An Introduction to Online Courses...Let's Get Started

The elements and tools used in this site will be similar to all our online courses at Southeast -  whether they are online, blended, or conventional classes that utilize the benefits of online grading, assignments, etc.  Like a traditional on-campus course, instructors may have a different look to their class or may call things by a different name, but the make-up is basically the same: to inform you about what you need to do, discuss topics, interact with you and your classmates, turn in assignments, test your knowledge, and get an overall feel for how well you are doing in the class.

Southeast Missouri State does not use a commercial course management platform.  If you have taken online courses at other institutions, you may be used to platforms such as WebCT or Blackboard.  Southeast uses OIS, a homegrown platform developed in the Center for Scholarship in Teaching and Learning (CSTL).  This platform is more flexible than the commercial varieties.  Because of this, instructors have greater freedom in course components and lay outs.  While there are best practices designed to give instructors tips on creating the most effective online course possible, you will still note a variety of styles when you take different courses through Southeast Online. 

Your instructor will interact with you throughout your course.  For this demonstration course, I'll be your instructor/facilitator.  My name is Dr. Michelle Kilburn and I am the Director of Southeast Online at Southeast Missouri State University.  If you have any questions as you work through the course, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to answer your questions.

This short online demonstration course will cover the bulleted topics below.  If you have concerns about a specific element of an online course (e.g. how to take a test) you can go directly to that unit, or by following the "click here" link at the bottom of the page, you can work your way through the entire demonstration course.

• How do I get into my course?

• How will I know what to do?

• How can my instructor lecture online?

• How can I  have a "discussion" online?

• How do I turn in homework?

• How do I take a quiz or a test?

• How do I check my grades?

• Helpful tips for success

• How to contact us

Move on to the next section of the class (How do I get into my course?).

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