How does studying online work?
Quite simply, studying online means that some of the learning and interaction that takes place in a physical classroom now takes place online. For example, students can log onto the SETU Waterford online learning system and view their lecture online as opposed to having to attend the physical classroom on campus. Students can contribute to online discussion forums to facilitate peer learning and collaboration with fellow students on the same programme in a similar manner to the discussions that took place on campus. Students may be also submitting their assignments online saving them the need to visit the campus and also reducing printing costs for the students. Each blended and online course includes an induction session for all students providing them with the opportunity to learn more about how the studying online works for that courses.
Is the online qualification the same as attending SETU Waterford full time?
Yes, the qualification is still the same as if you attending a SETU Waterford campus full time.
Are online courses accredited?
Yes, online courses are accredited and go through the same quality assurance procedures as the courses delivered full time on campus. Have a look at further detail on our courses that are delivered in a blended or online mode to find out more about the amount of credits and level of award for each course.
What is blended learning?
Blended learning is where some of the engagement that typically took place in a physical classroom environment on campus now takes place online. This online engagement with the students may take place in real time (or synchronously) through live delivery of lecturers or asynchronously where the students are reviewing pre-prepared learning resources and contributing to online discussion forums. Online engagement or activity is mixed with classroom meetings, replacing a significant percentage, but not all required face-to-face instructional activities. For example, if students on a module traditionally meet in a classroom three times a week, a blended version might use online sessions to replace one of two to the traditional weekly classroom sessions or to focus face-to-face sessions on laboratory or project work.
Taking some of that we do in a traditional classroom environment and engaging students in an online space enables us to make better use of our face to face time together in the classroom.
How much time does studying online take up?
Studying online takes as much time as studying in a traditional mode. The major time saving is that you are no longer having to commute to the campus to interact with your lecturers and fellow students. Additionally, studying online can provide you with greater flexibility allowing you to build your study schedule to suit you.
What technology do I need to study online?
You need a computer and access to the Internet. Most online activities take place in the SETU Waterford online learning system called Moodle which just internet access. Some courses might require specialist software, for example computer programming, but this is all clearly indicated in the course handbook and on the course information area on the SETU Waterford website.
You can also use the computer facilities in our Luke Wadding Library on the SETU Waterford main campus for studying and using online library resources.
How do I attend online classes? Do I have to be at my computer at a certain time each day?
It will be clearly indicated on the course information area on the SETU Waterford website and in the course handbook if you do need to attend online classes as a set time.
Some lecturers will be delivering their lectures live online in real time. You can log into the SETU Waterford online learning system to virtually attend these lectures, contribute to the discussions and interact in real time with your lecturers and your fellow students. You may need to at your computer at a certain time on specified days in order to interact with your lecture in real time. However, some lecturers might record these lecturers and allow you to view the recording afterwards if you can't make the live session due to other commitments.
Fulltime Blended Course Definition
Students undertaking Fulltime Blended learning courses will attend classes on campus Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. They will be required to complete online activities as part of their assessment.
Blended Course Definition
A significant percentage, but not all of the credits required for programme completion are offered fully online. Online activity is mixed with classroom meetings, replacing a significant percentage, but not all required face-to-face instructional activities. For example, if students on a module traditionally meet in a classroom three times a week, a blended version might use online sessions to replace one of two to the traditional weekly classroom sessions or to focus face-to-face sessions on laboratory or project work.
Online Course Definition
All credits required to complete the programme are offered as fully online modules. All module activity is done online; there are no required face-to-face sessions within the modules and no requirements for on-campus activity.