News Release:
New UNE students tune up their study skills
| Date 3/2/04 No 020/04 With more participants than ever, the University of New England's academic preparation program, tUNEup, is expanding this year over the first three weeks of February. The Academic Skills Coordinator at UNE's Teaching and Learning Centre, Robyn Muldoon, said demand for the program reflected a steady increase in the number of mature-age students returning to study. The week-long program will be delivered three times: each time to a group of 70 students. Those in the first two groups are new students undertaking UNE courses by distance education, and those in the third group are new on-campus students. The first delivery of the program began on Monday 2 February. tUNEup focuses on writing and information-technology skills, but covers a range of other skills needed by students starting university study (particularly those re-entering the education system after an absence of some years). These include library and study skills, and online learning skills such as using bulletin boards. "Being information-technology literate is now a crucial part of being a student," Ms Muldoon said, "as the use of Internet resources and online delivery is increasing."
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The tUNEup program, developed in consultation with staff and students throughout UNE, was first implemented there in 2001. Its use of new technology (CD-ROM) is complemented by its availability in print (four booklets) and on audiotape, making it accessible to everyone, not just those attending the course. It has already been sold to 12 other Australian universities and three overseas institutions. In 2002 it won for UNE an Australian Award for University Teaching. "Students consistently tell us how their confidence has improved as a result of doing the course," Ms Muldoon said. "It allays a lot of their doubts about their ability to succeed." "I now know how to find help when I need it," said one of last year's participants after completing the course. "But, most importantly, I have been 'furnished' with groundings in how to succeed in academic life." Media contact: Robyn Muldoon, Academic Skills Coordinator, UNE, Armidale (02) 6773 2836, Jim Scanlan, Public Relations, UNE, Armidale (02) 6773 3049, or Lydia Clifford, Public Relations Manager, UNE, Armidale (02) 6773 2779. A photograph showing Jackie Russin from Sydney and Patrick Whymark from Gosford attending this week's tUNEup course is available for download. |
