Learning online
Learning online has lots of benefits but there can be some challenges too. Here you will find tips and tools that you can use to support you on your online learning journey.
Some challenges you may encounter when learning online, include:
- staying focused and motivated
- feeling connected with others
- using digital tools
- finding help when needed.
Maintaining motivation and not feeling isolated are important in staying enthusiastic about your studies. Keep in touch with your lecturers and classmates and make the most of digital tools available to help stay connected.
Wes Howard, Language and Learning Adviser
This video has practical suggestions to overcome some of these challenges. The second part of the video highlights the Deakin supported tools that you can use to collaborate and connect with others during your studies, including Microsoft Teams, One Drive and Zoom.
Access to free tools at Deakin
- Browse Deakin’s software library and download Microsoft OneDrive and Microsoft Teams, the preferred collaboration tools at Deakin.
- Bookmark LinkedIn Learning and access the video tutorials covering the latest software, as you need it.
Remember, if you have a question about your Deakin password, Wi-Fi or printing you can Ask IT for Help.
More free tools
Planning
- Trimester planner and Deakin assignment planner to help you stay on top of your assessments and study schedule.
- XMind a brainstorming and mind mapping app that allows users to quickly capture and organise ideas. Available from the Deakin Software Library.
Collaborating
Work with your study group, share ideas and complete group assignments using these collaborative tools.
- Microsoft One Drive for Business - gives you 1TB of online storage and allows you to store, share and collaborate on files through Deakin’s Office 365 Plan.
- Microsoft Office Online - work in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote on any device. You can also download a desktop version of MS Office 365 using the Deakin Software Library. If it is your first time using Office 365, read this guide on setting up your account.
- Microsoft Teams – Teams is tool that allows you to video conference, present, screen share, and to store and collaborate on documents. You might be asked to use Teams in some of units, but you can use Teams independently to create a meeting with classmates via your Deakin Outlook calendar. We recommend you download Teams to support seamless collaboration throughout your degree with both Deakin Staff and Students.
Learn how to use Teams with MS Teams essential training tutorial from LinkedIn Learning. - Zoom is another cloud video platform used at Deakin. Learn more about: Downloading Zoom and Signing in to Zoom at Deakin.
Note-taking
OneNote is another Microsoft productivity tool and is included in your MS OneDrive account. It is also integrated with MS Teams. Use OneNote to capture your class notes, record audio, create a sketch, add pictures, videos, and any other document. You can then organise everything into notebooks, sections, and pages.
Find out how to create notebooks and learn the features of OneNote with the Learning One Note tutorial from Linked in Learning.
Etiquette
Understanding what is expected of you when engaging with your unit discussion forums and online classrooms is important. Treat your online classes the way you would your face to face classes and always communicate professionally and respectfully. Follow the 3Cs of communication at Deakin when communicating in your unit discussion forums and online classes
- be curious to find out something new
- be constructive in your comments
- be compassionate to others in your unit by taking into consideration their perspective.
Find more tips and suggestions on online etiquette withour guide to communicating online.