Moodle Support for Students

Introduction

Do you need to learn at home, at work, or at a time convenient to you? Online learning affords motivated students the opportunity to study at their own pace and in a manner that suits their often-difficult schedules. Chicago State University and the CTRE understand that schedule conflicts should not keep students from receiving an education.

With advancements in technology, distance is no longer a barrier for students to further their education and enhance their career prospects. While online learning does not replace traditional face-to-face classes, it does provide an alternative for students to complete a majority of their course work from virtually anywhere.

If you are unfamiliar with using the Internet, email, or managing files, you may not be ready for online learning. A simple computer basics course, however, can help you learn these skills in a relatively short amount of time. Once you feel ready, take some time to find out if online learning is right for you. Follow the link to the Online Assessment System for Internet Students (OASIS) to find out what to expect in an online course. Once you arrive at the OASIS homepage, select "Guest" at the top and begin.

Getting Admitted

If you have never attended the university you will need to apply for admission. Prospective students can receive admissions materials online by accessing Chicago State University online at the Office of Admissions homepage.

Getting Registered

Once you are admitted to CSU, you may begin registering via CSU Xpress.  Students are required to register with the university according to the schedule published in the university Class Schedule Bulletin. Registration is not complete until all fees are paid or fee payment arrangements have been made with the bursar, and all registration materials are filed in the Office of the Registrar.

Getting Connected

To take an online course you need an email address and access to the Internet. If you need assistance to configure your computer to access the CSU server from your personal computer, contact the Information Technology Department Help Desk at (773) 995-3963.

Minimum Hardware and software requirements:

• Windows Me, 2000, or XP or later (Mac Os 9.2 of OS X 10.1 or later)
• Pentium III (500 mhz processor minimum) or Mac (G3, G4, G5 processor minimum)
• 512 MB of RAM or more
• 56K Modem, broadband preferred (DSL or Cable etc.)
• Sound card with speakers or earphones
• Adobe Acrobat Reader v7.0 (or newer) to read certain online documents (free download)
• RealOne Player: to view multimedia clips (free download)
• Quicktime v7.0 (or newer) to view multimedia clips (free download)
• Browser: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Chrome (free downloads)
• A CSU email account is required for online courses. You should have received your email ID and password from Informational Technology. If you have difficulties with your email account, call the Information Technology Department at (773-995-3963) for assistance.
• An Internet Service Provider: e.g. Comcast, WOW!, AT&T, etc. (CSU students may use CSU server for free)

Who Can I Call?

The CTRE is your point of contact with the university for online learning. The staff of our office makes certain that processes are put in place for you to succeed in your course. Once you have enrolled, all course technology help questions should be directed to this office at elearning@csu.edu or by phone at 773-995-2960. Username and password questions should be directed to the Information Technology Help Desk at 773-995-3963.

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