Welcome to BA1002
This is our tutorial blog and it's where most of our interactions will take place during this course.The video below introduces you to the online "hubs" around which our virtual BA classroom is structured - LearnJCU, this blog, and the BA1002 facebook group. The video also introduces some of the staff that will be supporting you throughout the course.
Blogging & Participation
For the first two weeks I'll be creating blog posts (like this one) putting them on this blog and asking you to make comments below. Then from week three, until week 8, you'll be taking control of the blog. You'll be asked to use the lecture materials and readings to create your own blog posts and comment on other student's work. This is the "blog assessment" - worth 20%, (we'll talk about it some more in week 2).
In weeks 9, 10, 11 & 12 I will take over posting again and you'll be asked to make comments and discuss the lectures/posts/readings/assessments. Your comments, on my posts, constitute 10% of your "participation grade" (there are more details on participation grades in your subject outlines).
Week 1 tasks
- View the week 1 lecture (on LearnJCU) and complete the week 1 readings.
- If this is your first semester at uni, make sure you complete the ETC! orientation module
- If you are a continuing student leave three study/surviving university tips below (make sure you enter your name into the "comment as: ..." box).
- Then watch the documentary (linked below) and leave a comment introducing yourself to the class.
Documentary: Connected - How Kevin Bacon Cured Cancer
This film explains "6 degrees of separation" and small worlds theory,
as well as exploring some some of the reasons why we study networks.
Welcome to BA1002
-Rhian
Useful Links:
ETC! Orientation Module: http://libguides.jcu.edu.au/etc1
BA1002 Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BA1002EXT2013/
Leave a comment & introduce yourself here
ReplyDeleteMy name is Nicola Ruddle and I am doing 2 BA core subjects as I have changed into the BA from a Bachelor of Psychology. I found it very interesting in the lecture that Victoria was talking about having the confidence to switch courses if you find something that sparks your interests more than your initial chosen course. I found, although I felt disillusioned at times while studying Psychology, I was determined to stick at it but I have finally taken the plunge and transferred into the BA from the 3rd year of that degree. I'm also enjoying the broarder world view these subjects provide in comparison to the microcosm of pure Psychology.
ReplyDeleteMy top 3 study tips for surviving university are:
1. Be organised & methodical to keep on track and find what works for you.
I hang a calender on my wall listing all assessment items and give myself 1 week and 2 week reminders of what is coming up. You will find a lot of people telling you how to organise your time or your tasks and how to stay on track and it's worthwhile trying them if you think they may work for you, if you find they don't... move on and try something else. Use the 1st year to work out what works best for you
2. Try to get assignments done early
because casting a fresh eye over an essay after a break away from it gives you a fresh perspective... and often a flash of 'I actually sound smart' which can be very encouraging :D
3. Never forget the BIG PICTURE.
It can be helpful to take a step back from the detail of the readings and think of the course in its entirety. It can be easy to get bogged down in the details, but that's not where most learning takes place in my experience.
I enjoyed watching 'How Kevin Bacon cured cancer'. It's fascinating to see how so many people in this vast world are all so closely connected. Realising this is a fairly 'new' concept, it made me think about the way we conceptualise things day to day. There's always a new perspective to look through and as this new science has shown, simply doing this can lead to great new discoveries.
Hi Nicola,
DeleteWelcome :) great tips & you're right it is never too late. I switched from philosophy to anthropology after under-grad & I know people that have come back to a BA after careers in other fields, even after retirement sometimes. Uni is tough, but its a whole lot easier if you're study something you enjoy or working towards a goal that you're passionate about :)
Hi My name is Sandra Boswell. This is my second BA subject. I am doing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology and Archaeology. I am one of those who have returned to a Bachelor of Arts with a career in other field and after recently completing a Bachlor of Indigenous Studies. I am still working in my career as a midwife to help pay my way through these studies.
ReplyDeleteMy top three tips:
1. If uncertain,or running into trouble with assessment, ask for help.
Help can come from the lecturers, tutors and librarians. Ask for help early and well before the due date.
2. Back up your assessments in case your computer crashes.
3. Paraphrase as much as possible, or if using exact words - indicate it as a quote. And reference, reference, reference - create a reference, doing your in text referencing and makie sure your referencing is in the style requested. The library has on line guide on how to do the referencing in the various referencing style.
Hi Sandra
DeleteIt's nice to see some familiar names :) great tips - especially no. 2 there's nothing worse than loosing something you've spent hours working on, just because the tech. malfunctions.
p.s. Don't forget to enter your name in the "comment as" box
My name is Luke Robertson and I have been working full time while undertaking part time study at JCU for the past two years. I was originally completing a Bachelor of Education, but felt I did not have enough choice of subjects I was interested in. When the extrinsic motivation was no longer enough, I knew the key to completing my studies was to let intrinsic motivation take over.
ReplyDeleteMy 3 study tips (and I have learnt these the hard way) are:
(1) Time management - don’t leave everything to the last week/few days before an assignment is due, playing catch up is stressful and not fun!
(2) Know your subject outline!
(3) Strategically plan for all assessment, after all this is what matters! I do up an assessment timetable at the start of every semester, and this helps me stay on task, and on time.
I would like to say, I believe studying online offers great flexibility, is better for time management, and will be the delivery method of choice for most subjects in the not too distant future.
Regards,
LUKE ROBERTSON
Hi Luke, & welcome. I agree good time management is definitely one of the keys to getting through the semester in one piece & it's even more important when you're juggling other commitments, like work & family.
DeleteHello everyone.
ReplyDeleteNetwork theory is intriguing. I look forward to (possibly) expanding and expounding on the subject.
It's a pleasure to be here and I thank you all for your input and advice. I am definitely picking up on the importance of time management.
Just a little about myself. I work full time in my trade and now study full time. Again, a nod to the economical use of time. I hope to further develop my intellect and expand my consciousness by successfully completing the BA. I hope that doesn't sound trite. If I can improve myself and contribute to improving the world around me the work will have been well worth it.
Hi Trevor, & welcome,
DeleteTime management is definitely the key to success, especially if you're working fulltime and studying fulltime.
I look forward to your input throughout the semester & I hope you enjoy the BA.
Hi Trevor, I noticed you commented on the Facebook page about how you were feeling overwhelmed & wondering if you could do this. Seeing now that you're also working full-time, explains that a lot more.
DeleteI just wanted to say that reading the assessment tasks for this subject overwhelmed me at first, it seemed so much heavier than even most third year subjects I've taken previously. I've worked out now though, what this subject has done (which many don't) is to break tasks right down into many parts, presumably to take you by the hand and lead you along step by step. I found once I wrapped my head around that, the many tasks made more sense to me.
I just thought I'd mention this because if I took on 4 subjects in my first year with so many requirements, I may have thought I couldn't do this either. It does get easier!
Hi All :)
ReplyDeleteMy name is Gabbi Bennett. I am studying social work externally as I am a mother of a 10 week old. This is my second BA subject :)
My Personal study tips and advice:
1) Do not fall behind on weekly readings. You will need a good amount of self-discipline and consistency.
2) Always ask questions if uncertain about things. Use discussion board or email tutors.
3) BE CONFIDENT IN YOURSELF AND YOUR WORK.
Hi Gabbi
DeleteWelcome & congratulations.
I also studied for my under-grad degree externally as my (no longer quite so) little one was born half way through my first year.
It's tough, but its definitely do-able :) and you're right staying on top of things and asking for help when needed are the key to getting it done.
Yer I agree never get behind in weekly readings. For subjects with exams on the readings trying to catch up on 12 weeks of readings in the final study block is impossible.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Katie-Jane, I am currently half way through my first year of a Bachelor of Arts major in Psychology. However this is my second year at JCU as I transferred from New Media Arts- Music and Sound at the end of last year. This is my first semester external so a little bit nervous!!
My 3 tips for surviving uni
1. Always print out the subject outline...
the number of time over the past year and a half that I have gone to in are uncountable. All lectures and tutors say it and it didn't sink in until half way through last semester, it truly is your bible.
2. Take as many notes as possible...
I'm not just talking about during the lectures either. Take them always, when you are doing your readings, when reading and listening to our tutorial blogs everything to do with the subject. There is something valuable in everything we hear read and see. Plus its always good during assignments to be able to go back and use them as trigger point if you get stuck for ideas. And since we have to use quotes and references it will make doing the blogs so much easier.
3. Find that one thing that motivates you.
After doing a year of a subject that I didn't really enjoy looking back I realised I could have gotten through it a lot better if I just found that one small thing that kept me motivated. At times there are going to be boring readings or lectures and even core subjects that you don't really get the point of, but as I said before there is value to everything. Know what your end goal is and use that as your motivation to get through the tougher moments of the degree.
I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone through our blog and Facebook. I am based in Brisbane so if anyone else is and maybe needs a chat over coffee to talk about a reading or lecture I would be more then happy to meet up.
Enjoy your first week starting/back at Uni :)
Hi Katie-Jane
DeleteThese are also some great tips. No. 3 resonated with me especially. I remember having to do a month of Art history during first year and at the time I hated it, couldn't see the point at all (I wanted to do a philosophy major). But it was a means to an end & realising that helped me get through it. Then 10 years later I found myself fishing out my notes from that course to help me understand an article on computer game design (strange connections, lol).
Anyways, welcome to external & hopefully you'll be able to find someone else in the area, as making connections with other students is also really helpful. It's a bit more tricky in external sometimes, but its a small world ;) so you never know.
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Alex. I am 22 years old, and this is my first Tertiary Education experience. This is one of 4 subjects I will be undertaking this semester. I am studying externally as I work full time as an accounts administrator for a local Real Estate Agent (I foresee a lot of late nights).
So far I have found Learn JCU to be quite easy to navigate and all of the staff seem helpful and friendly.
Good luck to everyone and hopefully it's an enjoyable semester for all.
Alex :-)
What are you studying??
DeleteHi Alex.
DeleteWelcome to the BA. Wow! four subjects and fulltime work is a lot. Make sure you take note of some of these study tips & that you get some sleep throughout the semester :)
Thanks Rhian.
DeleteI have had a lot of late nights already, but am really enjoying it so far which makes it easier.
Katie, I am studying Bachelor of Arts - English. Not really sure where I want this to take me yet, but getting here was my first step.
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Havva and this is my second semester in the BA program. I am a high school teacher/careers advisor but felt I needed to come back and study. I was intending to major in Archaeology and Anthropology but my interest was really captured by English last semester so from there comes my first tip:
1) Let your passions lead you and don't be afraid to change course
2) Try to get a week ahead on the readings and tute questions
3) Give yourself as many days as possible between finishing your assignment and that final proof read - I always try to be a week ahead with that too. It's amazing the silly mistakes you find with 'fresh' eyes.
Hope everyone has a great semester.
Hi Havva
DeleteWelcome back.
This is some great advice :) Are you still teaching or have you come back to study fulltime?
Hey :D
ReplyDeleteI'm Bronwyn Harvey and currently studying Bachelor of Arts indigenous studies. I have just changed from bachelor of social sciences - social and criminal justice so I'm in the 2nd part of my 2nd year. This is my first BA subject and after doing the lecture and readings it's heaps interesting!!
I am currently doing fulltime work plus fulltime uni (just three subjects tho) for the first time so should be interesting.
My tips:
1) write a to do list. No matter how long it may look to begin with it helps so much to organise yourself. The best thing is the feeling you get when you cross something off the list no matter how small it is!!
2) take notes with page numbers. In my first year I found I took lots of notes which was great but when I came to assignments to put page numbers into the references or to refer to them I had no idea where abouts in the articles I got my info from so always write the page number next to your notes - makes it a lot easier in the long run!!
3) get someone else to proof read your work. No matter how many times you read your work with a clear head or not you may not pick up those silly mistakes without someone else who has never seen the article before to read it. That way you will also know if it makes sense
And don't forget to RELAX your brain isn't going to get any info in if your stressed to the max - take some time out for yourself
Good luck everyone :D
Hi I am Kristie. I am new to JCU and Townsville and I'm working fulltime and studying a BA. I've recently moved up her from Brisbane and UQ. I have loved the advice from everyone so far. I am excited to try uni online, it's a new format for me.
ReplyDelete1. My advice would be to stay on top of things. A little bit everyday is better than a cram session once a week.
2. Communicate with tutors and support staff. I have been impressed with the help I have received in transferring to JCU and I won't hesitate to ask for help if I need it :)
3. Study someplace else this has been the biggest thing I've learnt. Even if it's the park at the end of the street, I've found that a change of environment can make all the difference.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Talya and I am studying criminology. I work full time and study part time. I tried studying full time but had trouble finding a good work/life balance. My three study tips are:
1. Work out a study schedule that works for you and stick to it.
2. Make sure you know when each piece of assessment is due. I always put mine in my diary as well as in the calender on my phone.
3. Regularly review and re-organize your study notes. This allows you to combine any new knowledge with what you have already learnt.
Hello 'Space and Place - ers' (?)
ReplyDeleteThis is my second BA subject for the year and it looks like a cracker of a subject that appears so broad in topic but very neatly packaged for under grads, well done to all concerned :)
I attended the UniStart program last year in Cairns which provided an incredible array of practical survival tips that need to be shared.
1. TIME MANAGEMENT - spoken about often and practiced daily. Roster your time using time tables, sounds dorky but an incredible tool if you abide by it. You only need to do it for 13 weeks at a time and then you can throw it out the window. Seek out semester and weekly templates from JCU and start with due dates and exam dates and work back from there. Essential tool for success at uni when juggling life, family and work as well. If you need a template just ask, I have them and happy to share.
2. TURN THE PHONE OFF (or silent at least) - distraction, don't need it. Tell friends and family to call at certain times, seriously.
3. ENGAGE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE - if you're close to campus engage in Professional College or the like. A great way to discover you're not an island and that we all have that 'rabbit in your headlights' look about us. And a great resource for all information about daily uni life, your career any professional help you may require.
4. TAKE TIME FOR RECREATION - you need it and your brain will function better and thank you for it.
Everyone in our household is doing this degree even though I'm the only one officially enrolled. The only way I can achieve is if my hubby and family support me and that sometimes means reading over every annotation, listening to every practice presentation.
Oh and don't forget to breathe....