Introduction

As you have seen, using a Course Management System (CMS) such as WebCT or Blackboard can greatly simplify your work process.  In this lab, you will choose a CMS and begin exploring it. The purpose here is not to create your whole course, but to experiment with a few features. Then you will be in a better position to consider how you want to structure your course.

What to Do

1. Cuyamaca and Grossmont provide Blackboard and WebCT.  Review the comparison page and choose WebCT or Blackboard. If you work in another district, find out what they offer and choose your CMS.
2. I have set up PRACTICE Blackboard containers for you. You should see yourself listed as an instructor for this practice course after you log in to Blackboard for ED 214 with your student ID. (NOTE: if you feel ready to work on a real course, then use the online form to set up a container. Let me know if you want a practice WebCT course.)
   
3. Either use the resources shown below for learning WebCT/ Blackboard or attend a class session to get started.
   
4. Begin to set up your Blackboard/WebCT course.  At this point, experiment with 3-5 features. If you already have a course set up, experiment with a few features new to you.  Here's a partial list of features to consider:
   1. home page
   2. communication (e-mail, discussion group, chat)
   3. syllabus
   4. course content
   5. link to external site
   6. assignments page
   7. quiz (note - we will work with this more later in the course)
      
5. Create a fake student account and add the user name to your roster. This will let you try things from a student perspective (take quizzes, check grades, turn in assignments, etc.)
   
6. Add ed214guest to your class roster so your instructor and classmates can see your course.
7. If you are using Blackboard, go to the control panel and Settings and set the Course Availability to Yes.
8. Write a brief decription of the features you tried.  List any questions you have.
   

Resources

Blackboard

• Blackboard Instructor's Manual (this is also available from the Control Panel after you log in to Blackboard)
• Blackboard Support - see Behind the Blackboard
• Course Cartridges - pre-packaged course materials from publishers
• video demonstrations

WebCT

• Getting Started with creating a WebCT course (be sure to see the Before You Begin section)
• Getting Started Tutorials (note -  we are using Campus Edition 4.1)
• WebCT e-Packs - pre-packaged course materials from publishers
• video demonstrations

Submitting work

• Upload/submit your description of the features you tried and questions you have to Blackboard.  Let me know how to find your work if you DIDN'T use the practice Blackboard container I created for you.

Grading - 50 points