Student Guide to Online Classes

Technical Details

Logging on to class:

1. Access WebCT at http://webct8.missouriwestern.edu
2. Use you Western ID and password to login.
3. Click on your class on the "My WebCT" page

Checking your browser:
WebCT uses a variety of internet technologies. Therefore, not all browsers will work with WebCT. Use WebCT's browser tuneup to make sure yours is compatible: http://www.webct.com/tuneup or by clicking Check Browser located in the right hand side of Log in screen.

Your best bet is to check your system using the browser tuneup. Old browsers cause most of the problems, followed by pop-up blockers, anti-virus software settings, and spyware.

Using course bulletin board, quizzes, and e-mail:
All of these devices launch pop-up windows. You must have your pop-up blocker disabled in order to participate in class.

• Tutorials for navigating, discussions, assignments, and assessments

Printing course pages:

• Click your mouse anywhere on the text you want to print.
• Click the "Print" button in your browser toolbar or choose "Print" from the File menu in your browser.
• For PDFs, click the "Print" button in the PDF toolbar.

(Note: Do not click the print button without clicking on the text first otherwise you will just get the top navigation of the page. WebCT is comprised of a series of web pages that use frames.  Frames are what allow you to see the WebCT toolbar at the top of the screen and the course menu on the left of the screen at all times even while you are reading down through a document.)

Taking a quiz:
Most Western professors use timed quizzes. If you are on a dial-up connection, your ISP may drop you or time out during the test. It's a good idea to keep record of your answers, in case you get dropped and have to start over. Also, e-mail your professor as soon as you realize you have a problem with your quiz.

For all quiz takers:

• Click "Save Answer" for every question.
• Watch the right side of the window to see that WebCT marks the question with a check once you save the answer.
• Watch the time you have remaining in the right side of the window.
• Click "Finish" to submit your entire quiz.

Need free downloads?
Check out a list several free software downloads located at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/IMC/WMS/downloads.html.  

FAQS
View a complete list of FAQs here.

Still need help?
Call the IT Help Desk at 816-271-4354 or e-mail them at help@missouriwestern.edu.

When asking for help, be prepared to answer these questions:

• What browser are you using including version number?
• Have you tried using Netscape?
  (Sometimes IE becomes unstable and Netscape will get you right in)
• Do you have a firewall?
• What ISP are you on?
• What anti-virus software are you using?
• What are your Internet security settings?
  (should be "default")
• Have you disabled your pop-up blocker?
  (Often found in Yahoo! and Google toolbars)
• Have you logged on to WebCT before?
  If yes, what has changed on your computer since then?
• Have you checked for spyware?
  (To learn more about spyware and download a free utility to check for spyware, click here)