Learning materials are generally mailed to students. The materials are carefully structured and specifically designed for independent study and are a combination of print, audio, video, computer disk, CDROM, world wide web or experimental kit. Online delivery of materials is becoming progressively more important.
The materials provide an overview of studying the unit, the assessment
requirements, unit content and some reading and reference material. They may
also be supplemented by a computer-mediated communication system to facilitate
interaction with teaching staff and fellow students. Most units have prescribed
textbook(s), and some may require software that the student is responsible
for purchasing.
Some, or all, of the unit learning materials are mailed out prior to the
commencement of semester. Students may commence studying as soon as the
materials are received.
Academic assistance with the materials can be obtained from teaching staff by telephone, letter, fax, electronic mail, discussion groups and other forms of computer-mediated communication. These technologies are also used to enable students to contact other students studying the same unit. More information on these will be provided following enrolment.
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