When Yesol Kim is asked to share the key lesson she’s learnt about adapting to Remote Learning, she doesn’t hesitate. “The most important thing is WIFI. Without the WIFI, I can’t do anything!"
Now in the second semester of her Diploma of Engineering at UTS Insearch, Yesol, who is from South Korea, has experienced both face-to-face classes and Remote Learning. “Before, I could meet my friends and teachers in the lecture room, but now we meet via RingCentral or Zoom,” she says. “I can attend a lecture in my home, which means I can do almost anything at home. And I think there’s no difference in the quality of education between face-to-face teaching and Remote Learning."
Good time management is essential
Yesol was quick to realise that good time management was essential for this new way of learning. She says, “With more time than I had before, I decided I had to use my time efficiently, so I could watch my lectures and study when I could concentrate best. It’s important to find the best time for your concentration. If you take a rest and just lie on the bed, the time can really fly before you know it. That’s why I recommend you make a detailed plan. Also, try to separate your study space from your resting space. Don’t study on the bed – study when you sit at your desk."
Nothing to fear
Even though Remote Learning is a new experience for most students, Yesol says there’s nothing to fear. “You might be afraid of doing something you’ve never done before. I understand. But there’s no need to worry because it’s easy to follow the process of Remote Learning. UTS Insearch sends all the information and materials you need,” she says. “Just like face-to-face learning, anyone can ask questions during the online lectures. And if you’re too shy to ask in class, you can email your teacher. Some teachers offer one-to-one consulting for students who need help. I think that shows how supportive the UTS Insearch teachers are."
Plenty of support available
Yesol also points out that there’s extra support available when it’s needed. She says, “I had a wonderful experience with a Study Success Adviser. For my Communications class, my first assignment was to tell my story to the class for three minutes. I’m a shy student, and I was very worried about it. I was afraid of speaking in English too, so I booked a meeting with a Study Success Adviser for 30 minutes. It was so useful to me. They explained how we can control our shyness and think about our body language, and how to tell my story in an academic structured. Then I practised as if I was making a real presentation. It helped me and I got a good grade."
Doing so much work online has sharpened Yesol’s computer skills, which was an unexpected benefit. “I can use many new applications now to make group meetings and talk to my friends when we have a group assignment. I’ve learnt to record my lectures, so now I can replay and revise, which helps me understand more about my topics,” she says.
Time to practise other things
The extra time at home has given Yesol an opportunity to explore some personal interests. She says, “I love music, and I enjoy both singing and playing instruments, so a few weeks ago I bought a pink acoustic guitar to practise on. One day, I want to play my guitar in front of the Opera House, with a fantastic singer."