Distance Learning Opportunities
Introduction | Limitations | Modes of Instruction | Computer Competencies | StudentID/Ocean Account | Tips | SREC
The School of Library and Information Science offers the 39 hour Masters of Library and Information Science in an entirely online format. SLIS also offers a 21-credit hour Supplemental Endorsement for School Library Media Specialists that can be completed entirely online.
The majority of our online courses use Coursesites.Blackboard.com software. All of our courses operate on The University of Southern Mississippi semester schedule. Our online courses are handled entirely within the School of Library and Information Science.
If you are interested in, or have questions about enrolling in an online Library and Information Science course, please contact the school at slis@usm.edu or call the SLIS office at (601)-266-4228
If you are enrolling in SLIS classes, you must subscribe to our listserv (lisnews). Please see instructions for subscribing.
Our mission is to reach the entire state and beyond with courses in library and information science. We feel that online courses provide the best means for reaching people who are not able to attend classes in Hattiesburg, but who seek instruction from more remote parts of the state or other states. Online courses have the same requirements as face-to-face classes, only the vehicle of delivery is different.
All of our online courses involve a real-time chat. We believe these virtual classrooms are a critical component of our classes. Because of the problems created by time changes and transoceanic services, we can not provide online courses to students outside of the Western hemisphere. The University of Southern Mississippi is a state supported institution. We give admission priority to Mississippi residents.
All online courses meet using The University of Southern Mississippi semester schedules.
There are three modes of instruction, two online, which have been designed to provide flexibility: Interactive Video Network (IVN), Online and Hybrid, as explained briefly below.
IVN
- Requires regular class attendance at night
- Students use video and audio telecommunications to interact with each other and the instructor
- IVN sites are located throughout the state of Mississippi
HYBRID
- Requires intermittent class attendance in Hattiesburg on Saturdays with Web-based chat meetings and assignments.
- Students use the Internet to communicate with each other and the instructor.
- Students must have their own ISP or access to a computer with Internet access and current Web browsers, and have a working knowledge of computers. (See computer competencies below.)
ONLINE
- Requires real-time chat. No face-to-face classes. Class attendance through online real-time chats, Web-based discussion boards and online group activities.
- Students interact with the instructors and each other on course sites on the Internet.
- Students must have their own ISP or access to a computer with Internet access and current Web browsers, and have a good working knowledge of computers. (See computer competencies below.)
- Students must be able to work independently.
Students are expected to have the following computer competencies in order to successfully complete courses in the School of Library and Information Science. Students who do not have these competencies should enroll in a computer competency course. Students who do not have these competencies should NOT enroll in hybrid or online courses.
- Knowledge of file structure and management, including extensions, types, etc.
- Knowledge of how to manipulate folders, files, and documents, including copy, paste, save, and save as functions
Knowledge of how to ftp and telnet- Knowledge of software compatibility issues, including versions and brands
- Basic knowledge of telecommunications, including modem speeds, Internet access options, etc.
- Knowledge of use of basic applications, including word processing, databases, and spreadsheets
- Possession of and ability to use e-mail accounts, including addressing, domain names, forwarding, attachments, netiquette, etc.
How to get a student ID number (EmplyID) and a university Computer Ocean (Internet) account if you don't live nearby |
For out-of-state students and Mississippi students without easy access to Hattiesburg it is possible to acquire identification and university Internet access from a distance. The ID number allows you to gain access to services from The University of Southern Mississippi, including a university Internet account. The latter is necessary for access to databases, online course reserves, and other library services.
Student ID - EmplID: If you have been accepted into the program, you will receive a notice from the office of graduate studies that has your EmplID on it, a six-digit number. If you are a non-degree student, or you can not identify your EmplID on your admission notice send SLIS an e-mail message containing your full name, address, social security number, day time phone number and the date you paid your fees, and we will attempt to locate your EmplID and communicate it to you.
University Email Account: Once you have enrolled and paid your fees, you will be able to use your EmplID (student ID) to obtain an email account by calling the iTech help Desk (601)-266-4357, they will request your EmplID and some other information to ensure that you are an enrolled student.
Tips for Distance and Online Learning |
Distance and Online Learning represents an exciting new medium for continuing and higher education opportunities. However, as with all things "new," this type of educational format requires some adjustment from more traditional learning methodologies. This page presents some guidelines and tips for adapting to distance and online learning. REMEMBER, distance and online courses are NOT as simple as "pointing and clicking" for academic credit. The student MUST be:Proactive: The pace of online and distance courses demands that students take a proactive approach to their education. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the instructor immediately. Students must keep themselves current on scheduling changes or other events related to their course. Check e-mail accounts daily. Also, daily contact with the course interface is recommended.
Self-Motivated: Online and distance courses have minimal face-to-face contact with the instructor and fellow students. Students must stay on top of deadlines independently. Use course syllabi to outline a calendar to help stay organized. Do not procrastinate. It is your responsibility to keep up with readings, assignments, papers, and/or projects.
Responsible: The evolving online and distance learning format adds extra responsibilities to the learning process. Students should be aware of these responsibilities BEFORE registering for distance and online classes. Students must have access to the Internet via an ISP of their choice in order to facilitate hybrid and online courses. All distance and online classes require a working knowledge of computers, advanced Internet skills, and experience with standard software. Each online course requires real-time chats.
Steps to a successful online and distance learning experience
SREC Guidelines |
- Understand the differences between the various distance and online course formats (see table above).
- Obtain a student ID number, if you are ever on campus obtain a photo ID from Photo Services. Without a student ID number you cannot use The University of Southern Mississippi Library online databases or get an email account from iTech.
- Get an email account and password from the Information Technology Services (iTech). Without an email account, you can not access online databases and library resources from your home computer.
- Understand what you need to do to your computer to allow it to interact with the University network. See a complete list of iTech services, and updates. HINT: Computers running within certain Intranets with firewalls or computers that use AOL as the ISP may experience some difficulties connecting to the university's network. Configure your computer before classes begin to address any formidable issues ahead of time.
- Understand how to access the university's online databases and online resources from your home computer. Contact The University of Southern Mississippi Libraries.
- Subscribe to lisnews before the course begins for details on course access. Contact slis@usm.edu for assistance if you have difficulty subscribing to lisnews.
- Familiarize yourself with the course interface. E-mail instructors to find out which course interface will be used for each course. The course interface is the place on the Internet where hybrid and online courses will be conducted. In general, the course interface will contain features such as a discussion board for posting discussions ("threads") and a chat area for chat sessions as well as other student tools. SLIS online and distance courses are taught using coursesites.blackboard.com. You can go to the site to get an idea of how the course interface works. However, because the technologies involved for online and distance learning are developing so rapidly, you may see various course interfaces over a period of time. Accessing a course interface may require a separate user name and password. Remember that registering for courses in general (including those online) and enrolling in online course sites are different activities. Monitor lisnews or contact the SLIS office before the semester starts.
- Have fun.
The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) was founded more than 50 years ago and contributes in various ways to education in the southeast at all levels. It manages an online education component, in which we take part: The Electronic Campus of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREC). It serves as a clearing house for online courses offered in SREB states. Courses and programs in the SREC must meet the Principles of Good Practice developed by the Electronic Campus. The instructors of each course ensure that their courses conform to these principles.
