Learning Support Online – Help Is Only a Click Away
Learning Support has always been a vital aspect of academic support at Institutes of Higher Education – both public and private. Nothing has changed – what has happened though, as a consequence of COVID-19, is the need – like never before – for flexible/hybrid options as we have changed the way we learn and teach significantly. Prior to the pandemic, we were essentially a face-to-face sector (there were some online options – in fact, I co-invented The Virtual Conservatorium) but much has changed (for the better). Along with that change has come the need for online support like never before.
COVID-19 had devastating financial and health impacts – but from the shadow, there were some gains.
See - https://www.ubss.edu.au/article/what-has-covid-ever-done-for-us/
Two learning support staff at my own school (Marcella O’Connor and Gabrielle Whateley) have developed six (6) excellent, short videos that provide highly useful (almost essential) viewing for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The productions deal with key issues facing students as they work their way through their assignment commitments.
Effective Note-Taking in Class
Taking lecture notes is an important skill – and you are more likely to do well in assessments if you get good at this. The online workshop (9 min 35 sec) provides an overview of common styles for taking lecture notes and the best time to do so.
See - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_Tbsuz_yjM
Researching for an Assignment
Seven steps of the research process are outlined (7 min and 12 sec) efficiently and in a tidy manner. The steps include – identifying and developing a topic; doing a preliminary search for information; locating materials; evaluating your sources; making notes; citing what you find using a standard format; and writing a paper with thorough proofreading.
See - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDpDcHHN8Ag
Structuring an Essay
An essay can take many forms – and it is essential to ensure you include and follow the specific requirements outlined by the lecturer. The workshop (6 min 19 sec) expertly analyses a typical essay structure that includes an introduction; the body of a paragraph and a conclusion. The notion of an argument is explored.
See - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnVBqfRiBBg
Paragraphing in Essay Writing
The body paragraph is the main part of an essay and usually consists of a number of paragraphs. The workshop (6 min 6 sec) includes writing a topic sentence; providing supporting ideas; adding detail as required and a concluding sentence. Good paragraphs include a key point; the associated evidence; a clear explanation and a link.
See - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ws1hCIJstpI
Preparing a Presentation
The strategies and steps provided in this workshop (9 min 18 sec) help break down what may be initially seen as a large job into smaller and more manageable tasks. Steps include – analysing your audience; selecting a topic; defining the objective of the presentation; preparing the body of the presentation; preparing the introduction and conclusion; and practicing the delivery of the presentation.
See - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYb8qBjrruk
Avoiding Plagiarism
The workshop (6 min 25 sec) defines plagiarism and highlights the fact that it is a very serious academic offence. The focus is avoiding plagiarism. Examples of plagiarism are provided and solutions/strategies for avoidance are clearly and effectively outlined.
See - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl3-LKnmK7M
The collection is invaluable, and by virtue of being online, it is readily accessible to students from all campuses - essentially anytime and from anywhere. Learning support is essential – access to this support (whether in person or online) is vital for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and should be a priority.
Emeritus Professor Greg Whateley is Deputy Vice-Chancellor (UBSS) and Chief Executive (GCA).
