Being an online learner

Why is this different and what are the challenges, or advantages?

The differences are that we are going to plan to teach you more flexibly this year, as the future is a little uncertain. The online learning approach is a bit different, but in no way is this worse, in many ways this is more flexible, and you do not have to be in university on certain days, or travel when we do want to see you. You can take time to read and complete the online teaching, yet this is instead of days we would have seen you so the onus is on you to plan your time effectively to manage this workload. Each module is around 200 hours of learning, which is on top of your days in practice.

We will be arranging some virtual meetings, where we meet together in the SCPHN group. One thing that is really important is that we enable a cohort identity, so I will be making contact with you all so we can get to know each other despite being a little distant. Each module will have ice-breaker activities that will enable us to get to know each other better.

One aspect of online learning is that we feel a little exposed. This sometimes holds us back when we are asked to contribute to online chat forums for example. There are no wrong answers this year, we will provide a safe environment for you to contribute, whatever your background, you all have so much to offer. We are all learning, all the time. Pushing ourselves, and feeling a little uncomfortable at times is good, and developmental. Be brave, let go of some of your 'self-consciousness' and we will learn together, and it is more valuable when there is a greater contribution from us all. Connect with your colleagues in your module, we are in it together.

What does 'synchronous' and 'asynchronous' mean?

By synchronous, we mean working or learning together at the same time. In on-campus learning, this might refer to a lecture in a lecture theatre or classroom for a seminar in which staff and students are in the same room at the same time. In the online learning world, chat rooms and online “live” seminars are examples of synchronous communication. Learning from synchronous communication is enhanced because real-time conversations allow people to explore topics, whether through writing or talking.

Asynchronous learning involves communication exchanges with a time lag, whether in written or spoken form. Uploading learning tasks to a moodle site for completion at a future time, discussion forums and email are examples of asynchronous communication. This time lag in communication can help students internalise information by giving time to research ideas or extra thinking time.

Can I access my Academic Assessor and module leaders?

Jen works 4 days a week, and will reply to emails on working days, within 24 working hours upon receipt. Jen is very flexible and generous with her time to support you. Jen is often flexible in her working days (partly due to the demands of childcare and teaching activities) so days off change from time to time.

We use google hangouts to ensure we have face-to-face synchronous support where we cannot meet in person.

In the coming year, staff at the university may be more 'home based' than usual as office space will be subject to social distanced guidelines. Jen has an office at Marston Road, but frequently teaches at the Headington Campus (also known as Gypsy Lane campus) (usually) so is usually always available to meet on any days you are planned to be on campus. As we are all going to be flexible in the next year, Jen will be available by appointment to meet you where appropriate in person (it is hoped) and virtually.

Module leaders will be working varied hours as you can see on the programme team page, we ask you to allow for teaching staff working hours. You can expect that you will be responded to within 48 working hours.

We will only correspond with you while you are a student with your student email account, we will show you how to synchronise this with an email you use frequently so you don't miss important messages.