Nicenet.org
(free online course management software)
Nicenet.org is a website that offers free online course management software like Blackboard or WebCT. It is not as powerful as Blackboard or WebCT but it offers many of the most commonly used features of CMS - discussion (conferencing), link sharing, documents, class schedule and email entire class.
To get started using Nicenet, visit their website, http://www.nicenet.org.
Getting Started with Nicenet
On the main page of the Nicenet website, teachers can create a class by clicking on the link under "New Users Start Here" on the right side of the page.
After clicking the link to create a class, you will be prompted to create a username and password so that you can login to Nicenet. You will also be prompted to create a name for your class. Your first and last name as well as your e-mail address are optional when creating an account.
Once you have created your user account, you will be given a key for your new class. Students will need this key to access your class. You have the option of having your registration and class key e-mailed to you. Click the "Finish Registration" button when you are finished creating an account and recording your class key.
Once you have completed registration, you will be prompted to login to the Internet Classroom Assistant. This is simply logging in to access your newly created class.
You are then taken directly to your new class where you can create new discussion threads under Conferencing, add internet links under Link Sharing, upload files to the Documents section and configure access to areas of your class under Class Administration.
Getting Students Enrolled in Your Nicenet Class
In order for students to access your new class, you must give them your class key and ask that they join your class by going to the Nicenet website and choosing "Join A Class" under "New Users Start Here" on the right hand side of the main webpage.
Students will first be prompted to enter the class key you provided and they will also be prompted to create an account by choosing a username and password.
Best Practices for Teaching Online
Focusing on online discussion is the easiest way to create a class atmosphere for your online course. This website at John Jay College covers many issues such as choosing the best tool for discussion, getting students engaged in online discussion, and humanizng online instruction.
Teaching Online: Best Practices and Tips: http://jjconline.jjay.cuny.edu/faculty/teachonline.html