Listed below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the use of WebCT courses.  If you have a question and can not find an answer below, send an email to Melissa Thomas in the Teaching and Learning Resources.

Table of Contents

1. What is WebCT?
2. What are the recommended computer requirements?
3. What browsers are supported by WebCT?
4. How can I configure my browser for WebCT?
5. I use AOL but a previous version than AOL 7, how can I access WebCT?
6. I can't login to WebCT?
7. Why does Ask Jeeves come up when trying to login into WebCT?
8. I've been asked to participate in discussions in my course but I can't seem to open a window for me to type in my message - Why?
9. I've tried to take a WebCT quiz but it doesn't seem to work?

What is WebCT?

WebCT is an online application that allows university courses to exist fully or partially on the internet. Every student who is enrolled in an online course or hybrid course (a class that has both in-class and online teaching) automatically has an account that can be accessed at the WebCT login. Once logged in, a student can view any content the teacher has decided to make available online, anything from grades to online discussion boards. Little of the course or all of the course may be contained in an online setting, dependent upon the professor- be sure to check for recent updates to the site as it may contain information pertinent to the course.

What are the recommended computer requirements?

Hardware Requirements:

Internet Access:

If using a non-SU computer, you will need to provide your own Internet Service Provider to access the World Wide Web.  If your Internet access is via a modem, the connect speed must be 28.8 Kb or faster.

Note: If you are accessing WebCT from your office, you may run into problems with your company's network and firewalls.  If you have difficulty logging into your course, contact your IT office at work.

Back to Top

What browsers are supported by WebCT?

For version 4.0, WebCT supports the following web browsers:

Windows OS:

• Internet Explorer 5 or higher – except 5.5 SP1.
• Netscape 6.2.x or higher - may require updated Java plug-in.
• AOL 7.0 browser or higher
• Mozilla 1.5, 1.6

 Mac OS 9.x:

• Internet Explorer 5.1
• Netscape 6.2.x

 Mac OS 10.x:

• Internet Explorer 5.1 (for OS 10.1.x)
• Internet Explorer 5.2 (for OS 10.2.x)
• Netscape 6.2.x (for OS 10)
• Netscape 7.0 (for OS 10.1 and 10.2)
• AOL for Mac OS X browser
• Mozilla 1.5, 1.6
• Safari 1.2

Recommendations for previous version of AOL are also provided.

Note: All browsers must enable Java, JavaScript (for Chat & Whiteboard) and allow cookies (for ticket-based authentication) as well as style sheets (.css).

Lastly, while connecting to WebCT, make sure that you disable any pop-up ad blocker software when accessing WebCT.

Back to Top

How can I configure my browser for WebCT? 

The best way to configure your browser is to use the WebCT Browser Tune-up page.  This resource steps you through the different aspects of setting up your browser.  Follow the links for your Operating System (Windows or Mac) and then your particular browser (IE, Netscape or AOL).  Finally, you will want to follow all directions under the prepare link for your browser.

Lastly, while connecting to WebCT, make sure that you disable any pop-up ad blocker software when accessing WebCT.

Back to Top

I use AOL but a previous version than AOL 7, how can I access WebCT?

AOL users should be using AOL 4.0 or higher with Internet Explorer 5.0.  Earlier versions of AOL or Internet Explorer will result in problems using WebCT.  

WebCT recommends the following for best results with AOL:

• Connect to the Internet using AOL version 4.0 or higher
• Open a private chat within AOL (this allows the AOL client to remain open, without asking if you wish to disconnect while minimized)
• Minimize AOL
• Launch a recommended browser

Back to Top

I can't login to WebCT?

If you can't log into WebCT, the most likely problem is that you are not typing in your username and password correctly.  Remember, your username and password should be typed in all lowercase!  Your password is set to be the same as your GroupWise/Novell password (the one you use for the IT Computer Labs). 

If this still does not solve the problem, then you can have your password changed by the IT Helpdesk in Fulton Hall, room 149 - Phone: (410) 677-5454.

Back to Top

I've been asked to participate in discussions in my course but I can't seem to open a window for me to type in my message - Why?

If you have a pop-up window blocker software installed on your PC - disable it during WebCT.  WebCT uses the same HTML scripting to open discussion and mail windows as does pop-up advertisements on other web sites.

Back to Top

I've tried to take a WebCT quiz but it doesn't seem to work?

If you have a pop-up window blocker software installed on your PC - disable it during WebCT.  WebCT uses the same HTML scripting to open a quiz as does pop-up advertisements on other web sites.

Back to Top