Getting Started with an LMS Picking an LMS - As mentioned in the "Available Tools and Resources" section there are two learning management systems available at NJIT: WebCT and Moodle.  If you need help picking which system is best given your needs contact one of ITMS’s instructional designers instruction@njit.edu. Both systems currently restrict access to course based upon UCID – only your students can access your materials. This helps ensure that you avoid copyright issues by maintaining compliance with the Fair Use guidelines. It is possible to add guests to your course however, even if they are from off campus.  To add guests contact the appropriate system administrator (webct.admin@njit.edu or moodle.admin@njit.edu).  Similarly, it is also possible to add teaching assistants to your course by providing the system administrator with the TAs name and UCID. It is important to stress that both WebCT and Moodle can be used for both face-to-face as well as distance learning courses.  If possible, we encourage faculty to use them for their face-to-face courses first to gain experience before moving into a totally online environment.  Getting Started - If you would like to begin using either system here are some suggestions: Request that a course be created.  For WebCT fill out the form at https://null.njit.edu/CourseTool/Login.jsp.  For Moodle contact modle.admin@njit.edu.  Courses are normally available 4 weeks before the start of the semester.  If you want to start working on a course earlier one can be created on the development server.  If you would like a development course please contact either webct.admin@njit.edu or moodle.admin@njit.edu.  Set up an appointment with an instructional designer to get assistance itms@njit.edu.  While the systems are not particularly difficult to use, instructors report that an hour with an instructional designer saves them time. Check out the TLT group’s animated tutorials: http://www.njit.edu/tlt/resources/animations.  In addition to the tutorials there is a WebCT getting started guide http://webct.njit.edu/docs/get_started.pdf and an active Moodle community at http://www.Moodle.org. Let your students know which system you are using.  Send students an email both before and after the start of the semester letting them know which system you are using and that materials are available.  Be sure to include links to the appropriate login page.  If students are having problems they should contact the NJIT helpdesk at 973-596-2900.  While most students don’t have a problem using an LMS the most frequent type of problem that students experience are login/password related.  The Help Desk is normally able to resolve these problems quickly. At the end of the semester, it is possible to transfer all of the material from one semester to another.  This will save a considerable amount of preparation time each semester.