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FAQ's
- Details
- Created on Friday, 17 December 2010
- Last Updated on Thursday, 14 June 2012
Check these frequently asked questions for assistance.
- If my dispatch has not arrived, how do I start my work?
- How do I start my work if I don’t know the names of my teachers?
- Can I expect that my teachers will contact me on the first day of term?
- What is a Centra online classroom?
- What is a Moodle classroom?
- How do I access my Moodle courses?
- How often will my teachers contact me?
- Will I have online lessons using Centra or Moodle?
- Do I require an internet connection?
- I am a student in a school. How can I contact my SIDE teachers?
- Is it the responsibility of the student or teacher to establish and maintain contact?
- Should I be keeping a record of my contact with teachers?
- When should I contact my student coordinator?
General
If my dispatch has not arrived, how do I start my work?
The first thing you can do is contact your teacher or student coordinator and ask them to help you get started on a meaningful program of work. Some teachers may direct you to begin one of the ‘starter’ units on the SIDE website. Interim work may be emailed or faxed and some lessons may also be delivered via Centra. Many courses are delivered fully or partially through Moodle. Contact your teacher for details.
Back to topHow do I start my work if I don’t know the names of my teachers?
This isn’t a problem because most of the courses are self-directed, but if you need assistance please phone your student coordinator. They will put you through to an experienced teacher from the learning area/course until your teachers’ details are available.
Back to topCan I expect that my teachers will contact me on the first day of term?
No, you can’t expect your teachers to contact you on the first day of term. Teachers can have up to 100 students so all students cannot be contacted on day one. You can, however, expect that your teachers will have phoned, emailed or faxed you in the first week of your enrolment.
Telephone calls can be transferred, so you can speak with a number of teachers each time you call. If your teacher is unavailable, another teacher in the same learning area will most probably be able to help you.
Back to topWhat is a Centra online classroom?
Centra is the Department of Education’s web-conferencing application. It allows the use of voice, video and shared online workspaces between teacher and students. It is a “live” application where teaching happens in real-time. Participants require access to an internet-connected computer and a headset with microphone.
Back to topWhat is a Moodle classroom?
Moodle is a 24/7, secure, online learning management system consisting of individual course “websites”, accessible by students whenever required. Each Moodle course may consist of course content, forums, collaboration tools, quizzes, video, assessments and other learning activities and resources.
Back to topHow do I access my Moodle courses?
On the SIDE website under the E-Learning tab, select “Logins. From that page you can log in to Moodle, Connect or Centra. You can also click here
Ongoing Contact
How often will my teachers contact me?
Your teachers will endeavour to make contact once a week. You can expect a teaching contact at least once a fortnight. If the opportunity arises you are encouraged to visit SIDE to work with your teachers. Some teachers may also visit you in your home or school.
Back to topWill I have online lessons using Centra or Moodle?
Centra and Moodle are the two main teaching and learning systems used at SIDE. Centra is a web based application with integrated voice, data and video functions for the delivery of live online lessons. Moodle is a system which allows you to access course material online 24/7. Teachers will deliver Centra lessons, set up Moodle courses and discuss the timetabling of lessons with students. You will need to install Centra on your computer. This you will do with the assistance of your teacher and the Online Teaching & Learning department at SIDE. A headset with microphone will be required for use online. These can be purchased from most electrical/ computer retailers. For more information regarding this call 9242 6311.
Back to topDo I require an internet connection?
Yes. Many SIDE courses are delivered in virtual environments and email is the preferred method of communication.
Back to topI am a student in a school. How can I contact my SIDE teachers?
Schools have a designated SIDE supervisor who will assist you with contact. Negotiate the best way to keep in contact with each SIDE teacher, e.g. before or after school, personal email, fax etc.
Back to topIs it the responsibility of the student or teacher to establish and maintain contact?
Contact is a two-way process. While your teachers will endeavour to establish and maintain contact with you there is an expectation that you will respond to teacher contact. You are also encouraged to initiate contact.
Teachers will send letters of concern to students, parents and supervisors when contact becomes difficult or irregular.
Back to topShould I be keeping a record of my contact with teachers?
You are advised to keep a contact notebook which includes the date of contact, the name of the teacher and the key points of discussion. If possible, keep this notebook near the phone.
Example
When should I contact my student coordinator?
Contact your student coordinator if you require assistance with any of the following:
- queries about teachers' names, working days, phone numbers etc
- change of location, address details
- notification of personal circumstances that impact on your learning
- course counselling/difficulties
- WACE planning
- goal setting: school and tertiary
- teacher visits
- delays with materials
- career or financial assistance information