Flexible Study Options

UniStart is offered On-Campus or by Distance. Regardless of the study mode you choose, you are expected to negotiate your involvement in the course independently. Independent learning in UniStart means that you are responsible for choosing which sessions/modules to complete, the extent to which you participate in activities on offer, and the use you make of the resources available to you.

UniStart On-Campus

Prior to Semesters 1 and 2, a four- or five-day face-to-face component is delivered on each campus.

UniStart On-Campus consists of the following components:

• a face-to-face program of lectures and workshops at the beginning of each semester (click here for upcoming dates of the next program on your campus);
• online resources that can be accessed at any time during semester and,
• independent learning.

UniStart Distance

UniStart Distance is a self-paced program conducted over the internet. Support is available via telephone and email for the first month of the program.

UniStart Distance consists of the following components:

• online readings, optional activities and discussion forums,
• online resources that can be accessed at any time during semester and,
• independent learning.

Enrolled students will receive a letter providing information about the unit and how to access course materials approximately one week prior to the opening of the online course.

UniStart Distance starts again on 29 June 2009. If you have enrolled in UniStart Distance and would like to get started, click here.

Session/Module Descriptions

Below are examples of face-to-face sessions or online modules that may be offered as part of UniStart.

Introduction

The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of the aims, expectations, and processes of the face-to-face program. This session will be facilitated by Teaching and Learning lecturers. It is recommended that all students attend this session. Opportunity will also be provided for students to raise questions about the content and format of the course.

Learning the culture

What is University life "really" like? This session aims to provide some information about what to expect of University study, an opportunity for you to start developing some networks with other students, and a chance to ask those questions you need answered. All students new to the University of Tasmania and tertiary study should attend.

Culture shock lecture

This session has two main purposes - first, to introduce students to the substantive content area that they will write about in the UniStart essay, and second, to allow students to experience an authentic learning activity in a similar context to that of university courses. This session will be facilitated by a guest lecturer. It is recommended that all students attend this session.

Lectures and note-taking

This session provides students with the opportunity to reflect on their note-taking skills and strategies. Students will also be introduced to various note-taking formats, and techniques for effective note-taking in lectures. This session will be facilitated by Teaching and Learning lecturers, and immediately follows the culture shock lecture. As such, it is recommended that all students attend this session.

Basic ICT

This short (6-8hrs) information and communication technologies (ICT) skills program is offered for those not able to accomplish, or uncomfortable with, any of the following tasks: using a standard windows based machine to run a program; sending, replying and reading email; accessing a web site; using a word processor to save a simple document and printing it. This program caters mainly for students with limited or no previous exposure to ICT.

Library tours

This 30 minute Library Tour will enable you to: find what's where in your library; locate service points & borrow items; understand reserve and eReserve and Flexible Services.

Critical thinking

This session introduces students to the concepts of critical thinking, critical reading, and critical writing: essential for success at university. There is a practical focus to this session, as students are given opportunities to apply and develop their skills as critical thinkers in responding to a range of source material.

Learning online: Strategies and requirements & Lab sessions.

Following the practical critical thinking session, students are given the opportunity to engage in critical dialogue with each other through online discussion boards. The initial session (Strategies and requirements) will be facilitated by Teaching and Learning lecturers, while the lab session will be facilitated by staff experienced in the use and instruction of Information and Communication Technologies. It is recommended that all students attend these sessions, although some students may wish to complete the online activities at their own convenience.

Stress management and time management

Aims to assist you to identify concrete strategies to better manage your stress and your time in the University setting. Looks at year planners, weekly study plans, use of diaries and to-do lists, and prioritising. Also explores the nature of stress, common causes of stress for University students and strategies for managing stress effectively. Good introduction for all new students but especially those concerned about how they will juggle competing demands.

Assignment writing

This series of sessions is the core of the tertiary literacy sections of the UniStart program. Through this sequence, students will engage in all stages of the assignment writing process, from analysing a question and undertaking research, to understanding assignment structures, argumentation and referencing. Students will work individually and in small groups to plan, research, and write a short essay, through a series of exercises and short lectures. This series will be facilitated by Teaching and Learning lecturers. It is recommended that all students attend these sessions.

Using basic academic English

This series of sessions is designed to allow students whose literacy skills may need further development the opportunity to work through a series of exercises, tailored to their particular needs and questions. There is a focus in these sessions on language in-use, and on common errors in sentence construction and punctuation. These sessions will be facilitated by Teaching and Learning tutors. It is recommended that students from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds, and students who experience difficulties in the essay writing sections of the course attend this session.

The research process

The overview and workshop will introduce you to essential knowledge and skills for study and researching assignment topics. This incorporates an overview of the research process (facilitated by Teaching and Learning lecturers and Library staff), and a hands-on session where you will explore the various resources within the Library to find the best information for your essay topic. You will search the library catalogue to find definitions, books, and eReserve items and you will also be introduced to Subject Guides and database indexes to journal articles.

Oral presentations and participation in tutorials

This session gives students the chance to learn about the skills involved in giving successful presentations, and presents a range of strategies to minimise the anxiety involved in this task. Oral participation in tutorials will also be addressed. This session will be facilitated by Teaching and Learning lecturers. This session is recommended for those students who feel they lack confidence in giving presentations, and those who would like the opportunity to practice and further develop their skills.

Academic integrity

This session introduces students to the concept of academic integrity, and explores why this is such an integral aspect of the university culture. Students will also explore how they can maintain academic integrity and contribute to intellectual debate at all stages of their university careers. This session will be facilitated by Teaching and Learning lecturers. It is recommended that all students attend this session.

Independent Learning Plans

This session is designed to assist students in identifying their areas of need in terms of their ongoing tertiary literacy skills development, and in identifying appropriate mechanisms to support this development. Students will draw upon feedback received from peers and teaching staff, and their own reflections on the essay writing process. This session will be facilitated by Teaching and Learning lecturers. It is recommended that students who are concerned about their skills development, and those students who have identified areas where improvement is needed through the essay writing tasks, attend this session.