At SETU Waterford we strive to make our courses open to all, to do this we keep the technology requirements as low as possible. Students undertaking a blended or online course will only need an internet connected computer and a web browser such as Google Chrome. For some activities, additional plugins might be required but we will guide students through this process.
We have many supports available to help students undertaking online courses including assigned study advisors for each student, peer support systems and a reintroduction to education programme should students need it. The staff in our Centre for Technology Enhanced Learning are available to help troubleshoot any problems students experience along the way.
We use a variety of web tools to give students access to, and assess students, on course material.
Moodle
Moodle is a learning management system, a website where our students can log in to access the course or programme they are undertaking. Here they will be able to view all course material, submit assignments and take assessments. Students will also be able to engage with their lecturer and classmates on Moodle to discuss class material and any issues they are having.
Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing platform that can be used inside your web browser and on mobile phones and tablets. Students can attend Zoom Classes from anywhere in the world and interact with the lecturer and other students using chat, their microphone or even with their own web camera. Students can attend the class live or watch cloud recordings of the class if they miss it through their Moodle modules
Turn It In
Turnitin is an Internet-based plagiarism detection service that is used for assignments on many courses. Students submit assignments in Moodle and Turnitin compares it against their database of material to check for plagiarism. Students can request a similarity score before submitting their assignment and make changes where necessary.
Learning Journals
A learning journal is a collection of notes, observations, thoughts and other relevant materials built-up during a course and usually accompanies a period of study, a placement experience or fieldwork. Its purpose is to enhance your learning through the very process of writing and thinking about your learning experiences. Your learning journal is personal to you and will reflect your personality and experience on the course. Marks may be awarded for use or journals to demonstrate the student’s understanding of course material.
Discussion Forums
In online courses, discussion forums provide a place for student-to-student and lecturer-to-student interaction. Within discussion forums, students share thoughts and review the ideas of others modelled through collegial, dialogic exchanges.