1999 Distance Education Handbook

Tuition methods

Course materials
Academic assistance

Course materials

Course materials are generally mailed to students. The materials are carefully structured and specifically designed for independent study and may be a combination of print form, audio or video tape, computer disk, CD-Rom or experimental kit. On line delivery of materials is increasing. The materials provide an overview of studying the subject, the assessment requirements, subject content and some reading and reference material. These may also be supplemented by the use of a computer mediated communication system to facilitate interaction with teaching staff and fellow students. Most subjects have prescribed textbook(s), and some may require software which the student is responsible for purchasing. Some, or all, of the subject material is mailed out prior to the commencement of semester. Students may commence studying as soon as the materials are received.

Academic assistance

Academic assistance with the materials can be obtained from teaching staff by telephone, letter, facsimile or electronic mail. Strategies are also in place to enable students to contact other students studying the same subject. More information on these will be provided following enrolment.