Distance is no object for this small team of educators from Charles Sturt University (CSU).

The University’s Regional and Remote Learning Support Team covers large areas of NSW to ensure distance is also no object for CSU students wherever they may live in the state.

The program is the only one of its kind in Australia.

 

Operating of out CSU in Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga, the Team is about to hit the road again with visits to Shepparton, Wangaratta, Bendigo, Newcastle and Tamworth from Monday 15 July. They will visit Junee, Gundagai, Corowa and Yarrawonga the following week.

 

Now in its second year, the Regional and Remote Learning Support Team's task is to make regular visits around NSW to offer academic support to the distance education students.

 

When in town, the Team sets up in TAFES, public libraries or town halls, or in a CSU Study Centre in Parkes, Griffith or Broken Hill.

 

It offers the students both individual and group support sessions, assisting with academic tasks such as assignment writing, note-taking, reading skills, online learning and time management.

 

In addition to face-to-face contact with students, the Team also offers academic support through telephone, email, Facebook, online chats, Skype and video conferences.

 

Team Manager Mr James Brann said, “Studying by distance education can be isolating. It can sometimes be a difficult experience.  We are hoping to break the tyranny of distance.”

 

He should know. Mr Brann was born in Moree, grew up in Dubbo and completed postgraduate study by distance education.

 

“Our aim is to make study at Charles Sturt University a successful experience for students living in some of the most remote areas of NSW,” he said.

 

Since its establishment in 2012, the Team has covered over 10 000 kilometres and reached centres such as Bega, Broken Hill, Moree and Wilcannia.

 

One supporter of the work of the Regional and Remote Learning Support Team is education student Mrs Belinda Smith from Coonabarabran.

 

An educator with the Warrumbungle Shire Council, Mrs Smith is in her second year of a Bachelor of Education, which she hopes to complete in the end of 2014.

  

Mrs Smith joined a Mudgee study group organised by the Team during her first year at CSU.

 

“The Regional and Remote Learning Support Team helped me to become confident in academic writing and correct referencing,” Mrs Smith said. “The service has guided me in grammar and sentence structure and I feel I have come along way from where I began last year. 

 

“I am able to access Skype and face-to-face sessions to discuss any questions or concerns. 

 

“I have mainly dealt with James and I feel comfortable in discussing my assignments.

 

“Studying by distance education has its advantages as you can work at your own pace in the comfort of your home.  However, there is no peer support and there can be a feeling of isolation and disconnection form the traditional face-to-face classroom.

 

“I highly recommend this service to distance education students. The advice and guidance I have received over the past 18 months has been invaluable. 

 

“It has helped me become competent and confident in my ability to write in an academic style.”

 

You can read more about the Regional and Remote Learning Support here.