Written by Michelle Curry
As I near the completion of my Bachelor of Education K-12 degree, I reflect on how I never intended to study online. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and as a mother of two, online study became essential.
The unexpected shift to online learning required an adjustment, but I quickly realised its benefits, especially as a parent juggling multiple responsibilities.
From booking a room at Bathurst Campus library to sitting at home with my dog Ollie for company, online learning fits seamlessly into my lifestyle.
Despite studying online, I have never felt alone.
Over the past four years, I have stepped outside my comfort zone, participating in online events and orientations to meet people inside and outside my degree.
These opportunities have enriched my experience, helping me feel more connected to the academic community and enhancing my engagement with course content.
Online orientation sessions are a great way to connect with real people and put faces to names. You have the option to attend live course orientation sessions, watch pre-recorded videos, or even meet directly with your course director. These sessions provide valuable insights into course structure, workplace learning requirements, and support services.
One of the most important things I learned through these orientations is the extensive support available to online students.
For example, you can request textbooks from any campus, and they will send them to your address for free, with prepaid packaging for easy returns.
Your student card grants you 24/7 access to all campus libraries if you live within our main campus cities, and you can book virtual appointments with the academic skills team via Zoom.
Orientation also helped me connect with fellow students, sharing tips on staying on track with online learning—a key aspect of success since it is easy to fall behind without the structure of in-person classes.
Staying dedicated and having a solid plan for keeping up with coursework is crucial in online study. But it is also essential to have fun and build connections.
Even though I am an education student, I have made online friends who study other degrees across the country who have been invaluable for advice, support, and motivation.
These relationships have provided a sense of camaraderie, which is often missing in virtual environments, making a huge difference in maintaining my motivation and well-being.
These friends understand the challenges of balancing study and personal life and have been there for me when times get tough. The friendships I have made through online study will last a lifetime, and I will always be grateful for those connections.
For those studying online, I highly recommend following the Online Student Representative Council (Online SRC) on Facebook. They host events online, send out helpful emails with study tips, recipes, and competitions, and even offer chances to win cool prizes.
Engaging with these communities can make the online study experience more enjoyable and help you feel more connected at university.
I encourage all online students to attend orientation sessions, actively participate in discussion forums, and turn on your camera during Zoom meetings. These small actions can significantly enhance your online learning experience and help you build lasting connections.
Remember, you are never truly alone in this journey, your peers and support services are just a click away.
If you’re starting uni this session, make sure you register here for Session 3 Online Orientation to get acquainted with uni life!
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative
