Isolation is now a thing of the past for distance students at The University of Queensland's Gatton campus, thanks to a project that links these students to their academic community.
Called Hang in There the new distance learning support kit overcomes the tyranny of distance that can prevent students in regional and remote areas from achieving the academic success they’re capable of.
Program Coordinator Rachel Petro said Hang in There worked because it drew on the real life experiences of distance students to provide a one-stop-shop of information, learning resources and handy hints in user-friendly print and web formats.
“Distance education is very convenient for people living a long way from a university campus or for people who need a flexible study schedule to accommodate work commitments,” Ms Petro said.
“But distance students often experience a lot more difficulty with their studies because of problems like limited access to lecturers, tutors, the Internet, support services and other students.
“Hang in There overcomes those problems because it takes the University’s on-campus support services to the student, whether they live in Boulia, Brisbane or Bahrain.
Ms Petro said Hang in There was an initiative of UQ’s Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science, based at the University’s Gatton campus, where more than 90 percent of UQ’s undergraduate distance students are currently enrolled.
“UQ Gatton has been providing distance education for many years, and understands the changing needs of distance students in the 21st century,” Ms Petro said.
“The Hang in There kit is going to help make UQ distance courses even more accessible and more rewarding so that more people can fulfil their desire to further their education, learn more skills or advance their career.”
More information about the new Hang in There distance learning support kit can be found at: www.uq.edu.au/hanginthere
More information: Rachel Petro, (07) 5460 1009 or Brad Henderson, Marketing Coordinator, Faculty of NRAVS (07) 5460 1229 or 0409 265 587
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