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by Muriel Singer, Access Services
Assistant and Master's candidate in Social Policy Management at
the Heller School
Brandeis experienced a great change this summer when the
Libraries and Information Technology Services decided to use WebCT
as a single online course management system. In one semester, WebCT
has grown by 43.4%, from 274 classes in Spring 2003 to 393 classes
this semester. About 255 instructors currently use WebCT and
virtually all students have had courses that use WebCT.
WebCT is a user-friendly software program available to any
faculty teaching a course at Brandeis University. It is a system
that gives professors and staff a great number of choices and
control over the online resources they can offer their students.
Typically, students use WebCT to download required readings, class
notes, syllabi, and homework assignments. According to a joint
study conducted at Wesleyan, Williams, and Brandeis, students
reported that sample exams, audio/video materials, online readings,
and discussion boards improved their overall learning. Professors
reported that they frequently used WebCT to post syllabi, general
announcements, and required/recommended readings.
Both the Instructional Technology Resource Center (ITRC) and the
Libraries support WebCT within the Brandeis community under a
campus-wide collaborative effort called the Course Management
Support Team. One of the Course Management Support Team’s
roles is to enhance the awareness of copyright guidelines and the
technical skills of faculty and staff. Once a professor requests to
use WebCT for a course, the Course Management Support Team sends a
click-through e-mail that walks him or her through the guidelines
of fair use and copyright. The Library and the ITRC also provide
classes in scanning, copyright, and WebCT basics. In addition, both
the ITRC and the Libraries offer a walk-in service for anyone who
needs scanning or WebCT assistance. A faculty-scanning center
equipped with two high-speed scanners is located next to the
circulation desk in the Main Library.
As each semester approaches, more faculty are becoming familiar
with WebCT and find creative ways to incorporate it into their
classroom curriculum. At the same time, the ITRC and the Libraries
continue to learn more from departments, faculty, and staff about
how better to meet their needs, meaning that WebCT shows promise
for even more growth into the future.
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