How does Academia’s online learning system work?

So you want to study in Melbourne – and in the current climate, that’s not exactly possible quite yet.

Alternatively, your own personal circumstances simply makes it harder to study on-campus.

Luckily, there’s always the online option.

Completing a TAFE equivalent course online might be just what you need – however, it’s also something that a lot of people feel a little apprehensive about, and for good reason: a lot of institutions simply aren’t too prepared when it comes to delivering online learning.

Luckily, Academia’s Online Learning System avoids these problems, delivering timely, effective, and world-class learning online for a range of different courses:

And that leads us to the simple question of…

How does online learning work?

A lot of us don’t have the best experience with online learning. Much of the time, an online TAFE/vocational course essentially boils down to:

One pre-recorded lecture each week
An email containing worksheets or tasks to complete

And that’s it – no interacting with the content, limited access to instructors and no all-important classroom dynamic.

No wonder online learning has such a poor reputation!

That’s why we work so hard to defy these negative stereotypes, and deliver the best online learning system possible.

Here’s how it works…

Log in

Our online learning system uses a dedicated web portal that can be accessed from any web browser. This portal acts as a central hub, allowing you to access:

Class recordings
Worksheets
Additional resources

Once you’re logged in, you’ll reach the student portal where you can and access all of the learning resources you need to complete your course.

It’ll also include forums and message boards that you can use to contact fellow students and even instructors after-hours. Whether you need help with a particularly difficult concept, have a quick question or just want to start a conversation, this is where you can do it.

It’s also here that you’ll be able to…

Join an online class

Unlike a lot of other online TAFE equivalent courses, our classes are just that: actually classes. No pre-recorded lectures here!

All of our classes are held in real-time, allowing you to talk to other students and raise questions right there and then instead of having to delay it to an email chain after the fact.

At the same time, our interactive whiteboard system gives you the power to engage directly with the content, as well as you fellow students, giving you almost the same experience as if you were in the same room as each other.

Each of our classes maintain the same low instructor-student ratios, ensuring that you get the dedicated attention that you need to succeed.

Finally, all of our classes are recorded so you can refer to them in the future, just in case you missed something.

Office 365 Online

Course outlines and extra reading aren’t the only resources our online learning system offers – we also offer each of our students a free copy of Office 365 Online.

This is the latest incarnation of Microsoft’s suite of office software, which is going to be essential for completing assignments as part of your online TAFE/vocational course.

In addition to putting together Powerpoint presentations and Word documents, this system also comes with extra features like cloud uploads, allowing you to access your work from both your home computer as well as the PCs in our Melbourne campus.

Each of our students gets an Office 365 Online license to use while they study with us – exactly what you need to complete all of your coursework!

Get the resources you need

Office 365 Online isn’t the only resource our online learning system offers – our instructors also upload or add links to a wealth of additional resources that you can use to further your knowledge.

We also have a chat system that you can use to ask other students questions, and even get in touch with your instructors if you’re having trouble!

Tips for online learning

Stick to a regular online learning schedule

Studying from home does not mean an excuse to slack off!

If you’re going to succeed while studying online, you’ll need to stick to a routine, and to create a regular online learning schedule.

How strict this schedule needs to be depends on what works best for you – some people work better when everything’s mapped out down to the letter, while others prefer having some flexibility.

Whichever group you fall into, it’s important that you have some sort of system in place!

Keep in touch

Struggling with an assignment? Got questions? Having trouble wrapping your head around a concept? Don’t be afraid to ask someone for help!

Our online system offers you plenty of ways to keep in touch with other students, as well as your instructors. Our message boards and forums are just what you need to find answers to any questions you might have.

Not to mention, it’s a great way to engage with other students even when distance divides you!

Be proactive

Just like in-person classes, it’s important that you’re proactive!

Doing your pre-reading and researching in advance before joining your online classes can help you figure out what questions to ask and identify trouble spots.

Now that you don’t have to travel, you can even use this time to get ahead!

Focus, focus, focus

It can be a lot harder to focus while studying a TAFE equivalent course online – that’s why we suggest removing as many distractions from your home as possible first!

Choose a quiet part of your home and work with family members or housemates to determine schedules that benefit all and reduce distractions. With efforts like these, you’ll have an easier time focusing and concentrating, without having to worry about distractions.

Take breaks

“Screen time” can put a lot of strain on your eyes.

Not to mention, if your home classroom isn’t very ergonomic, you’ll also put strain on your body as well – that’s why you need to take breaks seriously!

Take regular breaks to refresh yourself by standing up, stretching and walking around. Since you aren’t attending in-person, you’re even free to go down to the local park for a break if you want.

Enrol in an online TAFE equivalent course today!

Study from anywhere with Academia’s online learning

A lot of people are apprehensive about making the jump to studying online – now that you know how Academia’s system works, hopefully you’ll be more confident in our ability to get you where you want to be!

Now you know about our online learning system – but what about the courses it allows you to complete?

All of our TAFE/vocational courses can be taken online, allowing you to enjoy unparalleled flexibility and freedom.

Many of them are even subsidised under Victorian Government schemes.

Are you thinking of studying a TAFE equivalent course online? Want to learn more?

Check some of the most frequently asked questions about our online courses here.

Alternatively, you can get in touch with the team directly by: