Question: What is WebDAV, and how do I configure my computer to use it?
 
Summary: Beginning with Campus Edition 3.8, WebCT supports Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol (WebDAV) which offers WebCT designers the convenience of drag and drop file management. WebDAV must be enabled by the WebCT administrator, and requires that the designer's computer be configured for it.
 
Solution: 

Description

Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) allows you to use a remote web server as though it were a local file server. This means you have local access to several WebCT course file folders and can use your computer's file manager to upload and download multiple course files. WebDAV now supports local access to both the WebCT Manage Files folder and the WebCT Course Backup folder.

Setting Up WebDAV

WebCT designers can configure WebDAV to access both the Manage Files folder and the Course Backup folder.

Setting up WebDAV on Windows 95 or 98
Setting up WebDAV on Windows 2000, ME, XP
Setting up WebDAV on MacOS 9
Setting up WebDAV on MacOS X

Setting up WebDAV on Windows 95 or 98

  1. Locate the My Computer icon on your desktop.
  2. Double-click the icon to open it.
  3. You should see an icon for Web Folders. Double-click the Web Folders icon to open it.
  4. You should see an icon to Add Web Folder. Double-click this icon.
  5. You will be prompted to type in a location. Type in the location of the WebCT course in which you are a designer. To get the location of your WebCT course:
    • Log into your MyWebCT page
    • Click the WebDAV Info link at the top of your MyWebCT page
    • Copy the Course files location and paste it into the Add Web Folders menu. It may look something like http://webct.umdnj.edu:8900/dav/YOURCOURSEID/
  6. Click Next.
  7. Next you will be prompted to enter the name for your new Web Folder. You may choose to change the name or leave the default name. Click Finish.
  8. Now when you open up your My Computer icon from your Windows 95 or 98 desktop and open up your Web Folders, you should see an icon for the new Web Folder you have just created. You may choose to move this icon to your Windows desktop for your convenience. You can drag and drop multiple files into this space.
You can view, manage, move, copy, save, and rename the files and folders on your local desktop just as you would perform the same actions within the Manage Files menu in your WebCT course. However, when you view the WebCT course contents in your Web folder, you see a list of files and folders and their associated Internet addresses or URLs.

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Setting up WebDAV on Windows 2000, ME, XP

  1. From your myWebCT, click the WebDAV info link. The WebDAV Info page appears.
  2. From your WebDAV info page, select the URL for the course and folder you want local access to: Course Files or Course Backups and copy the URL. Tip: The URL will begin with http://
  3. From your Windows desktop, double-click My Network Places. The My Network Places folder opens. Note: Additional information on using My Network Places is available through your Microsoft Windows online help.
  4. From your My Network Places folder, double-click Add Network Places. The Welcome to the Add Network Place Wizard appears.
  5. In the "Type the location of the Network Place" text box, paste your WebCT folder URL.
  6. Click Next. The Enter Network Password screen appears. Enter your WebCT designer User Name and Password. Important: If you are sharing a local computer you should deselect the Save this password in your password list check box.
  7. Click OK. The Completing the Add Network Place Wizard screen appears.
  8. If your password is not valid please see your WebCT administrator.
  9. In the Network Place text box, enter a name.
  10. To complete your WebDAV setup, click Finish. A Microsoft Web Folder appears containing your WebCT course files. Note: Additional information on Microsoft Web Folders is available through your Windows online help.
You can view, manage, move, copy, save, and rename the files and folders on your WebCT server just as you would perform the same actions in file manager. However, when you view the WebCT course contents in your Web folder, you see a list of files and folders and their associated Internet addresses or URLs.

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Setting up WebDAV on Mac OS 9

If you are using MacOS 9 you will need a WebDAV client such as Macromedia's Dreamweaver or the freeware Goliath.

  1. From your myWebCT, click the WebDAV info link. The WebDAV Info page appears.
  2. From your WebDAV info page, select the URL for the course and folder you want local access to: Course Files or Course Backups.
  3. Copy the URL. Tip: The URL will begin with http://
  4. If you are using the Goliath client, click the menu FILE > NEW CONNECTION. If you are using a different client, specific steps may differ.
  5. Paste the URL that you copied in step 3 in the URL field. Click the "Use Basic Authentication" checkbox and enter your WebCT designer User Name and Password in the fields provided. Click OK.
  6. Your directory will now be mounted on your desktop.
You can view, manage, move, copy, save, and rename the files and folders on your WebCT server just as you would perform the same actions in file manager. However, when you view the WebCT course contents in your Web folder, you see a list of files and folders and their associated Internet addresses or URLs.

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Setting up WebDAV on Mac OS X

WebDAV is integrated into MacOS X. This makes it very simple to mount a WebDAV directory just as you would any other volume. In short, it allows you to mount your course's Manage Files or Backups and use the Finder's file management system to move and edit files.

  1. From your myWebCT, click the WebDAV info link. The WebDAV Info page appears.
  2. From your WebDAV info page, select the URL for the course and folder you want local access to: Course Files or Course Backups.
  3. Copy the URL. Tip: The URL will begin with http://
  4. From the Finder click Apple-K or use the menu item GO > CONNECT TO SERVER.
  5. Mac OS X's "Connect to Server" window will open. In the "Address:" textbox, paste the URL that you copied in step 3. Click the CONNECT button.
  6. When prompted, enter your WebCT designer User Name and Password.
  7. Your directory will now be mounted. Depending on your Finder preferences, it may display on your desktop or be accessible through the Finder.
You can view, manage, move, copy, save, and rename the files and folders on your WebCT server just as you would perform the same actions in file manager. However, when you view the WebCT course contents in your Web folder, you see a list of files and folders and their associated Internet addresses or URLs.

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