Future Distance Students

Online Learning

Open Foundation by Distance is an online learning program delivered through the University's virtual learning environment, Blackboard. Once enrolled in your courses you will receive information about how to access the Blackboard site.

What you will need for online study:

As all your course notes, readings and other learning material such as video and audio are delivered online in OF by Distance, you will need to be able to access:

  • a computer; and
  • an ADSL or wireless broadband connection or a wireless internet connection.

It is important to realise that OF by Distance students can organise a variety of different ways and places to access these tools: not just 'at home'.

Depending on your location and daily activities, you can readily find public online access at:

  • local libraries;
  • local community centres;
  • a place of work;
  • internet cafes (with a small cost);
  • chain computer retailers (with a small cost for hourly usage);
  • some major chain food retailers (free wireless internet access), and so on.

Or, you might be able to set up online learning access with:

  • an inexpensive netbook or tablet, with
  • a prepaid or postpaid USB or wireless modem, and/or
  • access to wireless 'hotspots'.

IMPORTANT: If you would like to apply to enrol in Open Foundation by Distance but believe you will not have sufficient online access to do so, please contact the Foundation Studies office and ask to speak with the Distance Support Coordinator.

When does it start?

Open Foundation by Distance begins on Monday 20 February (Week Zero). Access to Blackboard will be available to students from 9am that day.

During Week Zero you will need to log in to Blackboard for 1-2 hours per day (Monday 20th Feb - Friday 24th Feb) to complete daily information and activities.

Do I need to attend campus during the year?

Saturday Workshops

Two workshops are offered each semester at the University's Callaghan campus (in Newcastle). One is offered at the Port Macquarie campus in first semester of each year.

While Saturday Workshops are not compulsory, you are encouraged to try and attend these. Workshop dates are provided once you begin the program.

Examinations

Exams are a compulsory part of undertaking Open Foundation by Distance. Exams take place at the end of each 10 unit course - i.e. in June and November. See the Semester Dates for the dates of the examination period.

Note: Open Foundation by Distance commences in 'Week Zero' (one week before Week 1).

We anticipate that exams will be held in major regional centres. You will be notified by email about examination procedures and venues well in advance of these dates. Examinations will be conducted during business hours Monday to Friday, and you must ensure that you are available to sit exams during this period.

How can I access resources and support as a distance student?

As an enrolled student you will have access to:

  • the University campus libraries (there are two at Callaghan, one at Ourimbah, and one at Port Macquarie);
  • community libraries in your local area;
  • Regional Study Groups in a number of centres across NSW;
  • Learning Development Advisors to assist with academic skills;
  • Counsellors for Foundation Studies students; and
  • Support from Mentors (past OF by Distance students).

More information about these services and resources will be provided during Week Zero.

What courses can I study?

Like the part-time on-campus program, the Distance program is a 40 unit program conducted over the course of a full year. You are required to study two courses (each worth 10 units) in Semester 1; and two courses (each worth 10 units) in Semester 2.

The descriptions of courses available in OF by Distance, as well as the Faculty Recommendations for which courses may match your degree preferences, may help you make your course selections.

Note: You should choose Part 1 of each course for Semester 1 and plan to study Part 2 of these courses in Semester 2, e.g. Australian History 1 and Earth Science 1 in Semester 1, and Australian History 2 and Earth Science 2 in Semester 2.

Assessment

Assessment in each of your courses is made up of 50% progressive assessment (assignments, essays and class tests) and 50% final exams. You will need to pass all four 10 unit courses to pass the program.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or phone the Foundation Studies office to request a paper form.

What happens after I apply?

If successful in gaining entry to the program, you will receive a letter of offer in the mail from mid-January onwards. This letter will contain instructions on how to enrol in your courses, purchase your textbooks and order your student card.

Once you have set up your IT access and enrolled in your courses, you will be ready to start Open Foundation by Distance.

You will then need to log in to Blackboard to commence your study in Week Zero on Monday 20th February.