University of Tasmania, Australia

Preparing students for online learning

Students require a variety of skills to effectively interact with technology throughout their university studies. A student’s background and the requirements of their courses will influence the technology skills they need and how these are acquired. Most students will have to continually update these skills throughout their studies. To facilitate this ongoing development, students require access to a variety of support resources.

Support for online learning

The Centre for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CALT) and Information Technology Services (ITR) are jointly responsible for the support and training of students and staff in the use of online learning technologies, particularly MyLO. Resources available include:

• How to study in a flexible learning environment
• Student help sheets for MyLO
• The document MyLO: Information for students [Word] - can be downloaded and customised for individual units

CALT staff are available to assist unit coordinators develop appropriate resources and training sessions for their students. To discuss your students' training and support requirements contact CALT.

Generic Information Technology (IT) training

Help is available for students and staff in the use of generic IT applications such as web browsers, computer operating systems and the standard Microsoft applications, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Training in these applications is supported through the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) and other self-paced tutorials available at IT Training Online.

Student face-to-face training

Training is scheduled to start in week 2 of each semester and includes general information about accessing and using MyLO. Course timetables are available from the Service Desk. Students who participate in the UniStart enabling program will also receive training in using MyLO.

Support for online learning - Unit coordinators

Unit coordinators are encouraged to discuss with students (preferably in a computer laboratory/workshop situation) the ways MyLO is used in their unit and to alert them to the help resources available. You can use the document MyLO: Information for students [Word] as a framework for the session.