Developing WebCT Courses

CIT :: WebCT :: Info for Faculty/Designers :: Developing WebCT Courses

Developing WebCT Courses

What kinds of courses can be placed on WebCT at the CIT? At this time, the CIT's WebCT implementation primarily supports the academic programs at UCSF, including graduate medical education. WebCT courses can be established for courses that will include primarily UCSF faculty, staff and students. WebCT courses designed for large numbers of non-UCSF individuals cannot be accommodated at this time. Also, the CIT is currently not supporting other instructional activities, such as continuing education (CE).

Please contact Brian Warling, Assistant Director, Center for Instructional Technology (415-502-6678; via email), if you have any questions.

Here are the steps that go into developing WebCT courses:

Develop a Plan
Developing a quality online course cannot be done overnight. It takes some time and careful planning. Take some time to develop a plan. What do you hope to accomplish by developing an online course? Will your online course serve as an adjunct to your regular course, or are you planning a course that will take place completely online? What level of support do you have, either personally (e.g., staff assistants, graduate students) or within your school of department? Faculty are responsible for their online courses. At this time, the CIT cannot provide direct or on-going course development or management support for WebCT courses. The CIT does provide training and consulting services for faculty who wish to develop WebCT courses.

It is also a very good idea for faculty to first discuss using WebCT with the educational technology leads in their schools (if available). Among other issues, these individuals can provide faculty with important information regarding the level of support that may be available. They also no doubt have experience in developing and managing online courses.
Gwen Essex, R.D.H., M.S., School of Dentistry
essexg@dentistry.ucsf.edu, (415) 514-0476

Kevin Souza, M.S., School of Medicine
souzak@medsch.ucsf.edu, (415) 476-8086

Rob Slaughter, Ph.D., School of Nursing
rob.slaughter@nursing.ucsf.edu, (415) 476-2764

Chris Cullander, Ph.D., School of Pharmacy
cullanderc@pharmacy.ucsf.edu, (415) 476-8026

Faculty can also contact Brian Warling, Assistant Director, CIT
(415) 502-6678; via email.
Attend the "Introduction to WebCT" class -- now available online
This short class (less than one hour) is a prerequisite for the CIT/WebCT Design classes.
Attend the CIT WebCT Design Class 1: Building Your First Course class
This class is now offered as a 2-hour, in-person class, and as a self-paced online class that lasts one week. In both versions, faculty will build an initial WebCT course using some of the more popular course tools. This class is designed to provide faculty with what they need to know to get started developing a WebCT course. Staff and students who may be providing support are also welcome to register for this class. However, it is very important that the faculty member in charge of the course also attend.
Request a new WebCT course
When ready to start developing your WebCT course, faculty should complete a WebCT Course Request. Please note: Only UCSF faculty and designated educational technology staff can request new WebCT courses. Once submitted, the CIT may forward the request to the appropriate educational technology lead in the appropriate school.

For questions, please contact Brian Warling, Assistant Director, CIT
(415) 502-6678; via email. The WebCT administrator will contact the instructor once the course has been created.
Start developing the WebCT course
Once the course has been created on the WebCT server, the course designer (i.e., faculty) can now begin development. This will most likely include the addition of various WebCT course tools and content. For faculty new to developing WebCT courses, it's usually best to start slowly. Don't try to do too much too quickly. CIT staff are available to answer any questions that may come up. There also other more in-depth CIT/WebCT Design classes that can be taken.
Test the WebCT course
Before releasing the course to students, the course should be tested to make sure everything is working.
Adding Students
When the instructor is ready for students to begin accessing the course, see Adding Student to WebCT Courses. This page contains important information on the various ways students can be added to WebCT courses. CIT staff will be happy to discuss these various options.