Heidi Van Ert, Professor of Education

What?

The Chat Tool in WebCT allows students to "chat" from anywhere they have an Internet connection. They must plan a specific time to meet, when they will all log on and type back and forth to each other regarding the readings.

Why?

Heidi began using WebCT in Fall of 2000. Since then, she has rethought how and why she wants to use WebCT. She began thinking about how to get her students more involved with each other -- not just looking to the professor as the one "expert", but looking to each other for answers too. One of the projects that has worked well is using an online chat. Students are required to read chapters and then meet online to discuss the readings. Heidi says that this has helped to prepare both students better for class discussions. Instead of doing the assigned readings right before class, the students have read and discussed the chapter. Heidi can also review a log of the chats and better prepare for class because she knows what the students already know.

How?

Heidi took a WebCT Workshop during the summer of 2000. There she learned how to use WebCT, which included several tools such as char rooms and discussion boards. Initially learning the software and setting up the course was time-consuming. Now that she is well acquainted with WebCT, Heidi spends about 10 hours before each semester in preparation. Then, during the semester she spends about 2-4 hours a week reading chats, discussion postings, and other WebCT maintenance.