guide to online study - cdn.csu.edu.au · choosing your course ... do you need to upskill to stay...

GUIDE TO ONLINE STUDY

Study should work for you, whatever your circumstances

At Charles Sturt University (CSU) we want to give opportunities to everyone who is able and willing to study at university.

That’s why we are committed to providing online study programs that work for students in the modern world.

You can study wherever you live without giving up work or compromising on family time.

You can access expert knowledge from dedicated academics and learn alongside a diverse range of people.

You can follow your passion anytime, anywhere.

CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY 20182

Know your why ........................................................................ 4

Choosing your course..............................................................6

How online study at CSU works ............................................. 9

Online study checklist ........................................................... 10

Preparing for study ................................................................ 12

Maintaining your study-life balance ..................................... 14

Stay connected ..................................................................... 16

You can do this ...................................................................... 18

YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO ONLINE STUDY 3

There’s always a reason why we do anything in life.

Study is no different.

Being clear about your reasons for study will help you choose the right path and stay motivated throughout your study journey. We know students arrive at study for all sorts of reasons.

Are you looking to study to further your career?

Have you been out of the workforce for a while and you’re looking to get back in?

Do you need to upskill to stay on top of your profession?

Did you miss the chance to study when you were younger and now have the time to tackle that degree you’ve always wanted to do?

Do you want to improve your earning potential?

Do you want to go for a promotion?

Is there something you’ve always had a passion for learning more about?

What’s clear from the thousands of students we’ve graduated is that the fear of making the wrong choice can paralyse you from ever starting.

Overcoming fear and getting clear on your why is the key to achieving your goals.

YOUR WHY

This is your first step.


Start with believing in yourself. Ask yourself, what do I really want? If you’re afraid, embrace it and break the fear. Go with it anyway.

The time is going to pass regardless. Pretend you’re a car on a dark road – only look as far as your headlights can see. There were times I thought, I can’t, I can’t, but if you work through one class at a time you will get there. And here I am soon to cross the finish line with a master’s degree. Once you have it, nobody can take it away from you.

Susan Bruce Master of Human Resource Management


Now that you’re clear on your motivation for study, it’s time to find the right course and work out the details.

Do you know what you want to study?

Decide if online study is for you and read on.

Talk through your options with a prospective student adviser or an academic. Don’t forget to ask about recognition of prior learning. Call us on 1800 334 733.

Search degrees by career area to learn about your options. Visit futurestudents.csu.edu.au/courses

No, I have previous study and/or

experience in this.

Yes, I’ve never studied in this field

before.

Is this field new to you? Consider:

• What do you love to do?

• What are you passionate about?

• What are you good at?

• What interests you?

• What career do you want to gain from this?

I know the specific course. I know the general field. I’m not sure what to study.

YOUR COURSE


RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL)

DON’T FORGET THAT IF YOU’VE STUDIED BEFORE, YOU COULD RECEIVE CREDIT TOWARDS YOUR NEXT COURSES, MEANING YOU GRADUATE EARLIER. YOU MAY ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CREDIT BASED ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE.

Single subject studyDip your toe into university study or gain knowledge of

a particular area to boost your career.

Bachelor’s degreeTypically, this is the starting point for anyone wanting to

get their first uni qualification.

Graduate certificateA comparatively short postgraduate program, this

gives advanced knowledge and an admission pathway to further postgraduate study.

Graduate diplomaThe next step in postgraduate study, this is sometimes available to those without a bachelor’s degree but with

relevant work experience.

Master’s degreeYou can study a master’s by coursework to delve into

advanced critical analysis of your chosen subject.

Higher Degree by ResearchAdd new knowledge to your area of interest by doing

original research.


STILL #1 FOR

GRADS WHO GET JOBS*


The lectures for your subjects can be viewed live online. Most are also recorded so you can watch them later, if something comes up.

Tutorials happen live online. You’ll discuss ideas with academics and fellow students – and you can record the session to watch again later.

Our dedicated online learning system helps you manage your study. It’s where you’ll find everything from subject outlines and assessments to messages from your lecturers and detailed course information. It’s also where you can submit your assignments and check your results.

All our courses have dedicated discussion boards and online study groups. You can connect with your fellow students to discuss a lesson – or just see how they are getting on with the course in general.

You can access all CSU library resources online, from digital journals to ordering books to be posted to your home.

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AT CSU WORKS

In looking to select a course which would support my professional development, the MBA was an obvious choice. It’s widely recognised and well regarded for providing highly valuable skills across disciplines including finance, human resources, marketing and leadership. There are many different MBA programs out there. CSU has a tried and tested formula for providing quality education online, along with the credibility that comes with being an established Australian university.

Angus McDonald Master of Business Administration


Here are the things you’ll need to succeed in your online degree.

When I started my course I returned to work, started studying and had two kids under five, so that was a challenge. But I really enjoy it. You’ve got to enjoy it or it will be too easy to quit. I must admit, at one point I was going to give up because I found a particular subject a real challenge. But my husband said to me, ‘Are you going to let this one subject beat you? Let this one subject stop you from getting your degree?’ And he was right. Now I focus on getting the subject done. And I will get it done. Every subject that I complete, I tick it off the calendar and I’m one step closer to having my degree.

Donna Irwin Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

CHECKLIST


Enough time On average you can expect to need to study around 10–12 hours a week on each subject you take.

A study space Have you got a place where you can focus on your study free (at least relatively) from interruption – whether that’s an office, bedroom, local café or local library?

The right equipment Yep, as an online student you’re going to need a computer and reliable internet connection. If you don’t like reading everything on a screen, a printer is essential too. A study planner and diary – whether on paper or on your phone – are a good idea.

Commitment Do you have the drive and are you self-motivated? Can you study independently? Can you stay organised and complete tasks?

Support Having a spouse, close friend, colleague or mentor to support you when the going gets tough cannot be underestimated.


Participate in an orientation session

Go through CSU’s orientation program specifically for online students. Learn about what it means to be an online student, all about the online learning environment at CSU, how to access services and support, and how to prepare for your first subjects. We also hold regular live online orientation sessions so you can ask any questions you may have.

Study Link

Study Link offers short, self-paced courses that get you ready for your degree, whatever you’re studying. Delivered online, with support from a subject coordinator, Study Link subjects don’t count towards your degree – they’re here to help you fill knowledge gaps, enhance skills and build confidence, so you can start your degree on the front foot.

As soon as you accept your offer to study with CSU, you can get prepared for your course with our dedicated services.

Take the free introductory short course

When you accept your offer of a place at CSU, you’ll be automatically enrolled in our free short course, Introduction to Online Learning. This self-paced subject provides everything you need to know if you’ve never studied online before.

As well as showing you how to use the CSU online learning system, you’ll also discover time management strategies and receive personal learning tips.

Attend an online library workshop

You’ll learn how to access all the resources you’ll need for your course. You’ll discover how to use online resources like eJournals, eBooks and course readings, as well as how to order books to be posted to your home – free of charge.

FOR STUDY


It had been 20 years since my undergraduate degree, so I was nervous about going back, and I wasn’t quite convinced I could actually do it. But I did a lot of ALLaN [Academic Literacy, Learning and Numeracy] study skills workshops that CSU supplied to help prepare myself. Study has changed over 20 years, and I had changed a lot during that time. It was such a different experience as I was such a different student.

Frances Brogan Master of Nursing


Here are our top time management tips.

Start early Start reading the subject material as soon as it’s available online – often that can be up to two weeks before the subject actually begins. This can include compulsory readings, a week-by-week schedule and the assessment items for the end of the subject. So you can see the extent of required readings and make a plan to ensure you can get them done.

Plan around daily activities There’s always stuff that has to get done every day. You’ve got to get the kids to school, you have to cook meals, you have to, you know, go to work. Put that stuff into a calendar or study planner on your phone and work out where studying fits best around them.

Plan ahead for busier times – like exams or assignment writing Some periods of your study will be more full-on than others – that’s the nature of assignments and exams; you build towards them. Check the subject schedule so you can make some extra space in your planner at crucial times.

Add a buffer for flexibility Life is unpredictable. Stuff happens, meaning that even the best-laid plans can get turned upside down. So add some ‘spare’ time into your schedule to have some to play with should life surprise you.

Communicate with your family Sit down with your family, including your children if you have any, and talk about your study plans. Explaining why you’re studying, the goals it will help you achieve and how study will influence family life can really help. When they know what to expect, it makes it much easier for your family to understand and to adjust to a different schedule.

Factor in non-study time Take regular breaks, get enough sleep, stay physically active, get out into the great outdoors, have at least something resembling a social life. Not studying every minute will actually make you study better.

STUDY-LIFE BALANCEWe all know that life gets busy and adding another element like study can be a challenge. The key to success is to plan ahead.


I recommend doing something on your study every day. Even doing something administrative like checking that the format of your essay references is correct can help keep you attuned to your studies, and prevents last-minute accumulation of work – which helps keep the study-life balance throughout your course. It also helps reduce anxiety, as you’re making progress with your studies every day, in however small a way.

Dr Shaunagh Foy Registered psychologist and student counsellor at CSU


No matter what course you’re studying, at CSU you’re never alone. While you might not be on campus, thanks to technology it’s still possible to build a sense of community with your fellow students. Just as it is face-to-face, when you study online you have to make an effort to get involved and stay connected.

Participate Engaging with your peers and teachers in classroom discussions is important. Even if you’re studying at midnight, you can always post a question on your subject forum or send your lecturer or tutor an email. You may be pleasantly surprised to find others up at all hours just like you!

Ask questions If you’re having issues with a particular topic or would like clarification, ask questions and ask early. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to catch up. Tell your tutor, lecturer or course coordinator immediately if you are not able to attend exams, meetings or other activities such as group work.

Get support CSU has lots of dedicated support services to help you as you study. From study and writing workshops to careers, equity and health support, we’ve got your back. You can access support services via phone, email, Skype and face-to-face.

Make the most of social activities Remember: studying online is no excuse to become a hermit! Making friends and building networks is all part of the study experience.

My top tip for studying online is to remember you are not alone. Collaboration is key. You have peers who are doing the same things, with the same challenges. They’ll all be at different stages in life, but regardless sharing ideas and collaborating with your peers is really rewarding, sharing how you are interpreting things, sharing ideas. I remember being online chatting at night discussing how we were going with assignments or how we interpreted what the lecturer had been talking about in that day’s session. It was a real benefit.

Stuart Taylor Master of Business Administration

CONNECTED


Digital resourcesHere are just a few of the workshop resources anyone can access anytime:

Academic writing

Critical thinking

Time management

Overcoming procrastination

Proofreading tips

Academic reading

Developing an argument

Academic speaking for speakers of English as a second language.

Online discussion forums 101 Be polite, articulate and respectful.

Avoid sarcasm as it can be misconstrued without tone.

Read previous threads to see if your question has been answered.

Try not to use capital letters – it can feel like SHOUTING.

Proofread your message before your send it.

The write stuffCSU has developed a five-workshop series to get you up to speed with writing for uni study.

From Start to Submit covers the essential skills for creating excellent assignments.

1. Getting started

2. Being a researcher

3. Putting it in your own words

4. Structuring information

5. Submit with style


DO THISOnline study won’t always run smoothly – there’ll be challenges, hurdles and times when you doubt yourself.

But when you’re finding it tough, it pays to go back to basics and remember your why. Focus on your goals and hang in there.

Remember, CSU takes your study seriously and we are committed to helping you, every step of the way.

Study helped me assess what was important in my life. It becomes a lot easier to prioritise the things that help you to grow and fulfil you. A lot of people who don’t embark on study might be concerned about what they have to give up in order to fit study in. But study helps you understand what’s important to you, as you don’t take it on lightly. With your eye on the longer term prizes – more choices, career security, network, personal growth – you can stay motivated to reach those goals.

Dayle McCallum Master of Human Resource Management


A WORLD WORTH LIVING IN

At Charles Sturt University (CSU) our ethos is ‘Yindyamarra Winhanganha’, a Wiradjuri phrase meaning ‘the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in’. Our students, academics, alumni and research help make the world a better place at local, regional, national and international levels.

Charles Sturt University CRICOS 00005F. © 2018 Charles Sturt University. C1432.

1800 DEGREE (1800 334 733) (free call within Australia) +61 2 6338 6077 (callers outside Australia)

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guide to online study - cdn.csu.edu.au · choosing your course ... do you need to upskill to stay...

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