Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 11/4/97
      Contact:                           Carol Dotson   35

TECHNOLOGY COURSES OFFERED IN SPRING SEMESTER AT SLU
     HAMMOND --  Remember those "snoozer" courses in school, where you could just be a
warm body sitting in the back of the class if you didn't feel like participating. In the near future,
you may have to do your snoozing on your own time.  New "technology" courses like the ones
offered at Southeastern Louisiana University next spring will require participation from every
student.
     Early registration for the spring semester takes place November 10-14 at Southeastern
Louisiana University and included in next semester's offerings are several courses with an
emphasis on technology.
     Dr. Gerald Guidroz, director of continuing education, says the spring semester has
"internet classes" which utilize the internet in various degrees  and telecourses available.  
     Several SLU faculty members currently have their course syllabi posted on the internet
and are utilizing technology in the classroom. The spring "technology" courses include business,
visual arts, foreign language, chemistry, composition and criminal justice courses.
     The utilization of the internet is listed for the courses and varies from 50% internet use to
100%. Dr. Randall Settoon in the College of Business will teach one of the two 100% internet
courses offered for the spring. Settoon's Management of Organization course will only meet
twice as a group-- to take the midterm and final exams. 
     "Students will have a virtual textbook on CD Rom," said Settoon. "They'll work in small
groups, do computer-conferencing and utilize email." Settoon believes that business courses are
well suited for this computer classroom. "Students can read cases, offer analysis and email that
information to me. Nothing says they have to be on campus to do that! This type of course is

                                                      --more--




Technology courses/ADD ONE

 more flexible and it's really a service to the students," said Settoon. "We have more non-
traditional and working students. With a course like this, they can do the coursework at any time
and send me email even at one o'clock in the morning. They don't have to come during my 
office hours if that doesn't fit their schedule."  
     Settoon says many universities around the country are implementing this technology and
even some degree programs are offered completely over the internet. Although this may be the
wave of the future, Settoon admits that students will need access to certain types of technology,
whether in campus computer labs or at home, and he also notes that these courses will require a
special type of student. 
      "These courses will require a student to take responsibility for learning. It will be more
demanding than traditional courses because everyone will have to participate. It's a good way to
bring education to the student."  
     To find out more about these technology courses and other offerings for the spring
semester call Continuing education for a brochure at 549-2301. 

                                                       
 -SLU-
        
           
           This press release is available on the World Wide Web at
www.selu.edu/NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newssp97.htm