Course Web Site Development

Welcome to your first stop for course Web site development and maintenance.  This page contains all the information and resources you need to start putting your course documents online and, eventually, add interactive modules (such as an online gradebook, discussion boards, testing and calendar).

Even though these components are used heavily in Web-based courses, they were also designed for regular, face-to-face classes.  You can, for example, add multiple sections of the same course or divide students into groups so that they can communicate with each other outside of the classroom.  By synchronizing your OIS Manager, students will be able to access your Web using their southeast key and password. 

When you are ready to start designing and building a Web presence for your course, this page will get you started and walk you through the process.  Of course you can always call or email CSTL for help when needed (x-2298, support@cstl.semo.edu). 

The following table shows the steps necessary to build a well integrated, flexible course Web page.  You may have previously completed some of the steps necessary; please start with the step that seems most appropriate to your your current stage in development.

Click here to see other useful resources.

 

Step 1: Server Account Setup 1. Obtain an account on the CSTL servers
  2. Install FrontPage on your computer
   
Step 2: Learning to Use FrontPage 1. Basics of FrontPage
  2. Creating files and folders
  3. Linking files
   
Step 3: Online Instructor Suite Setup 1. Downloading OIS
  2. Installation and configuration
   
Step 4: Creating a Course Web Site with OIS 1. Using the Manager to create a course Web site from a template
  2. Adding students to your Web site from the mainframe roster
  3. Testing your Web site
   
Step 5: Editing the Course Pages with FrontPage 1. Accessing the course folder
  2. Making modifications to existing files
  3. Adding and linking new files
   
Step 6: Adding a Calendar 1. Creating a new calendar file
  2. Setting up the active calendar file for the course
  3. Testing the calendar
   
Step 7: Adding a Gradebook 1. Creating a gradebook with GradeA
  2. Setting up the active gradebook file for the course
  3. Testing the gradebook
   
Step 8: Adding Online Discussions 1. Creating discussions with Forum
  2. Creating topics
  3. Testing the discussion areas
   
Step 9: Adding Online Testing 1. Creating a test with OIS
  2. Configuring the test properties
  3. Taking a test online
  4. Checking the results of a test
   
Step 10: Maintaining a Course Web Page 1. Cleaning up broken links
  2. Deleting users after the end of the semester
  3. Reusing test files and discussions in a new semester
   

 

Additional tools for maintaining or adding additional interactivity to your course Web site:

Audio and Video Over the Internet
You can put video or audio online easily with CSTL's RealServer. This dedicated machine streams RealMedia files over the Net, adjusting the quality to the client's Internet speed.

E-Mailing Lists
Web-supported and Web-based courses can use conferencing software or mailing lists to encourage student participation and discussion.

Change Server Password
 It is recommended that you change your server password at least once every 90 days. With this utility, you can change your account password easily and safely.

Edit Web Information
 Use this tool to edit the current information about your Web in the CSTL database. You can add keywords to the search engines so visitors can find you easier and you can update your contact information to ensure you'll receive important emails from the CSTL whenever needed (in case of planned maintenance downtime, for example).

How To...
 A collection of documents that cover many topics from server utilization to FrontPage and PowerPoint. If you have any question that is not covered here, please use our Support Online page to contact us.

Instructional Web Servers
Information about the servers hosting your site.

Other Services and Resources
Other tools and information about the many resources available for faculty use in the CSTL/OIT.