How will I study
Since 1999, we’ve developed an expertise in delivering our courses remotely using a blended learning method which embraces digital technologies to give you access to quality learning opportunities, wherever you live in Argyll.
Your course will generally be a mix of scheduled learning time in your local centre, and flexible learning time. You need to commit to both, but you can choose when to complete flexible learning to fit around work, caring and personal commitments.
You will attend your local centre to learn with your lecturers and classmates in an online classroom. As well as having fellow students with you in your local centre, you may also connect with students in our other locations.
Our courses use a combination of video conferencing (like a Zoom call), interactive chat and sharing of presentation slides and other visuals. Online classrooms provide you with real-time interaction, contact and discussion with your lecturer and fellow students, so it’s a much richer experience than purely online learning.
Connected Learning
Connected Learning
When we talk about ‘Connected Learning’ we mean that you will learn together with your lecturers and fellow classmates at a scheduled time. This will often be in an online virtual classroom, but may also be in a practical workshop, a studio, a specialist classroom, or outdoors, depending on the subject you have chosen to study.
If your connected learning takes place in an online classroom, this will include a combination of video conferencing (like a Zoom call), interactive chat and sharing of presentation slides and other visuals. Online-classrooms provide you with real time interaction, contact and discussion with your lecturer and fellow students, so it’s a much richer experience than purely online learning.
We have a network of college centres throughout Argyll and you will be rquired to attend classes in your local centre. Even where tuition is delivered remotely, you will benefit from the help and support of local staff, mixing with other students, as well as IT equipment in your local learning centre.
Flexible Learning
Flexible Learning
When we say ‘Flexible Learning’ we mean that your lecturer will ask you to complete some work in your own time, but within a set timescale – sort of like ‘homework’. This could include activities such as:
· posting your idea in a discussion forum,
· completing a quiz,
· practising a task, activity or idea
· watching a video or reading,
· discussing and working on a solution with another student,
· researching and gathering information,
· completing an assignment or project-based task.
You should also try to include some Self-directed Learning. It is your decision about further study and focus, but we encourage you to take ownership of your learning and areas of interest. You can ask us to help you to determine areas for further development.