Jan 26, 2008, 01:33 pm
Hey Jules,
I started my degree through OUA and was one of the first groups to start, the program began in 2005. Unfortunately it was difficult as we had precious little input, encouragement and support from the lecturers. In 2007 I transferred to CQU, and have not looked back!!! So firstly, students are sent a study guide (detailed) with given readings etc. It is expected as an external student that the readings are completed. I made copius notes of the readings, summarising in my own words what i had read. Towards the end of the semester, as part of my exam preparation, I would then go back to the learning objectives and review questions and answer them. If I was unable to answer a question, I would then go back over the relevant readings, to make sure I hadn't missed anything!!! Whilst this may seem in depth, it is necessary to keep up with the intenede schedule of study outlined in the study guide. This is particularly relevant for the science components, I managed HD's and D's for these subjects using this method. With CQU, there is a homepage for each subject, and a discussion board. I alaways use the boards to ask questions and pose ideas to make sure I am on the right track. The lecturers are fantastic and respond within short periods of time. Each semester prior to my clinical placements I have to attend residential schools, anything up to 1 week. Here I have face to face contact, with some of the lecturers (depending which campus I attend) and other students.Again, this input is valuable as an external student. Whilst on placement, I have an on-campus preceptor with whom I contact every week giving a brief outline on what I have done during the week, any problems I may be having etc. I also have a preceptor at the hospital who is there for me during my shift, but I work with an RN who has been assigned to me for the shift. The support and encouragement from staff (lecturers to admin) at CQU is second to none, and I find this method of study works for me. Having said that, I live in a rural/remote area of FNQ and for me on campus study is not an option, and as I really want to be an RN, this is the acceptable method of study for me. As stated in a previous post, you have to be motivated and self disciplined to study like this. Support from the uni also helps pave the way, I know that I can phone, email or post on the noticeboard if I need to. There are days when I tend to procrastinate, but as the light at the end of the tunnel draws nearer, I find I am being driven along!!! Some uni's are not flexible in their external delivery whilst others let you pick and choose subjects. It has takem me 3 years to complete, (2005-2008). I have 7 subjects to comlete in 2008 to finish my degree!!! WHOO HOOO!!!
Hope this helps you Jules, and feel free to "fire" questions if you need.
Regards
Celle
