Why I Use WebCT Timothy I. Matis, Ph.D. Department of Industrial Engineering Texas Tech University

August 17, 2006TTU-TLTC Jumpstart Conference2 My WebCT History Started using in 2001 at New Mexico State University –Extremely popular –Resisted at first, but quickly became a junkie Never have taken a course, learned on the fly

August 17, 2006TTU-TLTC Jumpstart Conference3 Why am I a user? 1.First and Foremost: It saves me time! (which I can use to do research) –Organization within semester –Organization between semesters –Communication –Manage TA’s –An absolute MUST for distance education sections 2. WebCT enhances student learning (they do better)

August 17, 2006TTU-TLTC Jumpstart Conference4 Top 5 WebCT Myths (which I have heard from colleagues at TTU) 1.You can’t use WebCT if you are in the College of Engineering 2.I would use WebCT, but it takes too long to learn 3.It is easier for me to manage my own public webpage for posting notes, assignments, etc. 4.I just set up a 2 nd account to communicate with the students (In a dist. ed. context) 5.My students get together a couple times a week (in a group project context)

August 17, 2006TTU-TLTC Jumpstart Conference5 I use WebCT for.. Posting scanned overheads from lecture –Redefines how students interact in lecture –Easy for students who miss class to catch up Assigning and collecting homework –Hard deadlines (often midnight) –With more resources comes more responsibility Communication – , Bulleting boards, chat –Managing group projects and webpages –Course calendar Posting supplemental material (copyrighted) Posting grades Many other ways (that I am probably missing)

August 17, 2006TTU-TLTC Jumpstart Conference6 I don’t use WebCT for... Administering quiz questions and collecting responses I can’t think of anything else