the screen resolution of your computer.