Course Information

The following MPA courses are taught online via WebCT:  PA 5323 Quality and Productivity in Government, PA 6342 Local Economic Development, PA 5318 Information Systems in Policy Environments.

A Few Words About Taking An Online Course

Work load – The work load of an online class is not more or less, but different. Students experienced with the elearning format readily agree that on-line courses are often more challenging than a course taught in a traditional classroom. Those students who choose to participate in an on-line course enjoy the benefits of the flexibility offered by a virtual classroom. While flexibility is certainly one perk, on-line courses are not "easier" or take less time than traditional courses. Often, they are more difficult by some because they require more self-discipline, and (in some cases) more reading and more writing.

Flexibility of schedule – The courses are organized by week. Within each week, students are allowed to work at any time and at their pace. As a result, students can complete class work at any time that best fits their schedule over the course of a week. Assignments are submitted at specific points throughout the semester. Out-of-town travel during the semester is not typically not a problem as long as the student maintains internet access from his/her different travel locations.

Quality and evaluation of work – This is the same as any Masters level course at UTD.

Faculty to student interaction – As with a traditional course, the instructor of an online course is available to talk about any questions that arise.

Student to student interaction – In recognition that a significant avenue of learning is through the interaction among students, the course is designed with the aim of regular and sustained interaction among all students. In online courses, it is not possible to "keep quiet" during class discussions. Each student must participate and gets equal opportunity to present their ideas and ask questions. Furthermore, the class discussion is commonly recognized as being at a higher level than spontaneous discussions common to traditional classes. This is because students have the time to research points, refine arguments, and construct a thorough argument interwoven with supplemental citations and other supportive documents/articles.

Self-Assessment

Success in distance education courses depends on self-discipline and the ability to learn without face-to-face interaction. UT Dallas distance education courses maintain the same rigor and high standards of its classroom courses. Academic progress is established and maintained through regular course participation.

To find out whether Distance Learning is right for you, take the self-assessment quiz.

Obtaining Textbooks

Textbooks can be ordered online through the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore or the Off-Campus Books web ordering site. They are also available at the UTD Bookstore and Off-Campus Books.

Other Readings

All other readings are available electronically via the course home page on WebCT.

Access to WebCT

Prior to the start of the semester, students are strongly advised to make sure that they have the proper information/passwords to allow you to access courses by WebCT prior to the first day of class.

Passwords – even for current students who are enrolled and actively using WebCT– expire automatically unless the password is updated from time to time. Various University-related financial arrangements will also trigger a block on students’ ability to access WebCT.

Any challenges you may encounter accessing WebCT should be addressed prior to the start of the semester with the University and/or the UTD Help Desk. 

Obtaining Course Login Information

The login information for the MPA online courses is referred to as the UTD NetID. To obtain and activate your UTD NetID, go to the UTD NetID page. For additional information about the NetID visit the UTD Distance Learning site. The NetID activation is usually not available until shortly before or at the start of the semester. For technical difficulties, please contact the UTD Help Desk at 972-883-2911 or their webpage.

Accessing Your Course on the First Day of Class

It is your responsibility to log on and access the course.  The online classes move along swiftly once the semester begins.  Students will quickly fall behind if they are unable to access WebCT during the first few days of class. 

The course is organized into “weeks” which run from Monday morning through midnight on Sunday.  The first week of class will begin on the Monday of the first full week of the semester.

Students enrolled in online courses can login to the WebCT course(s) at http://galaxy.utdallas.edu. Once you log into Galaxy, click on the "WebCT" link under "Self Service Links" (in the upper left-hand column). If you are a new online student you may want to read the WebCT login instructions provided by the Center for Online Teaching and Learning before attempting to login. The courses will be released to students the first day of class.  All enrolled students are strongly encouraged to log on to the class on that first day.  There is a Student Tutorial that will be available for you once you log in to WebCT.

First Visit to the Course Website on WebCT

Once you access the course, print the syllabus and read the lecture for Week #1.  This first lecture will set out the procedure for how the course will proceed.  Once the courses begin, all course-related communication between class members as well as your direct communication to the instructor should occur within the confines of WebCT.

Contact information

   If you would like to contact Dr. Hassett, please email her at wendy.hassett@utdallas.edu.

Other Links

• UTD Distance Learning
• UTD Class Schedules
• UTD Academic Calendar

Support

For assistance with UTD account/login, please contact the UTD Help Desk at 972-883-2911.