Frequently Asked Questions

Learning.Connected integrates six core areas - live (face-to-face) and independent learning, study support and wellbeing support, social activities, and professional development opportunities into your learning experience. 

For more information, see What is Learning.Connected?

We’ve learned a lot over the past 30 years and combining education best practice with leading technology and the latest research, we’ve built a blended learning model that has: 

• redesigned the learning experience, including redesigned live learning sessions, new technology and curriculum redesign to ensure that learning is active, preparing you for UTS and beyond 

• rich content to enhance learning with new engaging activities and authentic assessments  

• enhanced and consistent teacher presence on and offline 

• integrated and amplified academic support. You can access support when you need it, in a way that suits you 

• combined support from your teachers, Study Success Advisers, Studiosity and TalkCampus to ensure you’re supported 24/7 

• increased focus on building independent learning, communication and collaboration skills 

• online and on-campus social events 

• increased student voice, advocacy and leadership opportunities 

• integrated wellbeing programs backed by data.  

For more on the changes, see How is Learning.Connected different?

You’ll engage with ideas and concepts using interactive and engaging learning materials – this includes short videos that explain complex ideas; interactive quizzes; infographics, simulations, explanations, worksheets, reflections on learnings, and more.  

You’re in control of your own learning. You’ll engage with concepts – theory and information – outside of class via independent learning tasks, then come to the live class prepared to apply your learning to problems and exercises in the class. 

The benefits of Learning.Connected are many.

With Learning.Connected you’ll experience deep learning, support and opportunities to build your confidence and develops your skills of communication, collaboration, organisation, leadership, negotiation, resourcefulness, and critical thinking, and prepare you for UTS and your work future.

You’ll create valuable connections to support future collaborations and partnerships, and gain a competitive advantage by accessing a world of learning resources using the latest technology. You’ll be nurtured to develop a growth mindset and transferable, problem solving skills to use in any situation.

Learning.Connected offers the opportunity to:  

• use multimedia materials and technology to facilitate your learning     

• learn in a way that’s backed by research and best practice 

• improve your learning outcomes and learn in a fun, unique and interactive way 

• enhance your academic English language skills and proficiency  

• build the skills you need for academic and future success. 

Canvas is a learning management system or platform that enables online teaching and learning in a digital environment. Canvas provides discussion boards for independent work, chat rooms for live discussions, and email so you can stay in touch with your teachers and communicate with other students. You can also submit assignments, download resources and do all your independent learning activities on the platform. Teachers can post information, activities and assignments, and monitor how you are going. It’s your one-stop-shop with all your learning materials at your fingertips. 

Generally, students have two face-to-face ‘live learning’ tutorials each week – Tutorial A (1.5 hours) and Tutorial B (1 hour) – for each 6-credit point subject, which you must attend.  

In addition, you’re expected to undertake pre-class work (about 2.5 hours), between-class work (about 2.5 hours), and post-class work (about 2.5 hours), which may include a wide variety of learning activities, worksheets, quizzes and other tasks. These are clearly set out in your subject outline in Canvas and explained by your teacher. 

You’ll undertake approximately 10-12 hours of live and independent study each week, for each 6-credit point subject, and more for higher credit point subjects.  

Subjects that include laboratory (labs) and practical classes (pracs) will have additional face-to-face hours. Your Academic Coordinator will be able to advise you on your subject requirements. You can find their contact details in Canvas. 

For more information, see What does my week look like?  

Yes. You’ll undertake approximately 10-12 hours of live and independent study each week, for each 6-credit point subject, and more for higher credit point subjects.  

For 12-credit point subjects, the total time in live tutorials is 5 hours each week per subject, divided into 3-hour and 2-hour sessions.  

Our prac classes for the Diploma of Science follow the approach used by UTS. Learning in prac classes at UTS College is equal to or slightly more than that at UTS.

There will be around six to eight prac weeks per semester. Pracs are two to three hours each, depending on the subject, and are in addition to Tutorial A and B live classes.

The following Science subjects have prac / lab classes: SPSP001, SCHM001, SCHM002, SCBG001, SPAN001, SHAP001, SBCY001, EPHY001, SITM001, SPIA001.

You’ll find details and arrangements on Canvas or you can contact your Academic Coordinator or Program Manager in Canvas for more information on specific subjects.

Our prac classes for the Diploma of Engineering follow the approach used by UTS. Learning in prac classes at UTS College is aligned with prac sessions at UTS.

In general, you’ll have two tutorials per subject per week: Tutorial A (1.5 hours) and Tutorial B (1 hour). These are either on campus or Live Online.

Engineering subjects are like Science subjects in regards to pracs, and are dependent on the subject’s requirements.

Pracs are two to three hours each, depending on the subject, and are in addition to Tutorial A and B live classes.

You’ll find details and arrangements on Canvas, or you can contact your Academic Coordinator or Program Manager in Canvas for more specific information on subject requirements.

Learning in prac classes at UTS College is aligned with prac sessions at UTS.

In general, you’ll have two tutorials per subject per week: Tutorial A (1.5 hours) and Tutorial B (1 hour). 

IT pracs will be held for technical or practiced-based subjects and are in addition to Tutorial A and B. 

You’ll find the details and arrangements on Canvas, or you can contact your Academic Coordinator or Program Manager in Canvas for more specific information on subject requirements.

Canvas analytics and the design of the subjects gives teachers the ability to review all the students’ activity in Canvas and identify students who are and who aren’t doing the pre-and post-class work.   

This enables teachers to give feedback on work completed, along with the ability to reach out to students who aren’t completing work, and work with them, in conjunction with their Study Success Advisers and the Academic Coordinators. This is to ensure you stay on track, and any issues are quickly addressed. 

Teachers are also available to answer your questions via email, online discussions boards and in one-to-one consultations. Teachers will reach out to you if you’re struggling or not engaging or performing well.  

It also gives teachers the opportunity to reach out with positive feedback when you are doing well, giving you the confidence to keep on achieving!

Teachers can provide feedback to you within Canvas in many ways in addition to class hours, including:  

• via digital discussion boards used for class discussion between students, teachers and peers.

• via personalised emails and messages – course analytics in Canvas provide teachers with information on how much you’ve engaged with the coursework. Teachers will then follow up if you haven’t completed independent work and assignments. 

• via direct messaging within Canvas – teachers’ availability and contact information is accessible in Canvas, and you can contact teachers directly with any questions or concerns you may have.  

• in live classes – teachers interact with you in live class time, answering questions and providing feedback. 

• via written and verbal feedback on assignments and assessment tasks – along with providing a grade for completed work, teachers will also provide notes and comments on where you can improve. 

• via one-to-one sessions - to go over any concepts that you may be having difficulty with. You can also access Student Success Advisers and Studiosity in Canvas for additional help and support. 

Yes. Due to the analytics available in Canvas, teachers have a complete picture of each student, including engagement on assignments and assessment tasks, input into class discussions, and time spent on independent learning activities such as quizzes or interactive simulations. 

Using these analytics, teachers can then follow you up individually to discuss coursework, progress and address any issues you may be having, including whether you need additional support and assistance via Student Success Advisers or Studiosity. 

Having completed independent learning prior to tutorials, you’ll come ready to expand your knowledge of the subject. 

Tutorials include teacher and student-led discussions, concept checks, review of pre- and post-class work, presentations and relatable activities to deepen understanding and enhance collaboration with peers and teachers. 

You’ll engage with teachers and peers during live tutorials, studios and lab/prac sessions, forums, presentations, and discussions. 

Learning materials are detailed and interactive – supporting different styles of learning. 

Learning materials include videos, quizzes, concept checks, interactive simulations, presentations, reports, interactive worksheets, digital reading materials, digital bulletin boards, podcasts, social media content, textbooks, and more. You’ll be sure to find a way to learn that suits you. 

Learning.Connected ensures that all students learn equitably and have access to the same resources and learning opportunities.

Regular feedback and feedforward is provided on your pre- and post- class work, and your online activity is reviewed and consistently monitored. You’ll have many opportunities to engage with teachers and peers via discussion groups, formal assignments, and informal collaborations and group work.

You’re well supported by teachers and UTS College support services to stay on track. You’ll be given clear instructions, feedback and feedforward on independent work, and monitoring and follow up on your progress.

Learning.Connected is the model of teaching and learning across all academic programs at UTS College, including UTS Foundation Studies, diplomas and graduate certificates. Academic English is similar and also available in Canvas, but is not taught using the Learning.Connected model.  

With Learning.Connected, you’ll attend face-to-face classes for Tutorial A and Tutorial B (which replaces the previous lecture/tutorial format).

Learning.Connected prepares you for learning at UTS, with high levels of support, follow up, monitoring and engagement. 

During the last few years, we've learned there are more fun and engaging ways to learn. So, we’ve replaced lectures with interactive independent learning activities and small-sized tutorials that allow for more personalised attention and active, two-way engagement with your teachers. 

This program is designed to work with the UTS model of learning (Learning.Futures 2.0) and prepares you for learning (and success) at UTS. You'll learn the same curriculum, in the same way, with the same expected hours and activities, via Canvas.

Learning.Connected ensures that all students learn equitably and have access to the same resources and learning opportunities.

Our students who have experienced this way of learning already report feeling less stressed and anxious, and more prepared and supported for class, with a greater understanding of concepts prior to tutorials, and greater confidence in their abilities. 

Your academic performance is monitored by your teachers via Canvas, and your teachers and academic coordinators will follow your work every step of the way. Watch our videos on how you learn in Canvas to see how our teachers monitor, guide and assist your progress.  

You can access all the support services at UTS College, including Student Success Advisers, HELPS Centre, TalkCampus and Studiosity, in Canvas, plus attend study skills workshops, meet teachers in person, access peer support, and more.  

You can access Student Success Advisers (SSAs), who will counsel and support you with your academic and welfare needs. SSAs are available on campus and online, at a variety of times throughout the day. Appointments are easily booked through Canvas.

Our HELPS Centre also provides support for English language and academic skills development. HELPS courses are accessible in Canvas and include support for English language and presentation skills, referencing, academic writing and weekly resources that align with your course work. You can connect with a friendly HELPS team member via HELPS@utscollege.edu.au

Studiosity anytime anywhere numeracy, literacy and study support and assistance is also available online 24/7. Feedback on writing assignments is provided within 24 hours and the live chat function with tutors in science and maths is available 24/7 from anywhere in the world. These support services are in Canvas and easily accessible. 

You’ll have access to peer mentoring in-class and via TalkCampus, an online app providing peer support services, that is backed by psychologists.  

Access to UTS medical and counselling services is available for domestic students via UTS Student Services and via Medibank Services for offshore (international) students. You have improved access to health and wellbeing services in person, or online, and enhanced academic and mental health and wellness support.  

Our Student Success Advisers not only help with your studies but also any personal support you may need. 

For online resources and videos in Canvas, you can reach out for help on Canvas support in the first instance (found in Canvas). For content specifically in Canvas, teachers and Academic Coordinators will assist with any access issues. Content creators also use China-approved video tools like QQ Video, so that students in China can access them without a VPN. 

If it’s an account access issue, your first point of contact is the ITDS Service Desk team on +61 2 9218 7000. This is specifically for Canvas access issues. 

For internet or hardware issues, a digital toolkit is available to refer to, to ensure your device/internet speeds meet the minimum requirements. If they do meet requirements, but you experience further issues, IT Service Desk support is available. 

New online and on-campus social events and activities are available for all students, and are promoted through Canvas. You can also access ActivateUTS, which offers 130 clubs and societies and hundreds of events each year at UTS. 

The College Student Advisory Group (SAG) provides a platform for students to be open and honest about what they're experiencing and the ability to provide feedback. You will also have multiple opportunities to lead groups and discussions both in and out of class.  

There will be new opportunities for students to volunteer in leadership positions and learn leadership skills. New development programs will also be available for SAG members, along with improved student representation on the Academic Board.