Instructor FAQ

I can't log-on to WebCT.

I can't log-on to WebCT:
- You see: "You entered an incorrect username and password."

1. Did you request a WebCT course?
Did you request a WebCT course through RIConnect? If not, you need to do that in order for your account to be set up and your course to be created in WebCT. The course must also appear in RIConnect in order to request a WebCT component.

2. Did you type it in correctly?
Make sure you are typing in your ID and password correctly (WebCT is case-sensitive). This is especially important because most faculty IDs are uppercase – i.e. SJONES, and your password maybe lowercase (i.e., 4meandu).

3. Nothing works?
Call or email the Helpdesk (8803) and they will create a work order for you in order for the WebCT administrator to troubleshoot the problem.

- You see: "You are not authorized to view this page"
Solution: There is most likely something that is blocking your access to WebCT. Please follow the steps in the Log-on Error page to remove that which is blocking access.

- You see: nothing
Solution: This might be caused by a firewall or popup blocker you might be using. You might have to disable them in order to get into WebCT. Please reference your owners manuals' for these programs to disable them.

- You can also follow the steps in the Technical Requirements for WebCT to ensure that you have gone through all of the steps to prepare your computer for WebCT.

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How can I move material from one course to another?

When you request another WebCT course for a coming semester you can move the material over from your old courses and reuse it. To do so you can follow the moving your course directions.

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Can I change my password?

Yes, you can.
When you change the password for your Network/Email account (when you log onto your computer here at RIC), your WebCT password will also automatically change to that password. If you were assigned a password by the WebCT administrator, then you must call or email the WebCT administrator again to have the password changed.

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My students can't see the new material I posted:

Please make sure you have updated the student view (Expanded Control Panel, update student view). If that doesn't work, then it might be a caching problem (students seeing old versions of the material - so they need to reset their browsers). For Netscape: Select Edit, then Preference, then + sign next to Advanced, then Cache, select Every Time radio button, then OK. For IE: Go to Tools, Internet Options, General, Setting under Temporary Internet Files, select Every Time Visit To The Page, then OK.

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My students (or I) can't see some of the discussion or response postings.

There are several ways of viewing discussions. You can try out the different views by clicking on View All/View Unread and Threaded/Unthreaded. If you click on Threaded, then you will see the postings and blue arrows next to them. Click on the blue arrows to expand the threads.

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Why can't I see all the columns in my Manage Students screen?

To be able to see all of the columns you may have to scroll left and right (since not all of the columns will fit into the small screen). If they are still not visible, then the columns might be hidden.

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Why can't I see all my students in the Manage Students screen?

Make sure you are viewing all of your students by Selecting All under the Page drop down list. Also, be sure you are seeing all of the records (it will indicate it at the top e.g., Records 1-23 of 23)

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How can I request a WebCT course?

You can request a course via RIConnect. Please follow directions on the course request page.

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How can I find more answers to my questions about WebCT?

There is a complete designer course help area: WebCT Designer Group Help 4.1. Please ask the WebCT administrator (webctadmin@ric.edu) to add you to this course. This course also contains very helpful information regarding designing hints and handouts.
You can also contact the WebCT administrator with any questions you have regarding WebCT.

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How do I get trained in WebCT?

There are periodic training sessions available throughout the semester. If you are interested in starting a course in WebCT and would like training, please contact the training coordinator.

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Page last updated: Thursday, May 3, 2007