Online Study Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll through these Frequently Asked Questions for responses to question many people ask regarding online learning. If you don't see the answer to your question contact the course co-ordinator at ian.mcarthur@unsw.edu.au
What does "non-accredited" mean?
UNSW COFA Online ~enrich courses are non-accredited and therefore participants do not receive formal assessment and UNSW Units of Credit. Apart from this the experience will be exactly the same as a normal undergraduate student would receive and you WILL receive a UNSW 'Certificate of Completion' signed by the Dean of the College of Fine Arts.
The new system means far greater flexibility for public participants and a far easier enrolment process. It also means that you can study alongside a cohort of UNSW students which will make the learning experience far more collaborative and social too while ensuring the very same level of University level education.
What is online learning?
UNSW COFA Online ~enrich courses are conducted using the internet. You will fiind yourself studying in a cohort of students from very diverse backgrounds and locations that are local, national and international. Students enrol in the course of their choice and are provided with access to the course materials via COFA's Omnium™ software. Activities, projects and discussions take place online. The courses are asyncronous so you can study anytime that suits you. Courses do have start and end dates and activities and assignments have deadlines set by your course instructor.
How will online learning benefit me?
The universal appeal of the internet opens all kinds of possibilities for education, free from the bounds of time and location. Students both local and from around the world can now easily come together in an educational context that would not have been possible a few years ago. The nature of the COFA Online ~enrich art and design courses is such that both local and overseas students receive the same quality of education and interaction with academic staff and other students, as all correspondence is carried out online. No one student receives an additional advantage because of their physical location or time constraints.
Other benefits of ~enrich online courses include being able to interact and work with a wider group of like-minded people on stimulating activities and projects. Study online can broaden your horizons in ways that allow you to share new found knowledge with family and friends while extending your potential both personally and professionally. Also, contrary to what many people may think, studying online forms vibrant social communities where you can meet people you may normally not have the chance to.
How do the courses work?
All activities, projects and interactions in the courses are conducted online. You can log on at any time and from anywhere to see the latest updates, coursework instructions and posts/responses from the students in your group. Students are led through a series of lectures and asked to respond to relevant questions both individually and in teams. Teams are provided with project briefs that encourage collaborative interaction and creative responses are posted to online galleries for discussion, feedback and further development. there is no formal assessment but informal feedback is reported to individual students via email. Once the course has commenced you are encouraged to log on as much as possible to participate in the discussions and activities on a day to day basis.
How much time should I expect my online course to take?
You can expect to spend a minimum of 5 hours per week online involved in research and course related activities.
Important note: Unlike traditional face to face classes, studying online does not take place in real time. Therefore, it is important that time is spent at more frequent intervals throughout each week than simply allocating one or two blocks of time to do the work. Often we find it is better to spend 15 minutes a day rather than larger blocks of time every week.
Who teaches the courses?
Our online instructors are academics, industry experts, community leaders, and working professionals with extensive hands-on experience. They are educators who find this medium a dynamic and interactive environment, and are especially trained to be effective online. You get the benefit of instruction at three levels: lecture materials created by your instructor, feedback from and networking with your fellow students, and tutorial-quality interaction with your instructor.
Is there someone who can help me if I have technical difficulties?
COFA Online ~enrich courses are conducted using our own Omnium™ software so you do not need to have a lot of technical knowledge to enrol in an ~enrich course. However if you do experience any problems with technical issues advice and assistance is only an email away.
What kind of equipment do I need?
Students need reliable Internet access and a PC computer or a Macintosh computer. For more specific information relating to technical requirements click here.
Will I enjoy online learning?
If you are self motivated and looking for a study option that allows you to learn at your own pace, then online learning may be just what you are looking for. You will need to be able to follow written instructions in English and be able to communicate and interact with others in writing.
Is the quality of an online course as high as a traditional classroom course?
Students in COFA Online courses enjoy the same high quality level of teaching and learning as students in our traditional face to face programs. COFA Online teachers undergo intensive training in course development and online teaching strategies and students report a high level of satisfaction with their online learning experiences.
COFA Online is ensuring that the quality of online education continues to grow along with its range and diversity. This evolutionary approach to the development of public online courses is facilitating an ever expanding range of higher level study options to a global audience.
For further information please contact the ~enrich co-ordinator ian.mcarthur@unsw.edu.au