First beginnings. 
If you've never used an online course management system such as Desire2Learn before, the options may seem to be confusing. This brief guide will help you get set up quickly to offer web-based materials to your students.  

Throughout, you'll find links to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and other materials. When you click on those links, they will open in a new window so that you may simply close that window to return here.

Step 1: Request a Course

This is your area to develop and upload your course materials. All you have to do is fill out the Request Course form.  A shell for your course materials will be created for you and you will receive email with the course information.  

Step 2: Develop your course

When you have been notified that your course is ready, you'll be ready to develop your course. You can start small with just the built-in tools, or you can create your own materials for the course. One of the best ways to become familiar with the built-in tools, as well as learn to customize your course is to take one of the free workshops offered by the Desire2Learn support team.  

  • Check out the list of monthly workshops at http://www.mnstate.edu/instrtech and click on Workshops.
  • Contact Dr. Rhonda Ficek, Director of Instructional Technology at 477-2339 
    or Barb Hoppe at 477-2596 for help in developing your course.  

Take advantage of the resources and personalized training that is offered in the Office of Instructional Technology.  They will help you get your materials online, test navigability, and help provide multimedia delivery.

Step 3: Give your students access to the course

After your course is developed, you'll want to allow your students to see the online materials. Students will be automatically be added to your course if they've registered for the course through MSUM's online registration.  You then need to Activate the Course. You can use the email link to notify students that there are materials posted in the course.  If the ISRS system does not have the current email for a student they will not receive your notice.

That's it!  If you've followed all of these steps, you've successfully created a course and given your students access to your materials. As always, if you need assistance, the Desire2Learn Support Team is ready to help. You may contact us via email or telephone: