From the editor

Using WebCT Software in Library Media Education

By Haiwang Yuan, Computer Application Committee

What is WebCT software?

WebCT (World Wide Web Course Tools) is entirely web-based on-line course software developed by the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia, Canada. It is an easy-to-use tool for instructors who have little or no knowledge of Internet programming skills to create sophisticated Web-based courses.

Why use it for library media education?

While WebCT software can be used to design on-line courses for all disciplines, academic libraries interested in offering credit Web courses on library media education or information literacy over long distances may find it extremely useful and convenient. WebCT not only uses WWW browsers as the only interface to build and present on-line courses, it also provides a wide variety of tools and features that can be incorporated into a course. Examples of tools include "a conferencing system, on-line chat, student tracking, group project organization, student self-evaluation, maintenance and access control, navigation tools, auto-marked quizzes, electronic mail, index generation, calendar, homepages, and course searches," which are illustrated by this chart :

Using WebCT software at WKU for LME 101 Web Option

Western Kentucky University Libraries and Museum, in collaboration with some teachers from the Teacher Education Department of the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, have created a Library Media Education 101 Web Option course using the WebCT software.

LME 101 is a bi-term, one-credit course for freshmen on how to utilize the WKU Libraries and Museum. LME 101 Web Option not only offers an alternative to existing students who choose to pursue the same face-to-face course outside their classrooms, but also provides opportunities for those who choose to take the class from the convenience of their homes and offices off campus. Although WKU's LME 101 Web option primarily serves students in the western Kentucky region, it can reach interested students anywhere in the world.

Opening for the first time this coming fall, the WKU LME 101 Web Option has employed almost all the powerful tools and features that the WebCT software can offer. Although an account is required to login to the course itself, the URL for the course's "Welcome Page" is <http://www.wku.edu/Library/LME101WEB/welcome.htm>. This chart illustrates the design layout of this course.

Can I try it out first?

Although the WebCT software itself is free, fees are applicable when students register for courses using the software. Point your browser to <http://homebrew.cs.ubc.ca/webct/get/pricing.html> for pricing information, <http://homebrew.cs.ubc.ca/webct/> for an overview of the software, and <http://homebrew.cs.ubc.ca/webct/try/> to try out a working course as a student or to try your hand at designing a course. For downloading and installation information, visit <http://homebrew.cs.ubc.ca/cgi-bin/submit_form>.

While a Windows NT version is still in the making, versions for Unix and its clone Linux are already available.

Haiwang Yuan is Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Educational Resources Center, Department of Library Public Services, WKU Libraries & Museum, Western Kentucky University.

LIRT News, September 1998. Volume 21, number 1.
To report problems, please contact the LIRT News Production editor at edwards@ufl.edu