TEC 5323 Advanced Database Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I log onto the class Web site?
A:Type in http://www.eiu.edu/~pingliu into the browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer) of your choice.  When prompted for the User Name you will type in ppliu and press the Tab key.  Type in the password given to you by your instructor and press Enter.  Once into the site, click on TEC 5323.

Q: Where do I get the password to log onto my WebCT desktop?
A:  At the beginning of the semester, you will need to send an email to the instructor after you have fully read and understand the course policy. After the instructor receives the WebCT account information from ITS, he will email you the account information using the email address you sent.

Q: How do I print off the syllabus?
A:In the browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer) of your choice, click on the print icon or press File, Print.

Q: How do I get to the lecture notes and when will they be available to view?
A: Type in http://www.eiu.edu/~pingliu into the browser of your choice and click on TEC5323.  Click on Notes or Schedule.  The notes will be posted Monday of the week for you to review.

Q: How do I navigate through the lecture notes?
A: I recommend using the Schedule as the course hub to see the notes and tasks for each week. You may also directly go to Notes section and select the notes of the corresponding week. Please note that I do not necessarily provide notes for every week if the materials are readily available in your textbook.

Q: How do I download the "lecture" notes to print them to hard copy?
A:     Use your browser, and select your notes. Print from your browser.

Q: When do I attend class?
A: You may attend the class anytime as long as you commit yourself at least 9 hours per week for the course. Look at the schedule to see the tasks, assignment and activities for the week.

I strongly recommend that you start working at the tasks on earlier part of each week. In this way, if you have any problem/difficulty, you will be able to post it for help on Wed.   If you would like recommendations regarding study habits, please e-mail the instructor.

Q: How do I take test?  When do I take test?
A:   There is only one test for this course. Login WebCT. Click on the Test/Survey icon from the TEC5323 web site.  You will log on to your WebCT desktop with your login and password (Use the same login and password you use for your PEN accounts or if you have another WebCT course, use the login and password you use for that course.)  Click on TEC5323 Advanced Database Technology.  Click on the Test/Survey icon.  There will be a practice test and a survey available. You may use the practice test anytime to get yourself familiar with the test format.

Double click on the test when you are ready to take the test. Please note that the test can only be taken by you, without any assistance from any others.

After completing your test/survey, click on View Results icon within WebCT.

Refer to the schedule for the date and time for the test. 

You will only be able to take the test when it is available at the scheduled date. Test questions are randomized so nobody has the same test.  After submitting your exam, click on the View Results icon for your results.  Test questions are randomized so nobody has the same test.

Q: How and when will I see my scores for the test/assignment?
A:    Login TEC5323 web site.  Log onto your WebCT desktop with your id and password.  Click on the View Your Grade or Progress Report con. You will see your scores for your test and progress report. The scores will be available after I have completed the grading.

Q: How do I participate in the WebCT discussion board (For Instructor-initiated discussion)?
A: A WebCT discussion topic is another name for discussion area.  You will be talking electronically within a discussion topic area.  However, this is different from a chat room.  You can post your answer to the discussion topic area at any time and your answer will be posted.  Then, when others log on to WebCT, they can respond to your answer as a part of course requirement.  There is not a scheduled time to take part in the discussion board.  In the topic area, messages are posted and threaded under each other depending on how you and others reply to a message.  The thread is organized by the subject of the message.  You will see a blue arrow pointing forward when there are several messages related to a thread.  To expand a thread to see all the messages related to that thread, you will press on the blue arrow which will cause it to point down.

The following steps will assist you for the first discussion:

Q: How do I post my technical problem/difficulty through the WebCT discussion board (For student-initiated discussion)?
A: Log on to the TEC 5323 class web site  Click on WebCT Discussion Board.  Log on to your WebCT desktop and click on the discussion board icon. Double click the Week #: Problem and Solutions. Click "Compose Discussion Message." Type your problem/question in Subject. Provide as much details as possible in the message body. After you make sure the message is complete, click "Post."

Please have one posting for each different problem/question. In other words, if your problem/difficulty is different from those posted previously, compose another one.

Q: How do I see my newly posted message on the WebCT discussion board?
A: To see your newly posted message, press Update Listing icon under Compose Message icon.  Your message or reply will now be viewable to you along with all the other messages.

Q: What if I open up a browser and can't get to the class Web site?
A: Close that browser and reopen it.  Or you can try another browser.

Q: How do I log out of WebCT?
A: Close the browser.  This will ensure nobody else can get into your WebCT desktop.