Welcome
Welcome to the E-Learning Support knowledge base for the School of Education at the University of Birmingham.
Within these pages you will find everything you need to use the variety of web-based learning resources that are available to you during your studies with us.
This knowledge base is a central resource for anyone involved with teaching and learning within the School, irrespective of whether you are a student, a tutor or a member of administrative or academic staff.
Our support information and advice have also been written with everyone in mind so whether you are an IT expert or a computer novice, you will find everything you need to help you get started with e-learning.
Simply select a menu item, on the left, to get started, or view our Frequently Asked Questions.
Introduction
Accessing your online study materials and/or resources for the first time can be a little bit daunting, especially if you are less than confident with computers or unsure about your own level of IT experience and ability.
Don't worry, this is a common feeling that all students (and even tutors) experience each year and this comprehensive, step-by-step, jargon-free guide will get you up and running in no time.
What does this section cover?
In this section we help you get started with our e-learning systems and provide clearly written information and step-by-step guidance on a variety of things that you need to do in order to access your online resources.
- Setting up your computer: We tell you about a few changes and checks you may need to make to your computer to ensure you can access your online resources successfully
- Essential Software: We tell you about the software you will need to access your online resources and where to get it.
- Logging in to WebCT: We tell you how to access your online resources for the first time and how to respond to any questions you may be asked by our systems
Anything else I should know?
- Technical jargon: Although we try to provide as clearly written, jargon-free information as possible, it is inevitable that some "techie" terminology will be used in our support guidance due to the nature of the advice. However, where possible we will provide explanations for any unclear terminology so that information is easier to understand.
- IT literacy: As everyone's level of IT literacy, ability and experience is different it can be difficult to provide information that is suitable for all. Consequently, some may find our advice a little too basic while others could find it a little advanced. In writing our e-learning support materials we have assumed a basic to intermediate level of IT literacy where the reader knows how to:
- use a computer
- find information on the web
- use their web browser software (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc)
- send and receive e-mail
- download and install software from the web
- Technical specifications: We do not expect users to have the lastest, greatest computers and blistering fast, high-speed broadband Internet connections. However, please note that the following is required in order to access and use our online resources:
- "Administrator" access: You will need to ensure that you have "Administrator" access to the computer you intend to use for your studies. That is, you are able to download and install software on to your computer and make any necessary changes to your web browser or system settings. If you intend to use computers on the University campus then these will already be set-up ready for e-learning. However, if you intend to use your off-campus computers, such as at your place of employment, then you will need to check your access rights to any of the computers you intend to use. If you do not have this access then please contact your System Administrator and ask them to install the essential software and make the necessary changes detailed in these pages.
- Modern computer: You will need a fairly modern computer to access our systems. That is, a computer that is able to run Windows 2000 or later and run modern Internet and web browser software.
- Good Internet access: You will need to have a good Internet connection when accessing our online materials. We recommend a broadband Internet connection due to its speed and reliability although it is possible to access these materials with a narrowband (or "dial-up") connection. However, please be aware that it will take longer to access our systems and your connection may not be reliable.
