Considering starting online study?

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Adult learner wearing headphones studies a course online
An adult learner takes notes while completing a course at home.

Studying Vocational Education Online

Includes information from Val (Virtual Assistant for Learning), RMIT University. (2026). Studying Vocational Education Online at RMIT: A practical guide for new students [AI-generated guidance document]

A practical guide for new students

Studying a Vocational Education (VE) qualification online can provide flexibility while helping you develop practical, industry-relevant skills. Online study still requires regular participation, planning and communication.

Important: Online delivery, attendance expectations, assessment arrangements and technology requirements can vary between qualifications and providers/institutions. Check course information, enrolment communication etc and consider phoning or emailing to get the answers you’re seeking.

1. Understand what online study involves

  • Online study is not necessarily self-paced. Check this!
    You may have scheduled classes, workshops, group activities, assessment due dates and practical requirements.

Example: You may be expected to attend a live online class every Tuesday evening, complete learning activities during the week and submit an assessment by Sunday.

  • Your course may include a combination of online and practical activities.
    Some vocational qualifications require demonstrations of practical skills, work placement, workplace observations or attendance at a campus or industry setting.

Example: A course may deliver theory through a Learning Management System (at RMIT that is called Canvas) and online classes but require practical assessment in a training facility or a work placement (and work placements may or may not organised for you – it’s important to check).

  • Participation is important.
    Logging in is not the same as engaging. You may need to contribute to discussions, complete quizzes, attend virtual meetings and communicate with your teachers.
  • Read your course and unit information carefully.
    Look for details about:
    • Class times and attendance
    • Assessment tasks and due dates. Suggestion: ask for examples of assessment tasks
    • Work placement or practical requirements
    • Required software and equipment
    • Support services
    • Communication methods used by your teachers

2. Prepare your study space

  • Choose a regular place to study.
    It does not need to be a separate room, but it should be reasonably quiet, well-lit and suitable for concentrating.

Example: Use a desk in a shared living area and let others know when you are attending class or completing an assessment.

  • Keep your learning materials organised.
    Create folders for each unit, both digitally and physically if required.
  • Reduce distractions.
    Silence unnecessary notifications, use headphones where appropriate and tell family or housemates when you should not be interrupted. Suggestion: close the door, put a sign on the door and inform others.
  • Have a backup study location.
    If your internet connection, home environment or equipment is unreliable, identify another suitable location such as on campus, or a public library. Suggestion: in an emergency you can often use your phone as a hot spot or could use a McDonald’s carpark for Wi-Fi for instance.

3. Check your technology

Before classes begin, make sure you have access to the following:

  • A reliable computer.
    A laptop or desktop computer is usually more suitable than a mobile phone or tablet for writing assignments, joining classes and using specialist software.
  • A stable internet connection.
    Online classes, video resources and file uploads can use significant data.
  • A webcam and microphone.
    These may be needed for live classes, presentations, discussions or assessment activities.
  • Headphones or a headset.
    Headphones can improve sound quality and reduce background noise.
  • Up-to-date software – the institution will tell you which hardware and software is needed.
    Depending on your qualification, you may need:
    • A web browser
    • Word-processing and spreadsheet software
    • PDF-reading software
    • Video-conferencing software
    • Industry-specific applications
  • A secure way to store files.
    Save important work in more than one location, such as your computer and approved cloud storage.

Example: Save an assessment as UnitName_Assessment1_YourName.docx and keep a backup copy before submitting it.

  • A mobile phone as a backup communication device.
    Your phone may help you receive important notifications, but it should not be your only device for completing course work.

Before your first class

  • Test your camera and microphone.
  • Check that your browser and required applications are working.
  • Learn how to upload and download files.
  • Practise joining an online meeting.
  • Check that you know how to mute and unmute your microphone.
  • Make sure your device has enough storage and battery power.
  • Install updates before, rather than during, an important class or assessment.

SUGGESTION: If you do not have suitable equipment or internet access, contact the institution as early as possible to ask about available support and options.  Sometimes you can borrow, hire or purchase second hand through the institution and sometimes they have grants available if there is hardship.

4. Become familiar with the institution’s online learning environment

For instance RMIT online students may use several digital systems. Your course information will explain which systems apply to you.

  • Canvas: An LMS (Learning Management System) usually used to access learning materials, announcements, activities, assessment information and feedback.
  • Student email: Check your student email regularly for official communication.
  • Online class or meeting tools: Teachers may use these for live lessons, consultations, group work or presentations.
  • Digital library and learning resources: These may provide access to readings, research materials and study assistance.

A useful first-week checklist

  • Open each unit in the LMS.
  • Read the welcome message and unit information.
  • Find the assessment instructions and due dates.
  • Check the class timetable.
  • Introduce yourself if your teacher invites students to do so.
  • Locate technical and academic support information.
  • Add important dates to your calendar.
  • Ask questions about anything you do not understand.

5. Plan your time

Online study requires you to manage your own time. Create a weekly routine that includes classes, independent study, assessment preparation and breaks.

  • Use a calendar or planner.
  • Record every due date as soon as you receive it.
  • Break large assessments into smaller tasks.
  • Start early, particularly if an assessment requires research, recording, group work or practical preparation.
  • Allow extra time for technical problems or unexpected events.

Example weekly plan

ActivitySuggested time
Live online classTuesday, 6:00–8:00 pm
Review class notesWednesday, 30–60 minutes
Complete learning activitiesThursday, 1–2 hours
Work on assessmentSaturday, 2 hours
Check announcements and plan next weekSunday, 20 minutes

The amount of time required will vary. Follow the guidance provided by your teacher and course team.

6. Participate actively in online classes

  • Attend scheduled classes whenever possible.
  • Read or watch preparation materials before class.
  • Keep your microphone muted when you are not speaking.
  • Use the chat, reactions or discussion tools appropriately.
  • Ask questions when instructions or concepts are unclear.
  • Take notes in your own words.
  • Participate in group activities and discussions, and if asked to, use the chat panel.
  • Notify your teacher if you cannot attend or are experiencing difficulties.

Example question:
Instead of saying, “I don’t understand the assessment,” ask:
“Could you clarify whether the assessment requires one workplace example for each criterion?”

Active participation helps you check your understanding and build relationships with your teacher and classmates.

7. Develop effective online study habits

  • Log in regularly. Check the LMS and your student email, even when you do not have a live class.
  • Complete learning activities in order. They are often designed to prepare you for assessment.
  • Use active learning techniques. Summarise key points, make a glossary, practise procedures and explain concepts aloud.
  • Keep a list of questions. Ask them during class or contact your teacher.
  • Review feedback. Use comments on one assessment to improve your next task.
  • Avoid leaving everything until the deadline. Online systems may become busy, and uploading large files can take time.
  • Use appropriate file names and formats. Follow your assessment instructions carefully.
  • Keep evidence of your work. Save drafts, research notes, completed activities and submission receipts where appropriate.

8. Communicate with your teachers and classmates

Good communication is an important part of online learning.

  • Check announcements and messages frequently.
  • Use your student email account for course communication – if that is what was instructed.
  • Write clear and respectful messages.
  • Include the unit name and assessment number when asking about an assessment.
  • Explain what you have already tried before requesting help.
  • Allow reasonable time for a response, check turnaround time, “within 2 working days” is a reasonable time-frame, same day responses are not as teachers aren’t available 24/7.
  • Suggestion– check if there is an online discussion board – most institutions have these per course subject and students, as well as teachers, post comments, queries and solutions, you can work on things together with your classmates using the online board.
  • Let your teacher know early if illness, work or personal circumstances may affect your study.

Example message

Subject: BSBXXX Assessment 1 question

Hello [Teacher’s name],
I am preparing Assessment 1 and would like to clarify whether the written response should include references. I have checked the assessment instructions and rubric but could not find this information.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

You can also build a sense of community by introducing yourself, contributing constructively to discussions and supporting classmates.

9. Understand assessment requirements

Vocational assessment is often designed to demonstrate that you can apply skills and knowledge in realistic situations.

  • Read the complete assessment task before beginning.
  • Check the instructions, criteria, required evidence and submission method.
  • Pay attention to words such as describe, explain, demonstrate, compare and evaluate.
  • Use the assessment checklist or rubric to review your work.
  • Ask your teacher about requirements before the due date.
  • Do not submit work that you have not checked for completeness.
  • Keep a copy of your submission and any confirmation that it was received.

Example:
If an assessment asks you to demonstrate a procedure, a written description alone may not be sufficient. You may need to provide a video, participate in a live demonstration or complete the task in a practical setting.

Some assessments may require identity checks, recorded presentations, supervised activities or workplace evidence. Follow RMIT’s instructions about privacy, consent and acceptable evidence.

10. Practise academic integrity and responsible use of AI

  • Submit your own work unless collaboration is specifically permitted.
  • Acknowledge information, images and ideas from other sources.
  • Do not copy another student’s work.
  • Do not share completed assessments with classmates.
  • Follow the assessment instructions about spelling tools, translators and generative AI.
  • If AI tools are permitted, use them transparently and check all information carefully.
  • Never submit AI-generated content as your own if this is not allowed.

Example:
You might be permitted to use an AI tool to brainstorm ideas, but required to write, verify and reference the final response yourself. The assessment instructions take priority.

11. Protect your privacy and online security

  • Use strong, unique passwords.
  • Do not share your student login details.
  • Lock your computer when you step away.
  • Be cautious when opening unexpected links or attachments.
  • Avoid recording classes unless you have permission.
  • Do not share classmates’ personal information, images or comments.
  • Use approved systems to store and submit course work.
  • Obtain permission before recording or photographing other people.

If you suspect that your account has been compromised, contact the appropriate IT support service promptly.

12. Look after your wellbeing

Online study can be flexible, but it can also feel isolating or difficult to balance with employment, family responsibilities and other commitments.

  • Take regular screen breaks.
  • Maintain a reasonable sleep and study routine.
  • Include movement and time away from your desk.
  • Stay connected with classmates, teachers and support services.
  • Ask for help early if you are falling behind.
  • Speak with the institution if personal circumstances are affecting your participation or assessment. They will have trained support staff and support teams you can connect with.
  • At RMIT you can also book in one-on-one assistance from library staff and, also with specialists who support those with LLND support needs, this can be organised at enrolment or initiated once the course is underway.  Your teacher can assist, or you can keep it confidential.

You do not need to manage every challenge alone, training organisations provides student support services, and your course team can help you identify appropriate assistance.

13. Use support services

Contact the institution when you need assistance with:

  • Accessing the LMS or other online systems
  • Technology and account problems
  • Understanding course or assessment requirements
  • Study skills and academic learning
  • Disability and accessibility adjustments
  • Personal, health or wellbeing concerns
  • Managing competing work, family and study commitments

For current information about support, course requirements and Vocational Education online study, use the official website, your student portal and your LMS.

14. A simple formula for successful online study

Prepare + participate + plan + communicate + review

  • Prepare: Set up your technology, study space and course access.
  • Participate: Attend classes and complete activities.
  • Plan: Organise your time and begin assessments early.
  • Communicate: Ask questions and contact your teacher when you need help.
  • Review: Check feedback and improve your approach.

Final checklist

Before starting your Vocational Education online course, make sure you can:

  • Access your student account and email.
  • Open your study units on the LMS (Learning Management System).
  • View your timetable and assessment dates.
  • Use a suitable computer, webcam and microphone.
  • Join an online class.
  • Upload and download files.
  • Identify where to obtain technical and student support.
  • Create a weekly study routine.
  • Contact your teacher if you have questions or challenges.
  • Join online discussion boards and contribute to chats, discussions and forums – other people will also be wanting to talk-through questions and interact with others.

Online learning is most successful when you treat it as a regular commitment, stay connected with your course community and seek assistance early.

From Karen Squire-Ryan, using RMIT website, RMIT’s AI (VAL) and own ideas.

12/11/2026

Volunteer Perspectives

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Volunteer Perspectives – it’s not one-way.

It’s commonly known that volunteering has many benefits, for multiple parties.

Volunteering Australia1 (amongst others) tell us that (in summary):

  • Volunteering is associated with better perceived mental health and quality of life (for volunteers)
  • Volunteering benefits vary among groups with mental health benefits especially pronounced for older people, unemployed people and people with chronic health conditions

 Volunteer south west2 report that employees in organisations who run volunteer programs gain:

  • a sense of personal satisfaction and fulfilment
  • new learning experiences outside normal job parameters
  • new and more positive perception of career, workplace, peers and management team
  • unique opportunities to interact with people from other areas within the company thus improving communication and teamwork
  • opportunities to meet new people and explore new situations and challenges
  • opportunities for pathways into community involvement (employees reaching retirement age)

and that organisations themselves gain:

  • increased company pride and loyalty by staff
  • better employee attendance, recruitment and retention
  • improved staff morale, motivation, team spirit and initiative
  • enhanced workplace relationships
  • new skill development opportunities for staff
  • a more positive corporate image
  • heightened and positive recognition by customers and consumers
  • new business opportunities
  • transformed relationship between the company and the local community

From a community perspective, many services, activities and marginalised groups’ care would fall by the way-side if not for volunteers. Particularly in relation to caring roles, volunteers often perform key tasks such as assisting with personal tasks, driving, information, counselling and support.  It’s constantly challenging for the care and support sector to have sufficient funding, paid and volunteer staff to service their clients, patients, residents and users3.  Sadly, the whole care and support system, and particularly in regional and rural Australia, are overloaded 4,5 plus experience shortfalls of available people, able to commit the hours required, or interested in regular volunteering. It’s a struggle.

On the other hand, in recent years, volunteering, particularly organisational volunteering has had somewhat of a make-over.  Corporations have discovered that their employees feel happier (and stay longer) if they are approved recognised paid leave to provide care for their loved ones.  Many organisations set up volunteering programs to pair employees with volunteer organisations and approve volunteering leave on a regular basis.  Mentoring programs pairing paid employees with unemployed job-seekers abound.

Not a lot is said of the voluntees though (I am coining this word to give beneficiary, recipient and client a rest, more on this later) beyond stories of gratitude, friendship and “successful turnaround” tales.

In my small experience plus some anecdotal tales from others, I’d like to mention that the participating voluntees themselves bring a lot to the interaction beyond their plight! They are not just receivers.

Volunteering over many years and more recently with women seeking career connections, I’ve gained a lot.  I’m grateful for the chance to hear so many people’s stories, to learn about so many lives and experiences and to increase my own knowledge about the world at large and the world up-close. The participants have given that to me, and to one another.  I’m the grateful beneficiary!

I encourage people to volunteer for the oft-quoted reasons of giving back, reaching out, passing down and lifting up others but also point out you won’t be the only one giving and lifting, you will also receive, if you’re open to it.  It might well be great for your mental health, feeling of connectedness, your CV,  your Continuing Professional Development, and win you some kudos at work, but don’t be surprised to also learn something yourself!

I thank Bridge Darebin and supporters, including Melbourne Polytechnic Skills and Job Centre, Workforce Australia: Local Jobs Program, North Eastern Melbourne and Inner Metropolitan Melbourne Employment Region (IMMER) for allowing me to be involved in the Women’s Career Connections Fair recently and the fortnightly Women’s Career Chats over the past year (and ongoing).  I’ve learned a lot and I’d like to thank the other volunteers and all participants too.  It was a great day with a lively atmosphere, the result of a lot of planning, collaboration and commitment from Bridge Darebin and enthusiastic input from those attending.

Karen Squire-Ryan

1 McDermott, J, (2021). Volunteering Australia, per volunteeringaustralia.org

2 “Benefits for Business – Corporate Volunteering”. Volunteer south west.  Volunteering WA, Govt of WA. https://volunteersouthwest.org.au/benefits-for-business/ viewed 05/08/2026. 

3 “Care and support sector volunteering” April 2026, Volunteering Australia per https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/policy/care-and-support-sector-volunteering/

4 “Charity by Numbers: the volunteer effect” Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (2025) cited on https://www.acnc.gov.au/media/news/new-report-highlights-essential-role-volunteer-run-charities-australia

5  ”Australia Fair – In Every Community”. Anglicare Australia (2025) cited on https://www.anglicare.asn.au/  Viewed 05/08/2025

PD from IBSA (not a paid ad, just my “share”)

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IBSA offer

I have purchased this – $88 plus no additional costs (electronic) for 12 months of IBSA Academy material. Don’t know how it will be – sharing for those who may be interested in checking it out, as it’s 20% reduced. If you’ve used this before/currently, I’d love to hear how you find it.

IBSA Academy – 12 month subscription | Innovation & Business Skills Australia

 

First look at training.gov.au

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Updated “how to navigate” tga video

With screen recording and narration. 

First look at training.gov.au

Finding your way around tga to find a unit of competency, training package or accredited course – can be a stumper for people!

Let me know if you like it or want to use it.

KSR

Which is best?

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Three versions of a video explaining Competency Based Assessment – one with voice-over, two with animations and music.  Which one is best?

 

 

 

VET Accredited Courses in Vic

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Sharing a great site giving full details of Accredited VET Courses in Victoria (much better than the very mininal information available on training.gov.au for accredited courses).
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/training/providers/rto/Pages/courses.aspx this is a list (with full details when you click the links) of all Accredited Courses registered in Victoria. So glad I found this. It’s a hard, frustrating,  slow and sometimes fruitless exercise trying to get these full details sometimes.

VET Accredited Courses in Vic