WebCT Faculty Tip Sheets

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Manage Files Overview

What is Manage Files?

Think of Manage Files as the online filing cabinet for your course. In the My-Files folder of your course, you create folders to hold the various files you will use. These files reside on the WebCT server and are accessible from any place you have internet access. Thus, you no longer have to carry CDs or diskettes with you. Learning to use Manage Files is very important, as many of the tools available in WebCT use the files that you create and upload into Manage Files.

Uses of Manage Files

Any type of file can be uploaded to WebCT, but not all file types will be able to be viewed from the platform. Because WebCT is web-based, hypertext markup language files (.html or . htm) and web-viewable graphics (.gif and . jpg files) will be viewable. The viewability of other file types will depend on the settings on the user's computer browser. Some files must be downloaded to be viewed in another software program, and others will be opened in a "plug-in" specified by your settings if you have it installed (i.e. Real Player, QuickTime, or Acrobat). If you use a variety of file types, be sure to inform your students where to get the necessary plug-ins.

My-Files and WebCT-Files

Files in WebCT are organized into two main folders:

Organizing your files

Organizing your files is very important. Well organized folders not only help you avoid scrolling through long lists of files, but giving your files meaningful names also helps you identify a file's content without having to open it. As a course designer, you should choose a file structure that suits your working habits and the needs of your course. Consider the following suggestions: