Proctored Exams Reminder

Hi guys. Proctored exams are happening this week for several classes. Please remember to have your proctor fax a copy to me before mailing the original back to UTD. Once I get that faxed copy, the original can be mailed via normal mail — no need to use express couriers. The fax number is in the instructions that were sent out. Thanks!

WebCT Java Issue

The current version of WebCT - WebCT CE6 requires a specific version of Java 2 Runtime Environment (JRE) version installed in order for your web browser to work properly with WebCT. In addition, you must have ONLY ONE version of Java on your computer. Your browser will pass the Browser Check if you have more than one version or have an unsupported newer version installed. But you will still have difficulties when using WebCT. The auto update feature of Java usually installs the newest update and it causes problems. We strongly recommend that you check your computer to make sure you only have the supported version of Java installed and also turn off the auto update option. Please see below the instructions on how to remove unsupported versions of Java, install the supported one and disable the auto update feature.

Supported version of Java:

• JRE 1.5 update 6 (this is the current version recommended by WebCT for use with WebCT 6)
• JRE 1.5 update 8 (this is the most current version UTD has successfully tested with WebCT 6)

Please note the latest JRE 1.6 or JRE 1.5 update 9 or 10 are incompatible with WebCT 6.

Identify the Java version:

• Go to Task Bar, double click the Java icon to view the version information

Check if you have multiple versions of Java and remove the incompatible versions:

• Go to Start menu>>>Control Panel>>>Add/Remove Programs
• Check for all programs that has a name beginning with ‘Java” or J2SE
• Select and remove any unsupported version of Java

Download and install the supported version of Java:

• Go to the following url: http://java.sun.com/products/archive/j2se/5.0_06/index.html
• Click “Download JRE” link (second link)
• Click to select “Accept License Agreement”
• Click “Windows Online Installation, Multi-language”
• Choose Run and follow the installation wizard to install (or Save the file on your desktop and double click to open it and go through the installation wizard)
• Restart your computer

Disable the auto update feature of JRE

• Go to window Task Bar and right click the Java icon>>>Open Control Panel>>>Update tab
• Deselect the check box for “Check for Updates Automatically”
• Click “Ok”

Please email gmbasupport@utdallas.edu if you need any assistance.

Registration has begun!

Hi! Registration for the Summer 2007 and Fall 2007 semesters has started. If you would like to register for your courses, please send an email to gmbaadvising@utdallas.edu. Make sure to send the request from your UTD email account. I will not be able to process your request if it does not come from your UTD email account. Please look at the Academic Calendar for deadlines related to registration.

WebCT Server Maintenance Window

As a reminder, UTD WebCT has a regular server maintenance window. See the message beblow, as posted on the “My WebCT” page.

“WebCT6 has a standing maintenance window Sunday mornings between 7am and 10am, Central Time. This window will be the time when system upgrades and patches will be applied; the WebCT6 service may also be restarted as a part of the maintenance. All users should be aware that their activities may experience interference or be abruptly terminated during the maintenance window. We appreciate your patience. “

Online tools you can use

As an online student you have more options to communicate and collaborate with your classmates than you might think. While WebCT has the standard Email and Discussion tools, you might like to have an easy way to share files among your group, podcast a presentation, or chat with someone using a different instant messenger than you are. Here are a few tools that we have found that accomplish these tasks.

Google Docs & Spreadsheets: http://docs.google.com/
Group members can work on documents and spreadsheets simultaneously, store them online, and download them to their desktops.

Gcast: http://www.gcast.com/
You can call a toll free number, record yourself speaking, and a podcast is created automatically. MP3 files can also be uploaded.

Meebo: http://www.meebo.com/
This tool allows you to sign in to one place and communicate with people using AOL instant Messenger, Yahoo, MSN, Google, and others.
If you find anything else that may be of use to your classmates, please post it on the blog.

-Darren Crone

Welcome!

Hi everyone! Welcome to the UTD Global MBA & AIM Online Programs blog! We’ve decided to create a blog to keep our current online students updated on information that affects them (you!). Some posts you’ll be seeing will include information on registration and advising, tech tips, and any important news that affects you.

We’ll be monitoring the comments regularly; however, if you have specific questions, please email them directly to us. Technical questions and questions regarding specific courses can be directed to gmbasupport@utdallas.edu. Questions about advising, registration, and general information about our online programs can be directed to gmbaadvising@utdallas.edu.

Feel free to leave comments and discuss! We want to hear from you!