UTS College is getting 2022 off to a flying start with the launch of a new model of learning. It’s a fresh approach that combines live and independent learning, with the comprehensive support and student welfare services UTS College is known for. Called Learning.Connected, the new model will offer students in diploma courses and Pre-Master's Programs an even stronger foundation for success at UTS and beyond.
Learning for the 21st Century
Known as a blended, or ‘hybrid’ model of learning, it’s designed to help students develop critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills – essential for the 21st Century workplace – in the nurturing, supportive environment of UTS College. Videos, interactive simulations, discussions, quizzes, concept checks and 24/7 access to learning materials enhance active feedback from teachers and fellow students to help keep students engaged as they develop confidence as independent learners and skilled communicators.
Tim Laurence, Dean of Studies, says, “All our diploma and pre-master’s curricula have been designed to provide a highly engaging and interactive learning experience. Our new model offers an active learning environment that supports growth and development while continuing to provide students with deep subject knowledge, understanding of core concepts, and preparation for study at UTS.”
Future-focused and student-centred
Built on leading, evidence-based research, Learning.Connected integrates technology and best-practice education to fully engage students with their learning. Support, social opportunities, and wellbeing resources are built in. The active style of learning helps them to understand concepts and gain confidence as independent learners and skilled communicators, with ongoing guidance and support.
Active monitoring and comprehensive feedback are embedded in every activity, whether students are engaged in live lessons or self-directed tasks. There is lively collaboration with teachers and peers inside and outside the classroom – aided by workshops, academic support services, and study success advisers.
“As students become better collaborators and leaders,” says Sally Payne, Associate Dean of Studies, “they’re ultimately preparing to be more confident, more active participants in the workforce. Skills such as resourcefulness and critical thinking are highly valued in a rapidly changing world.”
Combining creativity, innovation, and technology
Importantly, Learning.Connected aligns closely with UTS theory and practice, combining creativity, innovation, and technology. Students explore new ideas and concepts in preparation for each class, collaborate with teachers and peers during class, and discover opportunities to embed new learnings between and after classes.
UTS College Diploma student Bianca Basset is enthusiastic about the new approach, especially the pre-tutorial learning. She says, “It’s great to have knowledge of what you’re going to cover in a tutorial before you go in. You come to class ready and prepared, which I find incredibly important. You learn the basic concepts before class, then you apply and solidify them in class, work through the worksheets and examples with your teacher and ask any questions you may have. I can focus on contributing answers in class without worrying about jotting things down. It takes away the anxiety and stress, because you already understand the concepts and know what’s coming.”
Learning.Connected is enabled by the latest education technology, with 24/7 access to online literacy, numeracy and study support and Canvas, a sophisticated learning management system. Bianca says, “Canvas makes it all so much easier to follow. Everything is well laid-out and easy to find.”
A fun way to study
Fellow student Yuhao Shen (known to his friends as ‘Neil’) agrees. “Canvas is a great way to connect with the school, the other students and the teachers – and students can give their feedback to teachers as well,” he says. “I’m very satisfied with this way of learning. It’s convenient, easy to contact teachers, and to check what I need to do for the week. I can access the content I need at any time. I think it’s a fun way to study because you can use just about any method to help you revise what you need to learn.”
Students like Bianca and Neil are already enjoying the benefits of this exciting, student centred learning model. Bianca says, “I also think it’s a really good stepping-stone to what’s to come, and I’m glad to have that foundation going into university.