Online Students

eISU Means Education at a distance

Idaho State University provides students at a distance access to online courses using various educational technologies through eISU.

Synchronous coursed are offered at a scheduled time.
Asynchronous courses offer any-time access to course materials.
Blended courses are a combination of synchronous and asynchronous.

Online Student Basics

Moodle ISU is the online course delivery tool. Online courses have their own unique set of challenges and may require designated in-person seat time for testing or other activities. Satisfactory completion requires strict adherence to dates found in the Academic Calendar.

For registered students, classes show up in Moodle no later than the first day of the term and are available until seven days after the term ends.

Students planning to register for one or more online courses at Idaho State University should review the following information carefully.

What to consider when taking online classes:

More time-consuming than in-person classes
Equally if not more challenging than in-person classes
Have additional costs per credit and require financial investment in relevant technology
Likely to have technological issues requiring time management and troubleshooting skills

Necessary strategies needed to be successful in online classes:

Work to achieve a high level of reading comprehension and note-taking ability
Have outstanding time management and problem-solving skills
Be highly self-motivated and able to do class work independently
Become technologically savvy and comfortable using multiple online tools
Monitor their ISU email daily for possible communication from course instructor(s)

What to consider before the semester begins when taking online classes:

Ensure you can access Moodle and review Moodle ISU Online Resources and eISU websites
Familiarize yourself with Moodle features before you need them by reviewing the information in the Student Guide to Moodle
Review the course syllabus on the start date of your class
Enter exam dates and due dates for papers and other assignments into a daily planner

Essential online course study recommendations:

Establish an appropriate location where you can study without distractions
Ensure your computer is up-to-date and working properly
Establish a set time each week to "be in class" and focus on online course activities, assignments, research, and online class discussion
Take and review notes each week
Establish a rapport with other online students and form online study groups

Contact the ISU Service Desk at 208-282-4357 or your online instructor if you encounter difficulties.

Online Students and Bengal Cards

Bengal Cards can be issued to registered online students who are at a distance from the ISU campus. Send requests for a Bengal Card to photoid@isu.edu

For summer classes they can be issued early in May.
For Fall classes they can be issued early August.
For Spring classes they can be issued early January.

To print a Bengal Card, online distance students must provide their ISU ID number, address, and an appropriate photo to photoid@isu.edu. Bengal Card photo submissions must meet the following criteria:

Current (last 6 months) color photo, taken in front of a solid plain white or blue background
Centered photo - forward facing view, from top of shoulders to above the top of the head (do not crop off the top of the head)
No profile or angled view pictures allowed
Expression should be natural/smiling, with both eyes open
Prescription eyeglasses can be worn if normally used by the individual (avoid glare if wearing glasses)
Dark or non-prescription glasses with tinted lenses are not allowed
Hats, headpieces, scarves may be included if worn daily for religious purposes; they should not obscure or cast shadows on the eyes or any other part of the face
No animals, children, props, hands, or gestures allowed