Distance Learning

Southwestern has chosen to use WebCT/Blackboard, the newest version of WebCT/Blackboard. This guide will help you with the basics of logging in, getting help, moving around in your courses, and using some basic tools like email and discussions. It also includes information on configuring your computer to work with WebCT/Blackboard.

Making sure your computer works with WebCT/Blackboard

There are a few things you will need to configure to make your computer work efficiently with WebCT/Blackbaord.

1. Disable any pop up blockers for ce6hosting.webct.com.
2. Add ce6hosting.blackboard.com to your trusted sites list.
3. Use the Browser Check tool in WebCT to ensure you have the correct version of Java.

How to Log In to WebCT/Blackboard

You may access WebCT/Blackboard courses via the following URL: http://ce6hosting.blackboard.com.

Additionally, you can use the WebCT/Blackboard link on the Southwestern homepage (www.socc.edu).

User ID/Password

Your WebCT/Blackboard user name is the same as your WebAdvisor user id. If you do not know your WebAdvisor user id go to http://lakerlink.socc.edu/WebAdvisor/WebAdvisor and click on “What’s My User ID?” on the bottom of the page.

Your password to WebCT/Blackboard is your 6-digit date of birth (032176). You may change your WebCT/Blackboard password by clicking on My Settings in the upper right-hand corner.

How to get help

If you need help with WebCT/Blackboard, our 24/7 online support at http://www.socc.edu/support/.

Navigating in Courses

Click on the course you want to access. When the course opens, you will probably see icons in the middle of the page and a course menu on the left side of the page. Click on the item you want to open. Most course tools such as the Discussion and Email tools are on the course menu. You can access them from anywhere in the course by clicking on them on the course menu.

Using the Discussion tool

You can read and post to any discussion threads. However, you will not be able to add or remove threads.

To Read a Post

1. Click on Discussions.
2. Click on the Topic of the discussion you want to read.
3. Click on the message (subject) you want to read.

To Compose a Post

• Click on Discussions.
• Click on the Topic of the discussion you want.
• Click on the Create Message button at the top of the screen.
• Type a subject for your message.
• Type your message.
• Click the Post button at the bottom of the screen.

Using the Email tool

The Email tool in WebCT/Blackboard is separate from outside email. It only sends email to other members of the class within WebCT/Blackboard.

To Read a Mail Message

• Click on Mail.
• Click on Inbox.
• Click on the message you want to read.

To Send a Mail Message

• Click on Mail.
• Click the Create Message button.
• Click on the Browse for Recipients... button above the To box.
• Select who you want to send the message to from the list.
• Type a subject for your message.
• Type your message.
• Click the Send button at the bottom of the screen.