Taking+Distance+Classes+at+SLIS-Indianapolis

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=FAQ About Distance Learning at SLIS-Indianapolis= ==

Getting Started

 * How do I fin****d out which classes are offered through interactive video (VIC) or online?**

To check for on line classes or to see when days and times for interactive video and hybrid classes, you can check the course schedules at the [|SLIS-Indianapolis website] or [|OneStart]. Online classes carry the designation "Web-based" in the "Day/Time" listing in the schedule.


 * Who will my instructors be in interactive video (VIC) or online classes?**

Your instructors for distance education classes at SLIS-Indianapolis will be the qualified faculty members you would have as instructors in traditional face-to-face classes. All of our full-time faculty members teach at least one distance education course annually. Several of our adjunct faculty members teach distance education courses as well.


 * How do I register for classes?**

All students register on the Internet using the Self-Service channel at [|OneStart]. Classes—including those interactive video courses that have meeting rooms at Gary, South Bend, New Albany, and Fort Wayne—are listed under the Indianapolis campus information for SLIS. Students must be sure to register for the section that meets at the correct campus, in order to ensure there is adequate space. Classes do sometimes fill up.

You can get additional information about registration by viewing the help information available at the [|Knowledge Base]. If you have questions about registration, please contact the SLIS-Indianapolis office at 317-278-2375 or toll free, 866-758-6254.


 * How do I get my computer ID and password?**

Once you are admitted to SLIS-Indianapolis, you are eligible to sign up for your computer network ID and password. The process is fast and simple. Just visit the [|Account Management Website] and follow the instructions. If you encounter any difficulties, please call the IUPUI (Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis) University Information Technology Services (UITS) Support Center at 317-274-4357 or check the [|Knowledge Base].


 * How do I get a student ID?**

You can only obtain a student ID (JagTag) by visiting the IUPUI campus. The office locations are listed on the [|Campus Card Services] page. While you are not required to have a JagTag, you may want one for expanded library privileges, student discounts, and other benefits.


 * How do I use the library?**

Students enrolled in any classes—including distance education classes—at SLIS-Indianapolis are considered IUPUI students. As a result, the [|IUPUI University Library] serves you. Once you have your computer network ID and password, you can use those to access the wealth of online databases available through University Library. See [|Library Databases and Electronic Journals] for the most current listing of online resources available to you. You may also take advantage of the online (e-mail or chat) reference services that are offered by University Library. See [|Research Help] at University Library for more information. In order to borrow materials, you should have a student identification card (JagTag) that allows you to borrow materials at any IU campus library. You can obtain a JagTag by visiting one of the locations listed at the [|Campus Card Services] page. Distance students should also be aware that SLIS-Indianapolis purchases materials for libraries outside the Indianapolis area in order to give our distance students access to beneficial resources. You can find reasonable collections of journals and books to help you with your coursework at the campus libraries at IUN (Gary), IUSB (South Bend), and IPFW (Fort Wayne). In addition, be sure to check the collections at Lake County Public Library's main branch in Merrillville, the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris's main branch in Mishawaka, and the Allen County Public Library's main branch in Fort Wayne.


 * How do I contact my instructor?**

E-mail is often the most efficient way to contact your instructors. You can find full-time instructors' e-mail addresses by visiting SLIS at IUPUI. You may also search for them in the [|IU Address Book]. Instructors generally provide phone contact information in their course syllabi as well, or you may leave a message for them by contacting the SLIS-Indianapolis office at 317-278-2375 or toll free, 866-758-6254. You should not hesitate to contact your instructors at any point. Often, big problems in courses can be avoided with early and/or regular contact.

Travel

 * Do I need to come to Indianapolis?**

Although attendance is not required, SLIS-Indianapolis encourages all students to attend one of the orientation meetings held at Indianapolis at the beginning of fall and spring semesters. These orientation meetings give students the opportunity to meet instructors and fellow students. In addition, new students can make time to get the JagTag (identification card) and tour the library on the day of the meeting.

At this point, students are unable to earn all of the necessary credits to complete the requirements of an MLS by taking only distance classes. So, at some point, students will most likely need to come to Indianapolis to take a few classes. By coming to one of the new student orientations, you can better learn your way around campus and make those on-campus classes less stressful in the future.

**What do I do about parking at IUPUI or other campuses?**

Because you register for classes as an IUPUI student, you may apply for a parking permit through IUPUI. You can do this via [|OneStart]. Your IUPUI parking permit allows you to park in appropriate areas on all IU campuses—including the ones at Gary, South Bend, and Fort Wayne. Students will need to evaluate their need to purchase parking passes based on their individual and local situations. If you are attending evening or weekend classes at Gary, South Bend, and Fort Wayne, free parking is readily available at those campuses; visitor parking (at a cost) is available at other times at these campuses. At IUPUI, visitor parking (at a cost) is available in a number of locations throughout campus. For more information about parking permits and locations of visitor parking at IUPUI, visit [|Parking Services]. For more information about where to park, see our Travel and Parking page.

Technology Requirements

 * What kind of computer, Internet connection, and software do I need?**

Technology options are diverse and they change rapidly, so it would be impossible to suggest a single system that will meet the needs of every student. Generally speaking, newer, faster systems and faster Internet connections (such as cable modem or DSL) are preferable. Indiana University publishes a Computer Guide that recommends basic system requirements for student use. You can find this guide at [|Knowledge Base Computer Guide]. A variety of free and low-cost software such as Microsoft Office is available to students at Indiana University. To learn how to obtain this software, visit the [|Knowledge Base Computer Guide] or the [|IU Software Agreements] page.

Support/Advice

 * How do I make the most of my time in an interactive video (VIC) or online class?**

Most students in distance education courses find that they get the most out of their classes by being active participants. Just as in a traditional face-to-face course, students who are motivated and engaged tend to find their coursework more fulfilling. Of course, distance education courses bring their own sets of challenges for students. In addition to reviewing the information provided in the "What to expect" section above, you may find it valuable to read through the "[|Distance Education Student Primer]" produced by Indiana University. Many students who take or exempt S401 Computer-Based Information Tools early in their academic pursuits feel more confident completing interactive video (VIC) or online classes. S401 gives students basic competencies necessary to navigate Oncourse, send and receive e-mail attachments, manage computer files, create basic Web pages, and more. All students at SLIS-Indianapolis must complete or exempt S401 within their first 9 credit hours, but consider taking this class first.


 * How much time should I expect to devote to each course?**

Distance education and web-based courses are constructed on the same content expectations as any other graduate course from SLIS-Indianapolis.  Students should expect to invest at least three hours outside of class for every contact hour, or hour in class. For a three credit hour class, that would mean at least 12 hours per week for spring and fall classes.

Web-based courses can become especially time-consuming, as the student is expected to manage his or her time and meet deadlines, often without the presence of the instructor. Access to and use of technologies can be even more important in a web-based course than in a face-to-face lab situation. Students should be sure they understand the full expectations for the online course before they enroll. The specific instructors for the online courses are listed in the schedules found on our website along with their e-mail.


 * Is there a recommended sequence for taking classes?**

Normally, graduate students seeking the MLS complete the courses that satisfy the core areas within the first 15 credits of your program. There is not a required order for completing the core requirements, but students often progress in the following manner: S501, S502, S503 or S504, S506 or S505, and completion of a management course such as S551. Based on students' experiences and advisors' recommendations, another sequence may be more appropriate. Students who plan to complete the requirements for teacher of library media within the MLS should follow the same core path as other MLS students. Those who need to complete the specific 27 credits for this certification should note that S502 and S503/S505 are not required for certification and that S671 counts for the management core requirement.


 * Will I have an advisor?**

If you are admitted to SLIS-Indianapolis as a degree student, you will be assigned an advisor who is a full-time faculty member at SLIS. You are not required to meet with or contact your advisor, but if you have any questions or concerns about your classes or degree progress, you are encouraged to contact him or her. You may also elect to change your advisor at any point. To do so, be sure you have the consent of the person whom you would like to be your advisor, then contact the SLIS-Indianapolis office at 317-278-2375 or toll free, 866-758-6254, to make the change. Marilyn Irwin (irwinm@iupui.edu), the Associate Dean and Associate Professor for SLIS-Indianapolis, visits the campuses at Gary, New Albany, South Bend, and Fort Wayne each semester. Regardless of who your advisor is, you may choose to meet with her during these visits for advising.


 * What student support services are available?**

Off-site students have access to the same array of support services available to on-campus students. For example, all students are eligible to use library materials and services from [|University Library] at IUPUI, for technical/computer support from [|UITS] (University Information Technology Services), and to register with [|Adaptive Educational Services] if they have special needs. ==

In addition to these campus-wide services, SLIS-Indianapolis off-site students can get SLIS-related assistance. Students who have questions or concerns about financial aid, registration, and similar administrative issues can contact the SLIS-Indianapolis office at 317-278-2375 or toll free, 866-758-6254. Students who have questions or concerns about distance education issues—support, materials, advising, academics, and the like—can contact Marilyn Irwin, the Associate Dean and Associate Professor for SLIS-Indianapolis, at irwinm@iupui.edu.

School of Library and Information Science at Indiana University – Indianapolis: www.slis.iupui.edu