Getting Started

What do I do first? If you've never taught online before, the wealth of options may be a little confusing. This brief guide will help you get set up quickly to offer web-based materials to your students.

Step 1: Get an Atlas account

Your Atlas username and PIN is used to access all of your WebCT course materials. If you do not have an Atlas username click here or go to http://atlas.valenciacc.edu

Step 2: Set  Correct 'Meeting Type' for course

Make sure the 'Meeting type for your course is set properly to reflect a WebCT component. Contact your department's administrative assistant for this information.

Step 3: Contact LTAD for Training

If you need training we are here to help you.  If you are an instructor you can contact the WebCT Help Desk at webcthelp@valenciacc.edu or by visiting one of our campus-based Learning Technology Centers.

Another option is one on one training. To learn more about this, contact the Instructional Designer that serves your campus. We have a wealth of resources to assist you in preparing for your online course.

Step 4: Develop your course

You can start small with just the built-in tools, or you can create your own materials for the course. You will notice that when your courses were created, we used a standard template.  Some faculty members reuse their WebCT courses from session to session. 

One of the best ways to become familiar with the built-in tools, as well as learn to customize your course is to take one of the free workshops offered by the WebCT support team. Check out the list of workshops at http://valenciacc.edu/leadership 

Step 5: Find your content

Again the options here are numerous, but why recreate the wheel. Valencia has begun creating their own ePaks based on college-approved course learning outcomes. To see if we have something available, just email a request to webcthelp@valenciacc.edu

Your textbook publisher may already have content available in an ePack or Course Cartridge format. For more information on this option, please see the ePak link in the navigation column to the left.

Step 6: Become an Online Facilitator

Perhaps this is your first time teaching online? Perhaps you've been teaching a long time and just looking for refresher training? We have multiple training opportunities available. See the "Online Professional Development" page for more information.

Step 7: Let the Learning Begin

Your students will automatically be added to your course five days before classes start. If a student or instructor changes their PIN in Atlas, it will also change in WebCT within 24 hours. Rember that you aren't in this alone. Take advantage of the many Professional Development opportunities and Instructional Design resources available to you. We are always a click or a call away.

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