Upgrade to WebCT Course Management System

In August of this year the WebCT web-based course management system was upgraded from version 3.6 Standard edition to version 4.1 Campus Edition. The new version has a number of new features that will be of significant benefit to both faculty course designers and students, allowing greater ease of use and providing enhanced capabilities. Since WebCT was implemented as a pilot project in 2000, there has been an exponential increase in interest and use of WebCT across campus as a content repository and course management tool, and this upgrade to version 4.1 will ensure that WebCT is well positioned to handle future growth. All existing courses have already been moved to the new system, and we've heard from our users that it's even easier to use than previous versions.

Here are some highlights of the new features in WebCT 4.1.

New Interface Design

The new interface features three main changes: an updated look and feel, the grouping of controls in a more logical fashion for more efficient course design, and tabs to clearly distinguish the designer view from the student view.

Drag and Drop Content Updating

Uploading course content will now be as simple as moving files between folders on your hard drive. Using the industry standard WebDAV protocol, you will be able to drag files between your computer and your WebCT courses.

Other new features include:

• Course Design Wizards
• Integrated HTML Editor
  (no need to use FrontPage or other external editor to create content)
• Equation Editor
• Learning Object Import
• Designer Preview of Student Tools
• Student Assignment and Assessment Status Summary

If you are a WebCT version 3.6 user, you will be able to use the new version without any special training - but if you do want a hands-on workshop, check the schedule on the FSC website.

For system requirements and supported operating systems and browsers, see the upgrade announcement on the FSC website at http://www.yorku.ca/fsc/webct-upgrade.htm.

Learn More About WebCT 4.1 Campus Edition

Additional information can be found at the WebCT orientation centre: http://www.webct.com/ce4
Demonstration movies of key new features (Flash plug-in required) can be found in the
"Version 4.0 - Key Features" area: http://www.webct.com/products/viewpage?name=products_ce_4.0

You may also want to review the list of Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.webct.com/ce4/viewpage?name=ce4_faq

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