Internet or Web-based Course Policy

Faculty wishing to deliver course instruction using the Internet must adhere to the most recent Internet or Web-based Course Policy. Check the McNeese web page for the most recent policy. The Director of Electronic Learning may provide materials relevant to Internet or web-based courses.

Any faculty using the Internet for course delivery must have participated in appropriate training for such delivery methods. At a minimum the faculty member must demonstrate competency in appropriate technical methods and an understanding of the pedagogy as related to Internet or web-based teaching. It is suggested that accepted models of Internet or web-based instruction are viewed prior to course development. The Director of Electronic Learning can provide information on training and available models and resources for Internet instruction.

A faculty member must completely develop a course before seeking approval to offer the course. The University Curriculum Committee must approve all web-based courses.

All Internet or web-based courses must have course content and methods for measuring learning outcomes approved by the appropriate curriculum coordinator, department head, and dean. A justification for offering a course via Internet must be included in the request for approval.

The following Standard Components for Internet or Web-based Courses (independent of course content) must be included in the course:

1. Course syllabus.
2. Breadth and scope of the course should be comparable to the course as it would be delivered in traditional format.
3. A detailed description of how to submit assignments.
4. A technical help page - when students have technical problems with the course, they should be directed to appropriate resources for assistance.
5. A student resources page - a page containing hyperlink(s) to University resources designed for students who are seeking help or support. An example would be a web page that contains hyperlink to the Library, etc.
6. Instructor Contact Information: Students must be provided a reasonable opportunity for private contact and communication with the course instructor. Contact information should include campus office hours, telephone number, email address, fax number (if available), and mailing address.
7. Each Internet or web-based course must provide for the interaction among students and between faculty and students. An online discussion forum would be an example of this. On-line discussion sessions should be frequent and should encourage interaction from all students. Participation in these discussion sessions should be required for successful completion of the course.
8. Each Internet or web-based course should provide the students with a calendar for assignment completion to help pace the student through the course. Due to the nature of Internet or web-based courses, students need a guide and calendar for completion of assignments.
9. All Internet or web-based courses will be password protected and each student enrolled in the course shall be given a user name and password to the course. All grades are to be kept confidential. Students must be informed of the method for posting grades.
10. Faculty teaching Internet or web-based courses must allow the Director of Electronic Learning, department head, dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs access to the course.
11. Each course shall have a public page to allow prospective students to view the course objectives, calendar, prerequisites, and technology required to access the course modules.
12. Arrangements must be made with the Testing Office or the Director of Electronic Learning to allow Student Evaluation of Instruction and Assessment for the instructional delivery methods for all Internet or web-based courses. Core questions for SEI are available on the approval form. Assessment of delivery of instruction should be developed by the instructor and results shared with the program coordinator, department head, and dean.
13. Each course must have a student release form due to the discussion forum posting of student comments. Instructors must secure a signed release from each student.
14. A standard McNeese State University logo should be on the public page and the home page of the course web to clearly identify the course with MSU. This logo may be obtained from the Office of Public Information and Communications.

Scheduling Internet or Web-based Courses

Courses that meet the definition of an Internet or web-based course must be scheduled through the Director of Electronic Learning prior to each semester the course will be taught.

Internet or Web-based Course Exams

All students in Internet courses should take exams at the McNeese campus. Information about time and place for exams must be clearly communicated to the student. All exam dates must be scheduled and confirmed with the student.

If exams are administered off-campus (not on the web site), a facilitator, approved by the Director of Electronic Learning must be scheduled at off-campus locations to administer exams. If the exam is administered at an off-campus site, complete instructions on how to administer the exam must be available to the facilitator.

If exams are administered using the Internet, a designated testing site where the exam can be proctored is required.

Web-Based Course Stipend Policy

Faculty who develop web-based courses to be offered by McNeese are eligible to receive a $1,000 stipend provided all requirements stated in information technology related policies are met. Courses designed for independent study such as directed study, internships, field study, etc. do not qualify for the stipend. Subsequent courses developed by a faculty member are not eligible for an additional stipend. For further information, please contact the Director of Electronic Learning.

Faculty Development Funds Request for Internet or Web-Based Course Development