Requirements
Communication technologies
Computer access: It will be the responsibility of the school to provide students with access to a computer with an internet connection at school. It is essential that students have access to a reliable computer with internet access at home.
Computer hardware: The courses are designed to be cross platform therefore a PC or MAC computer is appropriate. Obviously the later the model and operating system then the better the performance. An operating system requirement is not specified.
Computer software: The course content is delivered using standard internet browser software and a web based email system. A communication software client (Elluminate and/ or DiscoverE) is required to be downloaded and installed.
While not manditory a word processing software program such as Microsoft word or Open Office to complete howework tasks is also essential. If this software is not available there are a number of technical solutions that can be worked through and put in place.
The Software Design and Development course requires student to have access to a programming language software. The Microsoft Visual Basic software is used and can be downloaded as required.
Computer problems: Andrew Burgess can assist with computer problems, even after hours. Because students are required to be in contact each week and have a schedule of tasks and homeworkâs to complete it is vital that computer and internet conectivity problems are dealt with quickly.
Technical support: Initially contact your teacher and then Andrew Burgess by phone or email.
Using the technology: Below are links to documents to help you with various technologies
Textbooks
The document below provides information on texts for each course. Students will need to check the arrangements at each school regarding the issuing / purchase of text and workbooks for each course.
Please make sure you have the text and workbooks as required for each course. Some courses are also supported by CDs, DVDs and printed notes to avoid excessive internet downloads. They will be posted or collected from your mentor as required. Students are required to have the texts and workbooks for the start of the course.
Specific student requirements - all courses
As part of an online course students will be required to:
- participate in a number of online orientation sessions during the January school holidays, 2012
- devote between 6- 8 hours per week to the course (includes time at school and at home)
- work with diligence and sustained effort
- complete all tasks and weekly homework exercises in the time period specified
- log in to the course website at least once per week
- be in email contact with your teacher at least once per week
- respond to all email and course requests
- attend the regional workshops
- be present for a weekly lesson and tutorial sessions using the Eluminate or DiscoverE software once per week
- be provided with access to, and appropriate time on, a home and school computer
School mentors
As part of the support network for students a mentor teacher will be based in each school. The mentor is the first point of contact for students needing guidance and support and may also provide supervision for students when they are online. Another role of the mentor is to keep in contact with the appointed online teacher and monitor student progress. They also have the responsibility for the coordination of exams and other assessment events that the student attempts at school.
The mentor is the first person students contact at school if they need assistance or have a problem. They will also supervise progress and any formal assessment tasks at school. Some schools may have rules and specific requirements of students during study periods.
Homework, examinations, assessment and reporting
A weekly homework record is kept by the teacher and passed on to the home school through the mentor.
All formal assessment tasks will be conducted at school. The internet will not be used as a means of conducting formal assessment tasks. Students school reports for this subject will be issued by the Online Education Centre twice yearly.
The trial Higher School Certificate follows the Catholic schools trail examination timetable.
All HSC external exams for online courses are sat at the same location as all other courses studied at the home school. The paper for the online course will be delivered to the home school presiding officer.
The HSC assessment policy for online courses may well be different to each individual school assessment policy. Students need to be familiar with both policies.
