WebCT Introduction – Lab 1 – ENG 101 Fall 2003

WebCT Introduction – Lab 1 – ENG 101 Fall 2003

Overview

1. Technical - Walk you through the process of accessing and using the class Discussion area on WebCT;

2. Writing Process – Help you begin to think about how critical thinking leads to critical reading and critical writing.

Part I – Accessing WebCT and Posting to the Discussion List

Note: This workshop is designed so that each “link” opens into a new window. In this way you will be able to continue looking at the instructions here, while also following them though in another window.

Windows Tip: Use your mouse to grab and hold the blue title bar at the top of a window to drag it into a new position.

1. Open the homepage for this class (http://www.chss.iup.edu/sherwood/IUP-Courses/Engl101F03/index.htm)

a. and click on the WebCT Class Discussion link.

2. If you know your username and password, just log in; otherwise,

a. Go the Entry Page

b. and look yourself up in the IUP online directory to find your username;

c. then log in.

3. If this is your first time using WebCT (or your first time this semester), you will need to change your password.

a. Click on the gray Password Settings box at the top;

b. Enter your old password; enter your new password twice; then select update password.

c. Back at your MyWebCT page, you should see the name of this course; select it.

What You See: WebCT Discussion List

The WebCT discussion list is accessible only to students in the two sections of English 101 that I teach this semester. Upon logging in, you will see a number of topics listed: each representing an “area” of discussion. You will choose an “area” whenver you want to read classmates’ work or submit a post of your own.

4. Reading Posts – Select Notes and you will see listed one post, with the subject welcome; click and you can read it.

5. Posting – Return to the list of topics and select Test Messages.

a. Select ComposeMessages, and you will see a new screen. The topic box will already read Test Messages;

b. Add a subject

c. Type some text

d. Select post, at the bottom left.

e. Select update listing, and you should see a message with your subject line and be able to read it.

WebCT Tip: Always check to make sure your post went through; if you can’t see it, it didn’t post. However, also remember that once you’ve read a post it is marked as unread; you may need to select the Display: All option to review previously read

posts.

	Part II – Letters and Responses
1. Select the Topic for your class (Lab 1 – 9:15 am or Lab 1 – 2:15pm). You will see three “threads” initiated by me (Goodman, Botstein, and Radich).
a. View the thread with the name of the author to which you responded for homework by selecting the magnifying glass.
b. Select reply
i. Then type your letter to the editor
ii. Preview and then Post it.
2. Look for the post of a classmate who responded to the same essay.
a. Read it, reflect on it, and think about its assumptions (stated and unstated).
b. Write a brief letter to that author, evaluating the claims or assumptions he/she makes.
3. Return to your letter (you will need to be sure that you are displaying All messages) and see if anyone has responded to it.
4. Browse a thread, reading at least 5 additional messages.

WebCT tip: If you lose your own posts, you can always FIND them. Rather than using the WebCT “search”, it works best to return to the main “Class Discussion” list; select the topic: “ALL,” “Display: ALL,” and “Show: Unthreaded”. It will take a moment to load, but you will see every single message posted to the web discussion. Now hold down the “CTRL” key on your keyboard, hit “F,” and enter your lastname. This will take you to the first message you posted… repeat.

5. Enjoy your holiday (but be sure to do the reading)!