WebCT FAQ

What do you want to know?

• Technical Questions About WebCT
• Admission and Registration
• The Online Classroom
• Communication Between Students and Professors

1. Can I use my AOL browser to access my WebCT Course?
2. Can WebCT generated e-mail be sent outside WebCT to a my e-mail address? Will attachments also be passed?
3. Do I need to know HTML to use WebCT?
4. Does a Web-based course require a Java capable browser?
5. How do I log out of a WebCT session?
6. I completed the orientation and read the FAQs, but I need more help with WebCT!
7. What are the consequences of not logging out of WebCT properly?
8. What kind of browser is required to access WebCT?
9. What settings do I need to change in my browser?
10. What tools are available in WebCT?
11. What training/help is available at SFASU for WebCT?

Because of incompatibilities between AOL's browser and WebCT, we recommend that if you are using America Online for your web access, please use Netscape or Internet Explorer as the browser instead of AOL's built-in browser. To do so, connect as usual with AOL, minimize the window (do not sign off), and open Netscape on your system. Following these steps should greatly minimize your problems. For additional AOL browser information go to WebCT.com.

2.  Can WebCT generated e-mail be sent outside WebCT to my e-mail address? Will attachments also be passed?

Yes, WebCT email can be sent automatically to an external e-mail account, provided that your professor has activated this feature.  However, any attachments will not be forwarded. To have your WebCT e-mail forwarded, select the Mail tool, select the Options Menu button in the left-hand frame, select "Forward Mail" and specify your e-mail address in regular form (i.e. username@hotmail.com).  It is important to note that mail generated outside of WebCT can not be sent back to your WebCT account.

Back to the Top

3.  Do I need to know HTML to use WebCT?

No. It is not necessary to know HTML code to take a WebCT course.  Many courses require no HTML pages (such as those using e-mail, discussion board, etc.). Some professors will stipulate that files must be Word documents or Excel spreadsheets. Should an HTML file be needed, code generation can be done with software tools specifically designed to generate HTML pages such as Netscape Composer. Do not use Word to creat HTML documents, as it inserts extraneous code, thus distorting the content of the page. It also embeds graphics into the file that creates some incompatibility with WebCT.

Back to the Top

4.  Does a Web-based course require a Java capable browser?

Yes.  SFA's WebCT login site runs on ticket-based authentication, so Java and JavaScript must be enabled on your browser. Online quizzes also require Java.

Back to the Top

5.  How do I log out of a WebCT session?

To log out of a WebCT session, close the browser.

Back to the Top

6.  I completed the WebCT orientation and read the FAQs, but I need more help with WebCT!

Before classes begin, OIT holds several WebCT orientation sessions for online students. Check with OIT if you are interested in attending an orientation session. Help regarding WebCT can also be obtained by calling the Stephen F. Austin Office of Instructional Technology at (936) 468-1919 or by e-mailing webct@sfasu.edu.

Back to the Top

7.  What are the consequences of not logging out of WebCT properly?

If you do not actually quit your browser when you are finished with WebCT, you will remain logged in and your account will still be active for two hours. If you do not log off of your computer, the next person to sit at that computer will have full access to your account.

If you have logged in through mySFA and have not logged out, the next time you log into WebCT at a different computer, you will receive a message stating that you are already logged in somewhere else.

Back to the Top

8.  What kind of browser is required to access WebCT?

OIT strongly recommends that you use Netscape Navigator 7.0 for your online classes, which can be downloaded.  Netscape gives you the ability to view pages and create pages that are compatible with WebCT.  However, you may use any browser that handles frames, tables and JavaScript.  The browsers that support these features are Netscape 4.76, 4.78, 6.2.2, 6.2.3. and Internet Explorer 5.0 or greater.  AOL users should have version 5.0 or higher.  Caution: All versions of Netscape Communicator 6.0, except Netscape 6.2.1 are compatible with WebCT, and Internet Explorer 5.5 has a bug which affects file downloads (a patch for IE 5.5 can be downloaded).

Back to the Top

9.  What settings do I need to change in my browser?

You will need to set your cache to reload every time, and you will need to enable Java and JavaScript.  For directions about how to do so, click here.

Back to the Top

10.  What tools are available in WebCT?

WebCT contains many tools and features intended for use by students, designers, and graders. A general summary of the tools available is provided below.  The course designer determines which features will be offered in a course, thus not all courses will contain all the tools listed below. The course designer also determines where a specific tool will be made available and the icon, or link, used to represent the feature. This allows for considerable customization within an otherwise "standard" course template. Where applicable, there is a designer development and management tool that corresponds to the listed Student Tools. For example, there is a tool available to the course designer for creating online quizzes.

Student Tools:

• Notes (take notes and print them)
• Discussion (bulletin board - asynchronous)
• CD-ROM Tool (links to files on a CD)
• Chat (synchronous)
• Mail (e-mail)
• Glossary (list of definitions)
• My Grades (personal gradebook)
• Images (catalog of pictures)
• Index (cross-referenced subjects and pages)
• Goals (learning objectives)
• Quizzes (tool for exams, tests, quizzes, and surveys)
• References (link to books, articles, etc.)
• Search (locate pages, words, or ID's in WebCT)
• Self Test (non-graded quizzes with immediate feedback)
• Resume (return to last page accessed)
• Student Presentations (public posting of course work only to students in the course (HTML only))
• Whiteboard (graphic chat)

11.  What WebCT training/help is available at SFASU?

WebCT orientation sessions are conducted every semester at the beginning of the semester. OIT's scheduled orientations for this semester can be found on the Course Offerings page. Contact your instructor to see if a training has been scheduled specifically for your class.

Back to the Top

1. Who do I need to contact to find out about course offerings?
2. Who do I contact to find out if I am eligible to take distance education courses through SFA?
3. Who do I contact for information on distance education degree programs at SFA?
4. What are the procedures for becoming a distance education student at SFA?
5. When can I begin taking an online course?
6. When do I register to take an online course?
7. How do I register to take an online course?
8. How do I pay for a distance education course?
9. Will distance education courses cost me more?
10. How will financial aid cover my course?

To inquire about course offerings, check out the Course Offerings for the current semester, or you may contact the Distance Education Support Specialist. This site is updated prior to the early registration of each new semester.

Back to the Top

2.  Who do I contact to find out if I am eligible to take distance education courses through SFA?

To take all courses at SFA, one must be admitted to the university through the Office of Admissions. Upon admission to the university and fulfillment of all departmental advising requirements, you may register for distance education courses by web or phone.

Back to the Top

3.  Who do I contact for information on distance education degree programs at SFA?

To inquire about specific degree programs at SFA, visit the Online Programs for a listing, or you may contact the Distance Education Support Specialist in the Office of Instructional Technology.

Back to the Top

4.  What are the procedures for becoming a distance education student at SFA?

An admitted SFA student is eligible to take distance education courses. For specific step by step instructions about the procedure, visit the Everything Students Want to Know About Distance Education brochure (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Back to the Top

5.  When can I begin taking an online course?

All online courses begin and end with regularly scheduled SFA semester terms. For additional information regarding semester schedules see the SFA University Calendar.

Back to the Top

6.  When do I register to take an online course?

You may check with the SFA Registrar's Office or in the class schedule to obtain your scheduled time to register.

Back to the Top

7.  How do I register to take an online course?

Register for the distance education course by web or phone.  The add/drop procedures are identical to a traditional on-campus course.  For information about add/drop procedures, visit Student Registration.

Back to the Top

8.   How do I pay for a distance education course?

Your distance education course is calculated as any other course on campus and would appear on your bill. For payment options contact the SFA Business Office (936-468-1000).  If you register after the billing date, you must contact the SFA Business Office regarding payment for the course.

Back to the Top

9.  Will distance education courses cost me more?

There is a course fee of $25 per semester credit hour associated with an electronically-delivered distance education course.

Back to the Top

10.  How will financial aid cover my course?

A distance education course is only different in the delivery method from a course taught on campus, therefore, financial aid is applicable to distance education courses.

Back to the Top

1. What will it be like taking an online course?
2. What do I need to know before I consider taking a distance education course?
3. What steps must I take to prepare myself for an online course before class starts?
4. Is there a difference between receiving credit for an online course versus credit received in a traditional classroom setting?
5. What are the steps I'll need to take when I'm ready to begin an online course?
6. How will the instructor contact me?
7. Where do I go to attend my online course?
8. How do I attend an online course?
9. How do I get my assignments, exams, and grades?
10. What should I know about using SFA Library Services?
11. How will I order my textbooks?
12. How do I know I have the proper computer technology set up to take an online course?
13. How much knowledge about computers do I really need to have to be successful with an online course?

1.  What will it be like taking an online course?

An online course is conducted by communicating with your instructor and classmates through the World Wide Web Internet technology. For detailed information about taking an online course click here, or the instructor's home page will give specific details regarding the formatting of the course.

Back to the Top

2.  What do I need to know before I consider taking a distance education course?

Before registering for a distance education course, it is recommended that you read through Is Distance Education for Me? After reading, you will be better informed about the requirements.

Back to the Top

3.  What steps must I take to prepare myself for an online course before class starts?

Students taking an online course must complete the Before Class Starts Checklist.

Back to the Top

4.  Is there a difference between receiving credit for an online course versus credit received in a traditional classroom setting?

There is absolutely no distinction. An online course is only different in the delivery method from a course taught on campus therefore, the credit earned for the course is same as a course delivered on campus.

Back to the Top

5.  What are the steps I'll need to take when I'm ready to begin an online course?

First, you have prepared yourself by reading through the Orientation. Next, you have read your instructor's Welcome Page and are ready complete the Before Class Starts Checklist. Online courses are delivered through WebCT which requires a Username and PIN.  To obtain your Username and PIN, you may visit WebCT Username and PIN.

Back to the Top

6.   How will the instructor contact me?

Your instructor will send an introductory email to you through the email address you provided to them as you completed the Before Class Starts Checklist.

Back to the Top

7.  Where do I go to attend my online course?

An online course can be taken anywhere and anyplace with computer Internet connectivity and specified browser settings. It is highly recommended that students set aside a particular place and time to work on their course.

Back to the Top

8.  How do I attend an online course?

Attendance in an online course is not based on "seat time" as it is in traditional classroom-based courses.  You may be participating in the following activities as an online student: student presentations, discussions, postings, mail messages, and chat sessions.

Back to the Top

9.  How do I get my assignments, exams, and grades?

The instructor will set guidelines and give you specific directions in the course syllabus. He/she will communicate with you using communication methods that may include: e-mail, discussion board, and chat regarding assignments, quizzes, group projects, papers exams and grades.

Back to the Top

10.  What should I know about using SFA Library Services?

The SFA Steen Library fully supports students enrolled in our online courses. Check out http://libweb.sfasu.edu/services/distance.htm for more information.

Back to the Top

11.  How will I order my textbooks?

You may order your textbooks through the SFA Bookstore or through efollett.com, SFA's connection to an online textbook service. Allow yourself ample time to receive your books before classes begin, usually 10 days to 2 weeks after ordering. If the order is placed with efollett.com, SFA will receive the order, then notify you that they are ready to be shipped to you. At that time, you would make payment arrangements and your books would be mailed to you. Other helpful textbook sites may be found on the Web by doing a key word search for "college textbooks".

Back to the Top

12.  How do I know I have the proper computer technology set up to take an online course?

Please refer to Computer Requirements.

Back to the Top

13.  How much knowledge about computers do I really need to have to be successful with an online course?

To look objectively at your basic Internet skills that you will use for an online course, take a moment and read Computer Skills Self-Assessment and Is Distance Education for Me?

Back to the Top

1. How will the instructor contact me?
2. What are the components used to communicate with my instructor and other students while taking an online course?

Your instructor will send an introductory email to you through the email address you provided to them as you completed the Before Class Starts Checklist.

Back to the Top

2.  What are the components used to communicate with my instructor and other students while taking an online course?

WebCT is SFASU's official online delivery system.  Some of the course tools provided by WebCT to communicate with your instructor and other students are mail, chat, discussion, calendar, content pages, quiz, grades, student home pages, and  student presentations.  Your instructor may add other tools at their discretion. 

Back to the Top