onlinestudy – Successful Futures

Studying Online August 10, 2020

How to prepare for your timed online assessment

When it comes to any type of assessment the key to success is preparation. This is no different for online assessment tasks and exams. Having a clear head and being prepared can make a huge difference to the outcome.

Preparing the technology

Update and double check required software (e.g. RStudio, MATLAB, Mozilla Firefox, etc).

Install Mozilla Firefox; this is the recommended QUT browser for online assessment (Internet Explorer and other browsers may cause issues).

Restart your computer to free up any memory.

Once restarted, only open the apps you need to complete your assessment.

Check your unit’s Blackboard site and HiQ for who to contact if you need support.

Preparing the space

Let your housemates/ family know when you plan to begin your assessment.

Set up your desk with only what you need

Get comfortable; make sure your chair, desk and computer are arranged at an appropriate height and angle.

Address any potentially annoying distractions in the room (e.g. creaky doors, loud ticking clocks etc).

Ensure the space has good lighting.

Preparing yourself

Have notes ready and pages bookmarked; organise them into themes or categories and use labels to help you find things quickly.

Plan time for your assessment; allocate time blocks to peruse, answer and revise the different sections. Also allow enough time toward the end for uploading files.

Turn off your other devices to avoid being distracted by texts, phone calls, notifications, etc.

Take 5 minutes before you begin to do some light stretches and breathing.

During your assessment

Read all instructions carefully.

Stick to your time plan – don’t allow yourself to be stuck on one question or problem.

Check that your answers are inserted correctly and are in an acceptable format for the system.

Follow all directions regarding academic integrity. QUT has systems in place to check for this.

Tests can be set up with different options, so each test you take may be different to one you have taken before. Your lecturer, tutor or unit coordinator may give you details about the test’s settings, and you will also see a screen summarising the settings as you enter the test. Check out Preparing for Exams for more tips on revision and time management.

Studying Online March 31, 2020

Top tips for joining online sessions

It’s safe to say that we’ll all be joining live online sessions through one of the many tools avaiable. Whether it’s through Collaborate Ultra, Zoom, Skype or another platform it helps to know what’s expected and how you can participate successfully.

Before the session

Find a quiet space where you can concentrate fully.

Make sure you have a reliable Internet connection.

If possible use a USB headset with a microphone.

Test the audio and video before you start.

Make sure you are familiar with the platform controls etc.

Add a profile image to create a friendlier more connected environment (nothing too weird!).

In the session

Mute your microphone and turn off your video when you join.

Check to see if there are any instrcutions or starter activities on screen.

Introduce yourself (if appropriate) or say your name when you speak for the first time.

Avoid interrupting other speakers and mute your mic while wiaiting.

Use the platform features such as chat or raising your hand to ask questions.

Audio and video tips

Don’t shout into your mic – just speak clearly in your normal voice.

Only turn on video when necessary or instructed to do so.

Position your webcam so the top half of your body is visible.

Be aware of what is behind you when your camera’s on. We can all see it!!!

Avoid busy virtual backgrounds – a plain background is best.

In some ways it’s easier to hide in an online session but the same manners apply as they do in person.
Be polite, respect others and be prepared to contribute!

How to stay connected online

Are you finding it hard to study online? Sitting behind a screen can make you feel alone but the good news is that these days you have more ways to connect than ever before. Here are a few things you can do to stay fully connected with your course.

Make a study plan
Study takes time and effort so it’s important to plan your week. Make a weekly schedule of sessions to attend or participate in and the amount of time you plan to spend on each unit. Don’t forget to include deadlines for assessment tasks. Commit yourself to specific times to do the set reading, review your notes, conduct research and prepare for the weekly content in each unit. Be ready to participate in online discussion and ask questions.

Be disciplined
It’s so important to log in to Blackboard daily and check your QUT email. Staying up to date with unit announcements, new discussion posts and content will help you learn as well as deepen your connection with the online community. Develop your own strategy for working through the resources and posts so that you keep on top of anything new.

Be active
Set yourself up for success by contributing to online discussions, asking questions, and responding to fellow students. The more you engage, the more you’ll feel connected to your peers as well as the content. Make the most of apps, discussion boards, videos and other technology that helps you get involved. Make an effort to interact with your lecturers, tutors and peers whenever you have the opportunity. It’s easy to sit back and remain passive but that won’t get you the results you’re after!

Stick together
One of the best things about being a student is that you’re never alone! Take advantage of fellow students who truly understand the pressure of study because they’re experiencing it too. Use this opportunity to work with and learn from others. Group work can give you a wide range of perspectives and help strengthen your own knowledge. Make the most of the technology available to set up a virtual study group.

AskQUT
As a QUT student you have access to so many wonderful resources and support networks. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, but the first step is often just asking a simple question. HiQ Chat is a good starting point for general questions or Chat with a Librarian for information on resources, research and referencing.

So, don’t let sitting in front of a screen prevent you from feeling connected to your study. Make the most of your peers, university staff and technology to successfully study online.