Welcome to the final day of Innovative Learning Week.
This week we have been sharing the thoughts and experiences of Edinburgh online distance-learning graduates. I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the graduates who supported us with this initiative.
The final question that we asked them was a rather free ranging one:
What other insight or advice you would like to offer current ODL students?
Here’s what they said:
Recognise the opportunity you have:
- See your course as a great opportunity!
- Enjoy the course – my Edinburgh journey was very fulfilling and motivating
- Online distance learning offers the best avenue to exploit personal abilities. Working with studies keeps one upright and alert.
Consider what to focus on and the opportunities that your choices will present:
- Again, pick a topic that truly interests you. Look for a programme that builds a bit of a community, you will be alone most of the time and this can help.
Some practical tips:
- Don’t shy away from getting clarity on the assignment questions
- Take full advantage of the personal tutor you’ve been allocated, they are very friendly and very helpful when you have any academic queries.
- If you’re struggling with the workload don’t be afraid to talk to your tutors about it.
- Try to stay engaged with your ODL coursework throughout the week, even if it’s doing a little reading on your lunch break or commute.
- Read and understand what constitutes plagiarism, a good number of my batch mates lost marks due to this.
It may not always be easy, but keep motivated and you will succeed:
- Even if times are hard, try to motivate yourself, you are able to do it!
- If you think you would need certain number of hours per week for a course, it is likely double that in reality. Make sure you adjust your schedules!
- It is hard to balance full time work and study. Your social life will suffer but the end will appear in sight!
- Commit time to work and studies according to the time you have available.
- Utilize the opportunity you have at Edinburgh, keep up with the work, submit assignments on time, discuss with other students, consult your mentors and tutors and the rest will be history.
What advice could you offer to your fellow ODL students?
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I hope that you have enjoyed this careers event. Although we are now at the end of Innovative Learning Week, you can continue to ‘follow’ Career Connect – if you have not already signed up to do so by email, you will find our ‘follow’ tab at the top right hand side of the Career Connect home page.
Thanks to all who participated in this event.