- What is online learning with NMIT all about?
- What are the benefits of online study?
- Are the courses accredited?
- Is the cost different to face to face courses?
- How long are the courses?
- What do I need to know to study Online?
- What if I don't have a computer?
- What hardware and software do I need to study Online?
- What if I can't download and install software?
- What does an Online trainer do?
- What about study plans and being a success, and studying safely?
- How do I say I'm interested?
- How can I ask a question?
What is online learning with NMIT all about?
Online learning allows you greater flexibility in the way you study. You can enrol in a short course, full course, module of work or a subject. We supply you with everything you need to do the course and even help you with the purchasing/ordering of any books. Up to one month of induction is provided to ensure you are familiar with the online study environment.
- Full Course
Some of our courses are designed for students who enrol in a full time or part time course at NMIT. Students can then opt to study a module or more of their course in an Online mode. This usually means attending some face to face classes as well as studying over the internet, using computer based training programs and internet communication software. Potential students are charged the standard course fees whether face to face or Online.
International students, and those who wish to, can pay full fees for an online course. Full fee paying courses are delivered by a dedicated group of highly trained, supportive teachers who will try to meet your special needs eg special time needs.
- A module
In some cases the student can enrol in one module and study it over the internet and using computer based training programs and internet communication software. A specially calculated fee may apply in some cases.
- A Short Course
Our short courses are complete courses. The courses are normally from 8 hours to 200 hours duration. A fee is charged based on the hours, course coordination, tutoring and marking. Some short courses include face to face sessions such as induction days or specialist workshops.
- How it works
You will learn through a combination of FirstClass and e-mail discussion, web site exploration, traditional text reading, writing assignments and sometimes using the TAFEVC. Information about FirstClass and TAFEVC are found by clicking the buttons on the top of this screen.
Read the Online courses information to find out about a specific course. You will normally use the course web site for a variety of activities including attending on-line "lectures", roleplay, conducting research and collecting the latest information regarding the course.
Group discussion is accomplished by using FirstClass communication software. Assignments and exercises can be posted via FirstClass or TAFEVC and can be discussed with the teachers and other students before submitting.
What are the benefits of online study?
- Convenience
It is possible to study entire courses all from the convenience of your own home, public library or workplace. Course information, tutors and fellow students can be accessed at any time using e-mail or FirstClass. Assessment can be submitted at any time.
- Up to date Information
The Internet is very quick to update, so you can be sure information in your Course Study Guide is the latest, most relevant information.
- Flexibility
The study sites have been designed to be easily navigated allowing you the flexibility to study in the order you choose.
- Totally self-paced
Some of our Online courses are designed to be entirely self paced. The amount of information learnt, when assessment is taken, how much you network with other students, can all be arranged for your individual needs, and around your current commitments.
The self-paced nature is very important for mature aged students, who have many commitments that can change from week to week. Easy, fast and cheap communication with your teachers, class supervisors and fellow students via e-mail, TAFEVC or FirstClass.
- Convenient communication
You don’t have to organise communication around the availability of your teacher being on-site at the Institute.
Are the courses accredited?
In most cases the courses are fully accredited national courses and some are internally accredited TAFE courses. A certificate of completion is issued for short courses. Most other courses are marked Competent/Not Competent or graded.
Is the cost different to face to face courses?
Costs are normally displayed on the course information pages. The is no difference in most cases between an online course and a face to face course unless it is full fee paying. We charge a once a year online services fee which means you have a full month's online induction with a professional inductor, helpdesk support 8-4pm Eastern Standard Time weekdays, plus online kits.
How long are the courses?
Our Online courses and modules range from 8 hours to 18 months. In some cases you can have an extension if you have a medical certificate, or other appropriate reason why you cannot complete on time.
What do I need to know to study Online?
You must know how to use a computer. You must know how to use the filing system on your computer so you can use files we send you. You must know the basics of using a web browser such as Internet Explorer. It is highly desirable that you know how to use e-mail and can attach files to e-mail, and save files sent to you via e-mail. It is highly desirable that you can download and install software from the internet.
Software supplied for your course comes complete with training.
We give you up to one month online induction with a professional inductor who understand what you wil be going through! Your inductor will take you through how to study online, how to set up your work area, how to overcome the technological barriers and how to use the software.
What if I don't have a computer?
Most public libraries have computer access.
Computer access is also available through the NMIT Library Network.
You can also access a computer through an Internet Cafe - check the yellow pages for one in your area.
What hardware and software do I need to study online?
To study online students need...
- A minimum of a Pentium 2 computer
- Windows 98, Windows 2000 or XP or Mac OS System 7.1.2 or greater
- 64 MB RAM preferred or greater
Most of our courses use FirstClass communication software. You can download this software from our FirstClass link or you can access your course over the web.
When you have enrolled in your course you will receive a user ID and password which will give you access to your course content. Some courses will require other software. In most cases the software will be available to download from the NMIT website.
An alternative link is provided in case the software in not accessible from us for any reason.
What if I can't download and install software?
An e-mail link and or phone number will be available to help you through this process. The e-mail link will be on any web page designed for downloading the software. Helpdesk is available on 03 9269 8329 between 8am and 4pm Australian Eastern Standard Time Monday - Friday.
What does an Online trainer do?
The trainer will contact you as soon as you have enrolled. They will supply you with all necessary induction information or information about face to face sessions which may be available. They will send you software or help you download it. The trainer will organise any printed course materials. The trainer may organise set Online tutorials for your class using FirstClass communication software or TAFEVC. The trainer will maintain communication using e-mail, phone, fax or/and FirstClass. The trainer will assess your work.
What about study plans and being a success, and studying safely?
Studying Online is different to studying face to face. Here are our tips for success.
- Do your Occupational Health and Safety exercises regularly so you do not get sore eyes, a sore back or RSI (repetitive strain injury).
- Set aside a time when you can work uninterrupted. Be firm with family, friends or workmates who may disturb you. Treat this time as a face to face class. You may be home or at work, but you are actually 'not around'.
- Stick to your chosen time.
- Attend online tutorials if offered.
- Plan to contact your tutor every week.
- Communicate with class members often and study together if using FirstClass or TAFEVC. Remember to learn how to use these by reading through our information pack when it arrives or online.
- Break the work into manageable chunks and tick off each part as you complete it. Give yourself a treat for completing a chunk.
How do I say I'm interested?
Once you've found a course you're interested in simply use the contact details at the bottom of the course description page to contact the relevent department.
How can I ask a question?
Click on this link to send an e-mail message.
or
Ring 03 9269 8329 to speak to Rita Fischman
or
Look for the online teacher's contact details in the course information of your chosen course and contact them.
