Online learning has become increasingly popular over the years. It is one of the most convenient, flexible, and effective ways to study. Setting aside dedicated hours of study each week, and creating a study plan, with set goals of completion for each module will help you in setting yourself up for success.
As this learning platform may be a new environment for you, it is highly suggested that you take your time to explore and familiarise yourself with all its features. It might feel a little overwhelming at first, but remember, though you are enrolled in an online course, it doesn’t mean you are alone. The staff here at Swinburne Open Education are more than happy to support you through your learning journey. It is our goal as much as it is yours, to see you graduate!
Here is what to expect in your learning platform...
You will be provided with sequential learning modules that will build on your knowledge and skill as you progress through your course. Each module will contain useful information on the Unit of Competency that will be later assessed. The learning modules include:
- Topics
- Activities
- Additional resources
- Forum
- Journals
- Webinars.
Topics
The topics are filled with informative content, web links, and engaging videos. It is where the course content is broken up and where you will engage in a majority of the learning.
Activities
Activities can be found throughout each of the topics and they are a fun way to prepare you for the assessments, so don't skip them!
Additional resources
Additional resources are found toward the end of each module and include multiple inspirational links that will be of good use in this design course. Furthermore, additional resources often include content that will prepare you for assessment.
Webinars
Too much knowledge is never enough. Your trainers have a wealth of experience in the Early Childhood world and are always enthusiastic to share what they know with you!
You will be informed by your trainers of the details for any upcoming webinars during your course. Webinars presented by your trainers cover a range of industry and design topics, provide assistance for assessments, and more!
It is highly encouraged to watch webinars where possible to add to your learning experience and help you stay motivated, grow and progress in your course.
There will be times in your course where you will have a query or two, and may need to reach out for help, or perhaps you simply want to speak with others during your studies to maintain your engagement in your learning. Regardless of the need for interacting with others, it is important you know the correct person to contact for your type of query. Have a look at the different people that you can turn to and the best way to reach them.
Trainers
There is no such thing as a silly question, so take advantage of the messaging system within your learning platform to contact your trainers for any type of learning and assessment assistance. They can help clarify any uncertainties and give you the confidence in understanding the learning and assessments. Trainers will be available for regular Q&A sessions.
Students
Some students like to “buddy-up”. Getting yourself a study buddy can help you with staying motivated. You can meet study buddies on the online forums, and by attending webinars. Just like the trainers, you can contact other peers by using the messaging system on the online platform. Though you are responsible for your own learning, having a study buddy can keep you accountable and move forward toward the completion of your course. It is important to note, that while Swinburne Open Education encourages you to have a study buddy if you wish to do so, you must abide by student codes of conduct relating to communications and assessment submission.
Please note: From time to time, you may be asked to contact a trainer or other students as part of your assessment requirements.
Student Support
Contact our friendly Student Support team for any questions relating to your course enrolment. These may include queries relating to course extensions, course completion, payment, login access, unique student identifier, etc. Student support, unlike your trainer, has no industry knowledge and experience and cannot answer any questions relating to your learning and assessments. Please redirect those messages to your trainer.
After you have finished your learning module, it is time to complete your assessments. These will include both theory and practical assessment methods that will gather evidence of both your knowledge and skills for the unit of competency. Assessments may consist of a series of short answer questions, role plays, journals, case studies, observations and practical portfolio-style projects.
Some assessments in your course include simulated work environments in the form of scenarios. These assessments will have a narrative surrounding a fictitious workplace, where you are an employee and are being given specific instructions and tasks to complete.
