Charles Sturt University (CSU) has enhanced the delivery of courses to help childcare centre staff upgrade their early childhood education qualifications.

 

Ms Denise Wood, lecturer at the CSU Faculty of Education, said, “The Faculty has made a number of changes to how the Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) course is delivered. Traditionally, this course is offered fully by distance education. The Faculty is now embedding face-to-face support into the program from 2013 to increase the level of engagement and personal connection that regional and remote students have with the study experience.

 

“We know that studying by distance education offers flexibility and convenience, but it can also be isolating when students find the material difficult or the workload too heavy.

 

“This supported education model is designed to reassure those students who feel hesitant to commence university study that support will be available to help them succeed. It will familiarise students with the resources available to them, help them relate to fellow distance education students, and ensure they are able to make a seamless and well-supported transition to university.”

 

The initiatives include offering an in-person orientation session to provide an overview of the course, an explanation of what is expected of students, and information on how to access support services and online study services. There will be a two-day ‘Transitioning to University’ workshop, and monthly student get-togethers via videoconference. These sessions will be held at CSU in Port Macquarie, and at the University’s study centres in Parkes and Griffith.

 

Acting manager of the Faculty, Ms Margaret Hamilton, said, “The course has also been redeveloped to ease students into university study. Subjects have been revised to better build on the students’ previous education and experience, and tutors will be available to discuss the course and assignment work with students online and via telephone.

 

“Students will then be encouraged to attend monthly study groups via videoconference to help them keep pace with the course material and stay connected with other students in the course. As the students progress through the course, they will gain the confidence and skills necessary to succeed in their studies.

 

“We also hope this initiative will improve tertiary education participation by providing better support to students making the transition from the VET / TAFE sector.”

 

The campus director of CSU in Port Macquarie, Dr Muyesser Durur, said, “There is a significant shortage of tertiary-qualified early childhood educators in the Mid North Coast region, and we are delighted to be able offer a solution that will enhance student success and build capacity in the sector”.