Student Handbook. Online Courses Australia. Version 15, 2015

Transcription

1 Student Handbk Online Curses Australia Versin 15, 2015 This publicatin is cpyright. All rights are reserved fr Online Curses Australia Pty Ltd including ttal r partial reprductin r adaptatin withut written permissin by the authr. The infrmatin cntained in this dcument is drawn frm surces believed t be reliable. Hwever, the firm, its emplyees, agents and cntractrs d nt warrant the crrectness f the surces used and accept n respnsibility t any persn fr any errrs r missins r fr any lss r damage hwsever caused frm the use f this dcument. Online Curses Australia

2 Table f Cntents Online Curses Australia Cntact Infrmatin... 5 Imprtant Infrmatin abut Yur Enrlment... 5 Abut Online Curses Australia... 6 Staff Members... 6 Our Teachers... 6 Rules fr Students CODE OF CONDUCT... 7 Standards... 7 Miscnduct... 7 Privacy... 7 Student Obligatins... 8 Admissins... 8 Enrlment Prcedures... 9 Orientatin Perid Curse Transfer Extensin f Enrlment Deferral f Enrlment Withdrawal frm Enrlment Fees and Charges Failure t pay fr the curse and r unit f study Payment plan Recgnitin f Prir Learning Refund Plicy Cancellatin f curse by Online Curses Australia Withdrawal prir t curse cmmencement Withdrawal during Orientatin Perid Withdrawal during curse Withdrawal due t illness r hardship Inductin/Orientatin Online Envirnment Flexible delivery and assessments Page 2 f 42

3 Netiquette Plagiarism What is plagiarism? Cnsequences fr acts f plagiarism by students Online Learning Resurces Technlgy requirements Minimum Cmputer Skills Materials Other Study Methds Recgnitin Recgnitin f Prir Learning (RPL) Natinal recgnitin Credit Transfer Prgressin Feedback Certificates & Statements f Attainment Re-issue f Qualificatins Cmplaints and Appeals Infrmal Cmplaints Frmal Cmplaints Appeals Appeals assciated with assessment results Client Services Internal and External reviews Training & Educatin Standards Human Resurces Student Supprt Services Disability Supprt Study Cunselling Services Study Cunselling services include: Indigenus student supprt Online supprt Page 3 f 42

4 Access and Equity Anti-Discriminatin Disability Student Administratin & Dcumentatin Students file access Recrds Management Enrlment recrds Student participatin recrds Training Plan Strage and retentin f student results and assessment recrds Legislative requirements Quality Assurance Feedback fr Cntinuus Imprvement Training Packages Transitin Arrangements Transitin Prcess Appendix A: Glssary f Terminlgy used with Natinal Training Packages Appendix B: Glssary f Internet Terms: Page 4 f 42

5 Online Curses Australia Cntact Infrmatin Tll Free Call: ONLINE ( ) Phne: Fax: Website: [email protected] Pstal Address: PO Bx 630, Frtitude Valley, QLD, 4006 Office Hurs: Mnday Thursday 08:30am 05:00pm (EST) Friday 09:00am 04:00pm (EST) Imprtant Infrmatin abut Yur Enrlment Here are a few helpful tips t guide yu thrugh yur studies: When can I enrl? If yu chse t study with Online Curses Australia yu can enrl in any prgram r curse ffered anytime that suits yu. This can be dne nline r ver the phne n ur tll free number. When can I study? 24/7. As sn as yu receive yur lg in details (r DVD pack fr sme shrt curses) yu have the flexibility t study when, where and hw ften it suits yu. Hw lng is my enrlment? All learning is by self-paced delivery. This means that yu can study when yu want fr as many hurs as yu want! Access t mst accredited curses remains valid fr 12 mnths. Access t all shrt curses are valid fr a specific perid f time, as stated n each prgram identified n ur website: When des my enrlment cmmence? Enrlment cmmences nce Online Curses Australia sends yu yur lg in details fr nline study and, if applicable, any additinal learning materials. All prgram and curse duratins are very generus, hwever if yu d nt cmplete yur prgram r curse within the specified enrlment perid, yu will be issued with a statement f attainment fr any units yu have cmpleted t date. Is there a timeframe t access my curse? After receiving yur curse lgins yu must access yur accredited curse within 48hrs. This is t cmplete the rientatin survey that will cnstitute f a range f questins t evaluate yur Language Literacy and Numeracy skills. Fr nn-accredited curses, yu must still access yu curse within 48hrs f receiving yur curse lgin details. Page 5 f 42

6 Abut Online Curses Australia Cngratulatins and Welcme t Online Curses Australia! Online Curses Australia is a Registered Training Organisatin (RTO) and ne f the leading prviders f nline educatin. Many f ur training curses are Natinally Accredited and recgnised thrughut Australia, as they cmply with the Standards fr Registered Training Organisatins (RTO) Online Curses Australia fcuses n prviding quality nline educatin t students, natinally and internatinally, at a time that is cnvenient fr the student. We have students enrlled frm arund the Glbe wh are serviced by teachers frm Australia, the United Kingdm and America. Our Administratin centre is lcated in Brisbane, Qld Australia. All curses are reviewed and updated regularly t meet the grwing demands f tday s rapidly changing wrld f educatin. Our curses aim t prvide a high quality and cst effective alternative in pst-secndary educatin fr anyne wh is mstly cncerned with develping knwledge and skills. Staff Members Managing Directr Cheryl Brkes Academic and Cmpliance Directr Cathy Walsh Student Services Staff Prudence Bessant Ana Amaral Hilary Harringtn Nikki Burns Paige Cndric Alice Campbell RTO Manager Administratin Manager Student Happiness Officer VFH Administratin Assistant Administratin Supprt Administratin Supprt Our Teachers hld tertiary and/r teaching qualificatins have a current industry experience and are actively invlved in industry have distinguished themselves in their specialist fields Page 6 f 42

7 Rules fr Students CODE OF CONDUCT A student is defined as a persn wh is fficially enrlled in a curse/unit/prgram ffered by Online Curses Australia. Standards A student must: Maintain a high standard f behaviur at all times whilst cmmunicating with staff and ther students via the nline envirnment. Observe all rules and prcedures relating t privacy f thers, security and the care f Online Curses Australia learning resurces. Miscnduct Miscnduct by a student is any behaviur which: Disrupts the learning f ther students Prevents staff members frm perfrming their duties Interferes with the cnduct f Online Curses Australia peratins Interrupt student study frums Privacy The Natinal Centre fr Vcatinal Educatin Research (NCVER) cllects infrmatin fr general student administratin as well as fr planning, cmmunicatin, research, evaluatin and marketing activities undertaken by the Centre. Only authrised departmental fficers have access t this infrmatin. Yur persnal infrmatin may be disclsed t Cmmnwealth and State Gvernment Agencies. If yu are under the age f 18 years, yur persnal infrmatin, attendance details and results may be disclsed t yur parent/guardian. N further access t yur enrlment infrmatin will be prvided t any ther rganisatins r persns withut yur cnsent r, unless authrised r required by law, in accrdance with Online Curses Australia s Privacy Plicy, available n ur website. Page 7 f 42

8 Student Obligatins Ensure all infrmatin prvided t Online Curses Australia is accurate Be respnsible in an nline learning envirnment. Online curses require self-discipline and independence with regards t studying Adhere t Online Curses Australia s plicies and prcedures Participate in chsen curse f study Be cnversant with the use f assciated technlgy t undertake the nline curse f study Update teaching/student services supprt staff with persnal details such as, mving huse and cntact telephne numbers Ensure all study materials and resurces necessary are accessed and saved as apprpriate Be familiar with expected time respnses t questins r feedback in the nline learning envirnment as Teachers schedules and access t student s differ amngst curses and study requirements Advise Online Curses Australia f any difficulties r prblems encuntered with their studies, ther student r Online Curses Australia staff member Must NOT submit r claim wrk as their wn that has been cmpleted by anther persn Make a cpy f all assessment wrk submitted Admissins Online Curses Australia will cnduct the recruitment f clients in an ethical and respnsible manner, cnsistent with the requirements f the relevant Natinally Accredited Curses and Nn-accredited curses. Online Curses Australia will ensure that all enrlment pprtunities cmply with equal pprtunity legislatin. Prir t yur enrlment, yu will need t view all enrlment infrmatin; this can be fund in this handbk at and als in the Terms and Cnditins f enrlment. Students can cmmence their studies at any time thrughut the year. All study is self-paced, hwever students will be given curse time frames fr expected cmpletin. Students can study nline 24/7 upn receipt f yur lgin details. Yur enrlment cmmences as sn as Online Curses Australia issues yur lgin details. Page 8 f 42

9 Enrlment Prcedures Online Curses Australia ffers curses which can cnsist f a full qualificatin, a unit f cmpetence and/r, chapters. The fllwing prcedures apply fr student enrlment: Apply nline at fllw the prmpts t get yur enrlment prcessed. Call ONLINE during business hurs. Fax an enrlment frm t Students may enrl at any time thrughut the year. Students wh enrl in a Natinally Accredited Curse must cmplete all assessments, within a given time frm the date f enrlment. (Please refer t specified curse infrmatin). Students must ensure they are enrlled int the crrect units f cmpetence and have cmpleted all necessary pre-requisites (if relevant). If necessary this shuld be verified with yur teacher. Students are advised t dwnlad the Emplyability Skills Summary/Fundatin Skills fr the Training Package Qualificatin prir t enrlment. G t and search the relevant unit f cmpetency cde r qualificatin cde t view the emplyability skills fr specific qualificatins and units f cmpetence. This will assist yu t determine if the qualificatin will prvide the requirements needed fr emplyment. Students wh enrl int a nn-accredited curse must access their curse within 48hrs f receiving their lgin details. Furthermre students must cmplete their curse within the given time frm the date f enrlment (Please refer t specified curse infrmatin). Lgin details are sent t students in written frm fr their current study prgram. Students wh enrl int an accredited curse must access their curse within 48hrs f receiving their lgin details. Furthermre students must cmplete an rientatin survey which cnstitutes f a range f questins t evaluate yur Language Literacy and Numeracy skills. Students must read all infrmatin regarding curse cntent, pre-requisite(s) and learning utcmes befre enrlling. Students must ensure they meet the literacy and numeracy requirements utlined in the curse f study. Students must ensure they have the minimum cmputer requirements/internet access (See Online Learning Resurces). When the cmpleted enrlment frm is received and applicable fee paid, the student will be allcated a student number by Online Curses Australia administratin. The student identificatin number will be required fr the relevant Credential t be issued upn cmpletin f the curse/prgram. With Page 9 f 42

10 Traineeships, the relevant Gvernment Department will issue a student a Registratin number in additin t Online Curses Australia issue f a student number. Students must read the Student Handbk and ensure yu: Have decided the learning utcmes that suit yur needs Are aware f the assessment requirements Have met any pre-requisites Meet literacy and numeracy requirements (if applicable) Have the relevant cmputer and internet cnnectins Have read and understd the Refund Plicy Are aware f the Payment requirements Have read and understd the student respnsibilities, plicies and prcedures Upn enrlment, students receive: Curse ntes and required reading materials Tuitin as required Access t library resurces Access t virtual classrms Access t study frums Orientatin Perid Students enrlled in a Natinally Accredited Curse f mre than 8 units have a 5-day rientatin perid frm the agreed curse cmmencement date in which t access the curse and ensure that the curse meets their requirements. During this perid students will receive a cpy f the student Handbk and their curse lgin details. Furthermre, the students are required t cmplete the rientatin survey t establish the individual needs f the student. The rientatin survey can be accessed via the learning management system (LMS). Curse Transfer Curse transfers can be granted under certain circumstances. Please cntact Student Supprt Services fr further infrmatin. Page 10 f 42

11 Extensin f Enrlment Extensins f enrlment can be granted under certain circumstances. Please be advised that an administratin fee may ccur. Please cntact Student Supprt Services fr further infrmatin. Deferral f Enrlment Deferral f enrlment can be granted under certain circumstances. During the deferral perid, students will nt have curse access, hwever payments frm payment plans may nt be stpped. Please cntact Student Supprt Services fr further infrmatin. Withdrawal frm Enrlment A student may withdraw frm a curse r unit f cmpetency by giving ntice t Online Curses Australia in writing. Where cmpleted units have been cmpleted satisfactrily, a student will receive a Statement f Attainment. Fees and Charges By enrlling in the curse, yu agree t pay the Curse fees (plus applicable surcharges) fr the Curse using the payment methd yu have selected under the Curse Enrlment Agreement. Yu are required t pay the full amunt f the Curse fees even if yu d nt cmplete yur Curse, r fail t advise Online Curses Australia f withdrawal frm yur Curse during the rientatin perid. Students are required t pay any agreed instalment payment plan amunt n the due date. Failure t pay n the due date may result in late fee charges and access t the curse restricted. Student fees will include the necessary e-learning resurces such as nline interactive resurces, CD-ROM, wrkbks dependent upn the curse f study chsen. Textbks where required will be charged fr at an additinal fee. Three attempts at assessment are included in the tuitin and assessment fees. Please cntact Online Curses Australia t discuss additinal curse fees and charges relevant if mre than three attempts are required. Page 11 f 42

12 Student fees will include a qualificatin r statement f attainment, fr an Accredited Curse f study with an attached statement f results when issued n cmpletin f the qualificatin/curse and/r a Certificate f cmpletin fr a nn-accredited curse f study. If yu are enrlled in a Traineeship fees will be prvided by Online Curses Australia as there are particular requirements that apply. Please cntact Student Services. Where a student is enrlled in a traineeship, fees will be cllected via an initial payment after the three-mnth prbatin perid with the remaining fees cllected after cmpletin. Fees will be cllected frm emplyers unless therwise arranged. Additinal fees will be charged fr tuitin which is calculated by the Gvernment. Details can be btained frm student supprt services. Please cntact student supprt services fr further infrmatin n fees. Failure t pay fr the curse and r unit f study If students are unable t pay fr their curse they must cntact student administratin immediately s that we may assist yu. Shuld the student fail t pay their tuitin fees, Online Curses Australia will attempt t cntact the student n three ccasins; this culd include telephne calls, /text messages r letters. If payment has nt been received after the third attempt, Online Curses Australia will frward the students details t a debt cllectin agency t cllect payment n Online Curses Australia s behalf. Please nte shuld this ccur, student credit rating may be affected. Shuld students change address details, please ensure that yu cntact student administratin t update cntact infrmatin. Payment plan Payment plans are available fr qualificatins as advertised n Online Curses Australia s website. Payment plans are nt applicable fr shrt curses under $ A payment plan agreement between Online Curses Australia and the participant will be put in place via EzyPay. The payment plan agreement clearly utlines all terms and cnditins. Students are required t pay any agreed instalment payment plan amunt n the due date. Failure t pay n the due date may result in late fee charges and access t the curse restricted. Fr mre infrmatin n payment plans, please review the EzyPay terms and cnditins. Please nte that students are nt deemed t have cmpleted their curse until all payments have been made and the curse is paid in full. Recgnitin f Prir Learning Recgnitin f Prir Learning (RPL) is the prcess that recgnises a student s current skills and experience regardless f where and when the learning ccurred. Fr mre infrmatin n the RPL prcess, please see the RPL tab in Mdle. Page 12 f 42

13 Students must enrl and pay as per the standard fees and charges. Discunts are then applied and refunded t the student n successful cmpletin f the qualificatin by this methd. Refund Plicy Cancellatin f curse by Online Curses Australia A full refund f fees paid will be made t any applicant if Online Curses Australia cancels the nminated curse/unit(s) f cmpetency. This will incur n administrative charges r penalties. Upn the apprval fr a cancellatin f a curse, students n a payment plan hld the right t cease payments that have nt been cllected up t the time f cancellatin apprval. Shuld Online Curses Australia be unable t prvide all units t meet the student s curse cmpletin schedule, ne f the fllwing will apply: Curse fees paid will be refunded in full; and N Statement f Attainment will be issued n any unit; OR Curse fees paid n any unavailable unit/s will be refunded; and Statement f Attainment will be issued fr satisfactrily cmpleted units. Withdrawal prir t curse cmmencement Unless therwise agreed, the agreed curse cmmencement date will be the date f issuance f a username and passwrd fr nline curse access. If a candidate withdraws frm a curse befre the cmmencement f the curse, full refund f the fees will be made, hwever a cancellatin fee f $50 will be withheld t cver administratin csts. In lieu f cancellatin, the student may defer their curse study fr up t 6 mnths frm the initial enrlment date withut additinal charge. Withdrawal during Orientatin Perid Students enrlled in a natinally accredited curse have a 5-day rientatin perid frm the agreed curse cmmencement date. The curse cmmencement date is the date f issuance f the username and passwrd fr nline curse access. During the rientatin perid students have access t the curse t ensure that the curse meets their requirements. Students enrlled in a nn-accredited curse have a 2-day rientatin perid. Eligible withdrawals during the rientatin perid f a curse are subject t a refund f 70% f the curse fees. The balance f 30% f the ttal curse fees will be retained as administratin/cancellatin charges. Page 13 f 42

14 The cancellatin must take place within 120 hurs f enrlling int an accredited curse and 48 hurs f enrlling in a nn- accredited curse. All students will remain liable fr the 30% administratin/ cancellatin fee including students n the payment plan ptin. When the 30% has nt been attained, charges will cntinue until the administratin/ cancellatin fee has been paid unless therwise arranged. If a refund has been issued a statement f attainment will NOT be prvided unless payment has been met and the applicant has met the requirements fr a statement f attainment. In lieu f cancellatin, the student may defer their curse study fr up t 6 mnths frm the initial enrlment date withut additinal charge. Withdrawal during curse Students that chse t withdraw frm a curse any time after their rientatin perid r students that fail t advise administratin that they wish t withdraw frm a curse are required t pay the full amunt f the curse fees even if they d nt cmplete their curse, unless therwise advised. Thrugh the enrlment prcess students must agree t have read the student handbk and abide by Online Curses Australia s terms and cnditins f enrlment. Cnsequently students will be liable t pay the curse fees plus surcharge (if applicable) fr their enrlled curse using the payment methd they selected upn enrlment, unless therwise arranged. Failure t pay n the due date may result in late fee charges, access t the curse restricted and being sent t debt cllectrs. A statement f attainment/s will be issued fr any units that have been satisfactrily cmpleted. In lieu f cancellatin, the student may defer their curse study fr up t 6 mnths frm the initial enrlment date withut additinal charge. Withdrawal due t illness r hardship Where a student is unable t cmplete a curse/unit f cmpetence due t illness r hardship, Online Curses Australia can at its discretin, allw a refund f their curse fees where satisfactry evidence f the circumstances is prvided. Additinally withdrawal must take place prir t the expected cmpletin date fr the curse. If a refund has been issued a statement f attainment will NOT be prvided unless payment has been met and/r the applicant has nt met the requirements fr a statement f attainment. The student will incur a cancellatin fee f 30% f the curse fees. Please nte this refund is at Online Curses Australia s discretin and is nt guaranteed! N refund is available t a student wh: Fails t successfully cmplete the curse r unit(s) f cmpetence Withdraws frm the curse/unit f cmpetence after cmmencement Page 14 f 42

15 Is remved frm a curse r prgram as a result f miscnduct (inapprpriate behaviur) see Rules fr Students. Is remved frm the curse due t nn-participatin Upn cnfirmatin f enrlment, it will be presumed that the student has read and understd the student handbk, including Online Curses Australia s refund plicy and study requirements. Inductin/Orientatin All students must cmplete student rientatin at the cmmencement f the curse. Student rientatin is cmpleted by review f the Student Handbk and reviewing the Curse Infrmatin utlined in the learning resurce. Pints cvered at rientatin: General Infrmatin Online Access Netiquette Online Learning Learning Resurces Assessments Academic Advising Financial Assistance Plagiarism Library Resurces Discussin bards Participatin Frequently asked questins Page 15 f 42

16 Online Envirnment Online Curses Australia ffers a range f curses cnsisting f: Accredited curses - Certificate II t Certificate IV level Nn-accredited curses Shrt curses; intrductry curses; intermediate curses and advanced curses in a range f subject/areas f interest. Online Curses Australia has a team f Teachers and Instructrs dedicated t designing quality interactive nline curses. They wrk clsely with Industry and Gvernment departments t create curses that meet the same high standards fr excellence as classrm curses. Our Natinally Accredited Online Learning curses are academically rigrus, cnvenient and maximised fr an nline envirnment. Online Curses Australia prvides greater access t curses and mre flexibility fr learning. All nline curses are delivered in a student centred learning envirnment; ensuring methdlgies used are significant t enhancing student and prfessinal learning utcmes. Online Curses Australia students studying in an nline envirnment require a reliable internet cnnectin as well as basic cmputer skills (refer t Minimum Cmputer Skills). Online Curses Australia students can earn credit twards qualificatins such as Certificates, Diplmas, and Advanced Diplmas by cmpleting units f cmpetence nline. Additinally, students can achieve credits twards Degree qualificatins with Flinders University. Online Curses Australia students participate in nline curses by accessing nline interactive learning resurces, watching vides, reading ntes and study illustratins frm the cmputer screen and by cmpleting assessment quizzes and assignments. Students can participate in study frums t pst questins fr fellw students and teaching staff. Flexible delivery and assessments Online Curses Australia prvides a range f delivery and assessment methds via the nline learning envirnment. Delivery methds = Delivery and assessment; assessment nly; Recgnitin f Prir Learning (RPL) Assessment methds = Questins, Assignments, Practical, Case Studies, Scenaris This includes interactive resurces, virtual classrms, vides and wrkbks. Online Curses Australia will endeavur t ensure the training and assessment methds meet the needs f ur students. Cmpleting learning activities and submitting assessments nline is easy! Simply click the buttn! Page 16 f 42

17 Students studying Natinally Accredited Curses with Online Curses Australia will be advised f the assessment requirements n cmmencement f the curse f study. All assessments must be cmpleted by due dates t be eligible fr a qualificatin. Students will enrl in the training prgram nline and will immediately receive a student number t gain access t the Learning Management System, technical infrmatin and interactive learning resurces, relevant study frums and assessments. Students will view an rientatin that shws them hw t study and cmplete the qualificatin. Students are guided thrugh the nline learning envirnment with text and accmpanying example images. Additinally, they receive telephne supprt and assistance with their studies and technical infrmatin. A variety f assessments will be used during the curse t determine students learning such as; Online quizzes that are autmatically scred Curse prjects/assignments cmpleted as part f a team and/r individual Simulated activities Virtual classrms Participatin in discussin frums with ther students and teaching staff Practical classrms (where applicable) Assessment activities are cntextualised fr the curse f study being undertaken and are designed t cver all facets f the unit/curse requirements and include ptential cmpnents f wrkplace demnstratin and perfrmance. Additinal cntact days can be structured in a variety f ways t suit the client/student (i.e. pssible wrkplace demnstratin). Ideally the training will ccur ver a perid f ne t twelve mnths depending upn the individual and curse chsen. This will allw fr a reasnable time t cmplete the qualificatin and attend any practical training where applicable. Students are given three attempts fr the submissin f each assessment. If a student is deemed nt yet cmpetent after the third attempt n an assessment, the student is t cntact Online Curses Australia and their trainer s that the student can be re enrlled t the unit and understand the cntent prir t re attempting it fr the furth time. It must be nted that a fee may apply. Students are encuraged t cntact their trainer when unsure f the cntent prir t submitting an assessment piece. Page 17 f 42

18 Netiquette Netiquette (Netwrk Etiquette) is cyberspeak fr etiquette n line and in e mail: manners, civility, and shared rules. The rules f netiquette apply t everyne wh uses the internet r any kind f netwrk t cmmunicate with anther persn. Here are sme very simple rules t fllw that will help yu t cnverse mre smthly with yu fellw cmputer users. Treat ther peple in cyberspace the way yu wuld like t be treated. Remember that withut facial expressins sme cmments may be taken the wrng way. Review discussin threads befre yu enter the discussin. Be careful t write nly relevant cmments. Maintain threads by using the Reply buttn rather than starting a new tpic. Limit abbreviatins: Try t limit the amunt f abbreviatins that yu use, such as "u" fr "yu and "ne1" fr "anyne". This will help make sure everyne understands the message. D nt assume in yur writing that the ther persn will immediately knw what yu are talking abut. Assume that they d nt and give a little backgrund infrmatin. Respect ther peple's privacy. Writing smething in all CAPS is equivalent t yelling at smebdy. Try t avid this. An emticn is a text representatin f an emtin. Fr example, :) is equivalent t a smile. D nt veruse emticns, but they can be useful t avid having a statement be misinterpreted. D nt make insulting r inflammatry cmments t ther members in a discussin. Be respectful f all ideas. D nt leave the subject field f an e mail blank. Yur e mail prvider may send it t BULK, r JUNK instead f the inbx f the receiver, r yur anti virus sftware may think that it is a virus f sme kind. A subject als allws the receiver t tell what the is abut at a glance. NEVER give ut persnal infrmatin f any kind via , chat, r instant message. Phishing refers t the tactic used by criminals in which they will send a legitimate sunding t yur address and ask fr infrmatin t verify an accunt. A reputable cmpany, such as a bank, will nt ask fr usernames, accunt numbers r passwrds thrugh e mail. Surce: Academic dishnesty includes, but is nt limited t the fllwing: giving r receiving assistance cmpleting assessment questins and assignments: plagiarizing papers, assignments, bk reviews: remving and/r cpying test questins frm nline files. Any student fund participating in such activities will be deemed Nt Yet Cmpetent (fr accredited curses) and will be remved frm the curse f study. Page 18 f 42

19 Plagiarism The OCA grup is cmmitted t prviding quality learning and educatinal utcmes fr ur students. Quality educatin includes evidence f students develping their research and writing skills, and submitting their wn wrk. What is plagiarism? The Oxfrd English dictinary defines the act f plagiarism as: A practice f taking smene else s wrk r ideas and passing them f as ne s wn Plagiarism means cpying smene else s ideas, wrds r answers and presenting them as yur wn wrk withut prper acknwledgement f the riginal surce (either electrnic r hard cpy) This includes: direct cpying and r paraphrasing anther persn s wrk using facts, data, infrmatin and ideas frm anther persn s wrk including websites submitting anther persn s assignment as yur wn r assisting anther persn t cmmit plagiarism. Examples f ways students can plagiarise wrk: Submitting an assignment that they did nt write Cpying wrds, ideas r chunks f text frm smene else's wrk (electrnic r hard cpy) withut prper acknwledgment f the riginal surce f infrmatin. Failing t put a qute in qutatin marks fr direct qutes (wrd fr wrd) frm articles, learning guides, additinal resurces and websites. Changing wrds arund in a sentence withut prper acknwledgment f the riginal surce f infrmatin. T achieve quality learning utcmes it is imprtant that yu develp yur research, analytical and evaluative skills s that yu can present yur findings in an ethical manner. Cnsequences fr acts f plagiarism by students. Any wrk that is suspected f being plagiarised, may be scanned thrugh the use f plagiarism sftware by a representative f the OCA grup. A trainer may refuse t mark the wrk and the student maybe asked t resubmit their wn riginal assessment item. Further breaches will be referred t the RTO Manager. Page 19 f 42

20 Online Learning Resurces Online Curses Australia s learning resurces are designed and develped fr an nline learning envirnment that meet high standards f educatin which address a variety f learning styles fr ur students. Technlgy requirements Students shuld have access t the fllwing t ensure that they can cmplete the curse: Cmputer requirements A PC running Windws 2000 r later Audi capability may be required Bradband Internet Cnnectin Learning Envirnment Yur learning envirnment must cnsist f the fllwing: a quiet rm/lcatin A suitable chair and desk psitined (e.g. Ergnmically) Access fr suitable time t cmplete learning and assessments Well-ventilated and suitable fr learning Sftware requirements Internet explrer r similar web brwser Office 2007 r later Adbe reader may be required, free frm Individual curses may have additinal requirements that will be listed in the curse infrmatin brchure Page 20 f 42

21 Minimum Cmputer Skills Cmputer skills are required t study nline, hwever, these skills can be basic. A student f Online Curses Australia needs t be able t: Operate a Windws-based persnal cmputer including CPU, keybard, muse and printer Perfrm cmmn cmputer peratins including: Create flders Find, cpy, mve, rename and delete files Launch and switch between multiple prgrams Create back-up files r save t a netwrk drive Use Micrsft Wrd t: Create, edit, frmat, spell-check, save, retrieve, and print dcuments Save a dcument in varius frmats Use Micrsft Outlk r ther prgram t: Send, receive and stre messages Send receive and pen attachments Manage mailbx size Use Micrsft Pwer Pint applicatin t: Create, edit, frmat, spell-check, save, retrieve, and print dcuments Save a dcument in pwer pint frmat Use Internet Explrer r ther web brwser t: Access the Internet Open web pages Open, print and save Adbe Acrbat files Use a search engine r directry t find infrmatin n the Internet Online Curses Australia will cmply with all laws relating t the peratin f nline learning. Page 21 f 42

22 Online Curses Australia will ensure that learning resurces and ther resurce materials are apprpriate and adequate fr the curses being delivered. Materials Online Curses Australia will prvide the necessary training and reference materials t client students sufficient t satisfy the curriculum requirements f the relevant curse. Access will be made available when required, t any additinal reference materials thrugh Online Curses Australia s library and Internet resurces. Other Study Methds In sme curses, study will ccur by ther means. This is dependent n the curse and may include face-tface wrkshps and DVD learning media. Fr further infrmatin, refer t the specific curse infrmatin n ur website: Recgnitin Recgnitin prcess is a term that cvers Recgnitin f Prir Learning, Recgnitin f Current Cmpetency and Skills Recgnitin. All terms refer t recgnitin f cmpetencies currently held, regardless f hw, when r where the learning ccurred. Cmpetencies may be attained in a number f ways. This includes thrugh any cmbinatin f frmal r infrmal training and educatin, wrk experience r general life experience. In rder t grant recgnitin f prir learning/current cmpetency the assessr must be cnfident that the candidate is currently cmpetent against the endrsed industry r enterprise cmpetency standards r utcmes specified in Australian Qualificatin Framewrk (AQF) accredited curses. The evidence may take a variety f frms and culd include certificatin, references frm past emplyers, testimnials frm clients and wrk samples. The assessr must ensure that the evidence is authentic, valid, reliable, current and sufficient. There are several prcesses that allw students t have their current skills and experience recgnised. Cmpleting a curse by recgnitin may result in a reductin f fees. This is dependent n the number f units that are accredited by recgnitin. As much as 50% f the ttal cst f the curse can be saved by studying in this manner! Fr mre infrmatin n this, please speak t a curse adviser. Page 22 f 42

23 Recgnitin f Prir Learning (RPL) Recgnitin f Prir Learning is the prcess that recgnises a student s current skills and experience regardless f where and when the learning ccurred. Applicatins fr RPL are based n whle cmpetencies. Students can base their applicatin n any cmbinatin f frmal r infrmal training and educatin, wrk experience r general life experience. T apply fr Recgnitin f Prir Learning students will need t cmplete the RPL frm and attach their supprting evidence. Unsuccessful applicants have a right t frmally appeal the RPL assessment, thrugh the appeals prcess. Persns wh have cmpleted apprpriate training r wh, thrugh prir learning and experience have gained the required skills/cmpetencies stipulated fr the unit/s f the curse/prgram, may be granted credit upn substantiatin f that claim. Assessment f cmpetence will be prfessinally cnducted and will be valid, reliable, flexible, and fair. Evidence fr assessment may include: Evidence f current cmpetence Perfrmance, demnstratin, r skills test Prtfli, lgbk, task bk, prject r assignments Stages in the RPL prcess include: Initial self-assessment Applicatin Interview and dcument review (Assessment stage) Questining Practical assessment Gap training Cmpletin f RPL & issue f qualificatin Candidates are charged a fee when making applicatin fr RPL assessment. Fees charged are nted in the RPL Assessment Infrmatin dcumentatin. Evidence cnsidered fr Assessment includes the Applicatin Frm plus a wide range f supprting evidence. If further evidence is required then this negtiated with the candidate. A Justice f the Peace r Cmmissiner fr Declaratins must certify cpies f statements and certificates. The applicant will be ntified prmptly f the RPL utcme. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised f the areas where they have nt yet achieved cmpetency. Optins prir t further assessment will be suggested. Page 23 f 42

24 If yu require further infrmatin abut RPL, g t the website r refer t the RPL Infrmatin Handbk. Natinal recgnitin Natinal recgnitin is the prcess that recgnises qualificatins r Statements f Attainment issued by anther Registered Training Organisatin that are the same as the cmpetencies in the prgram the student is enrlled in. T receive credit fr previus study, students need t be enrlled in the prgram and prvide certified cpies f their qualificatins, Statement f Attainment r Statement f Results t Online Curses Australia. Students cannt receive credit fr their whle prgram f study; at least ne cmpetency must be achieved thrugh nrmal enrlment r Recgnitin f Prir Learning. Credit Transfer Credit transfer is the prcess that recgnises accredited study equivalent t the cmpetencies in the prgram the student is enrlled in. Students need t cmplete an Applicatin fr Credit Transfer frm t apply fr credit transfer. Unsuccessful applicants have the right t frmally appeal the result thrugh the appeals prcess. Prgressin Feedback Prgressin feedback is prvided thrughut the duratin f the curse thrugh the learning management system. The student survey infrmatin is gathered thrugh the cmpany intranet. Reprts, analysis and review f the prgressive feedback are t be made quarterly. Rectificatins are t be made fllwing the review f a management meeting. Hwever, fr immediate feedback, students are encuraged t cntact Online Curses Australia. Certificates & Statements f Attainment Online Curses Australia will issue credentials (certificates r statements f attainment as applicable) t students wh satisfactrily achieve the cmpetency requirements f the accredited curse listed n the Scpe f Registratin r the requirements f the shrt curse enrlled in. Page 24 f 42

25 The credential fr Accredited Curses will include Online Curses Australia s name, the name f the persn receiving the credential, the name, and number f the accredited curse, the credential number, the date issued and the signature f the Managing Directr. Where apprpriate, units f cmpetence cmpleted and/r natinal cmpetencies achieved will be identified. Where a student nly cmpletes ne r mre units and nt the cmplete curse, a Statement f Attainment will be issued fr the unit/s successfully cmpleted. Credentials will be issued fllwing the cmpletin f the curse and cnfirmatin that payment has been made in full. On cmpletin f these factrs certificates and statements f attainment will be issued within 30 days. Mrever, all students cmpleting an accredited curse will be required t cmplete a Statutry Declaratin cnfirming the wrk submitted during the curse was their wn wrk prir t receiving a certificate r statement f attainment. The credential fr Nn-Accredited Curses will include Online Curses Australia s name, the name f the persn receiving the credential, the name, the date issued and the signature f the Managing Directr. Student credential results will be recrded in the Learning Management System (LMS), and n the relevant e- file. When a student has cmpleted their nminated curse, fees have been paid in full and a credential has been issued, then the student s cnfidential e-file is archived. Re-issue f Qualificatins Fr re-issue f qualificatins r statements f attainment, with an attached statement f results, an administratin fee will be charged. The fees will be accessed nly when the service is prvided and shall nt be used fr any ther purpse until the student has cmpleted the curse r subject. Replacement fees fr Certificates are as fllw Qualificatin/Certificate Statement f Attainment Results f assessment fr a unit f cmpetency $20.00AUD $20.00AUD $10.00AUD Cmplaints and Appeals If yu have a cmplaint it is always best t deal with a prblem while it is small. Disagreements and misunderstandings can happen t anyne. In fact, they are a part f life. Hwever, Online Curses Australia has a fair and equitable prcess fr dealing with cmplaints and client appeals. Page 25 f 42

26 Cnfidential help and supprt will be prvided. If students are unhappy with any academic decisins, prcedural matters r any issues directly relating t curse f study, they are encuraged t cntact Student Supprt Services t discuss the prblem. Online Curses Australia and their staff wrk hard t ensure that all students have a psitive experience while they are studying. Mst f these prblems can be reslved quickly if yu are prepared t speak with smene abut the issue as early as pssible. This type f cncern r cmplaint is usually referred t as an Infrmal Cmplaint. Infrmal Cmplaints If yu have a cmplaint abut anything related t yur curse yu shuld first try t reslve the prblem by speaking t yur trainer. Hwever, if yu feel that yu cannt d this r, if yur cmplaint r cncern is abut smething that is nt directly related t yur curse, yu may cntact Student Supprt Services. If yu cannt reslve yur prblem by infrmal discussins yu can make a Frmal Cmplaint using the apprpriate frm cntact Student Supprt Services fr a cpy f this frm. Frmal Cmplaints A frmal cmplaint can be written r verbal and is usually f a serius nature. Verbal cmplaints require a frmal interview where the details f the cmplaint will be recrded in writing. Yu can ask a supprt persn t cme with yu t any interviews t assist yu. If yu make a cmplaint r appeal yu will receive a written statement f the utcme. This statement will include the reasns why decisins have been made. If actins need t be taken as a result f a cmplaint r appeal, these actins must be implemented immediately and yu will be advised abut the utcme. If an appeal cannt be reslved thrugh discussin and cnciliatin, Online Curses Australia acknwledges the need fr an apprpriate external and independent agent t mediate between the parties. All appeals will be heard by a Panel where the client will have an pprtunity t present their case. *All aspects f the appeals prcess will be dcumented in writing and a cpy given t bth parties. Appeals Online Curses Australia has a fair and equitable prcess fr dealing with student appeals. Students seeking t appeal against an academic decisin shall have access t the fllwing framewrk, which prvides a means fr prblems experienced by students and teacher t be addressed immediately, effectively, prfessinally and cnfidentially. The plicy prvides an avenue fr appeals t be addressed. Page 26 f 42

27 When an appeal cannt be reslved thrugh discussin and cnciliatin, Online Curses Australia acknwledges the need fr an apprpriate external and independent agent t mediate between the parties. All appeals will be heard by a Panel where the client will have an pprtunity t present their case. *All aspects f the appeals prcess will be dcumented in writing and a cpy given t bth parties. Appeals assciated with assessment results The client appeals prcedure relating t the delivery f training and/r assessment, invlves students initiating the fllwing prcess: Requesting and cmpleting a cmplaint frm frm Online Curses Australia Discussin with relevant trainer abut the appeal. Where unreslved the appeal matter can be taken befre the RTO Manager. Shuld this nt reslve the issue, the matter can then be taken t the Managing Directr. The perid f time allwed fr an appeal is furteen business days fllwing the cmpletin f a unit r curse. Client Services Online Curses Australia has sund management practices t ensure a quality service fr ur students. One f ur standards ensures the timely issue f certificates and/r statement f attainments. Other standards include RPL plicies, refund plicy, cmplaints and appeals plicy, access and equity and student guidance plicy. Our student and curse infrmatin is available t all applicants prir t enrlment in a curse f study. Internal and External reviews Online Curses Australia cnducts yearly internal reviews t ensure quality, cnsistency and cntinuus imprvement. In additin, Online Curses Australia participates in external reviews with the Australian Skills Quality Authrity (ASQA) and ISO 9000:2008 quality assurance standards t ensure cmpliance against the Standards fr Registered Training Organisatins (2015) and internatinal ISO standards. Page 27 f 42

28 Training & Educatin Standards Online Curses Australia has develped and maintains a cmmitment t high standards and emplys plicies and management practices, which maintain prfessinal standards in the marketing and delivery f vcatinal educatin, and training services and which safeguard the interests and welfare f its clients and staff. Online Curses Australia maintains a learning envirnment that is cnducive t the success f ur clients and has the capacity t deliver the curse/s n ur scpe f registratin. We will ensure that the facilities, methds and materials used in the prvisin f training are apprpriate t the utcmes t be achieved. Online Curses Australia will maintain an administratin learning management system fr recrding and archiving student enrlments, attendance, cmpletin, assessment utcmes, recgnitin f current cmpetency, appeals, qualificatins and statements f attainment and certificates issued. Online Curses Australia will ensure that training and assessment ccur in accrdance with the requirements f the training package and the Standards fr Registered Training Organisatins. Online Curses Australia will ensure that all persnal training recrds f clients and staff are treated cnfidentially. Human Resurces Online Curses Australia is cmmitted t a high standard f training thrugh quality trainers and instructrs. We will ensure that all teaching staff have: Demnstrated cmpetencies t the level f thse units being delivered. Demnstrated achievement f at least Certificate IV Training and Assessment Cmpetency Standards r recgnised equivalent. Industry experience that is current and relevant t the particular curse r unit(s) that they are invlved in delivering. Teaching staff will keep current with industry develpments thrugh release t industry and participatin in industry training prgrams. Enhancement f their training and assessment skills will ccur thrugh participatin n an nging basis in training. Page 28 f 42

29 Student Supprt Services Online Curses Australia staff are required at all times t practice active listening when cnfrnted with a student wh may be shwing signs f distress. Shuld the staff member be unaware r unsure f the reasn fr distress then the staff member is t make a cncerned enquiry as t the student s signs f distress. If the staff member feels that they are unable t prvide assistance t the student, they can request the assistance f anther staff member wh may have experience, which enables them t be f assistance t the student. That staff member shuld prvide the student with advice r attempt t alleviate the student s feeling f distress r discmfrt. If the student has advised the staff member f a prblem that appears t require prfessinal assistance frm an utside supprt r cunselling service, then the staff member is t assist the student in cntacting the supprt r cunselling service. If the student des nt wish t cntact the supprt r cunselling service, then the staff member is t assist with infrmatin as t what supprt r cunselling services are available. Student supprt staff are als respnsible fr; crdinating and sending ut f student learning resurces mnitring student cntact and participatin crdinating assessment submissins maintenance and mnitring f learning management systems requesting, cllating and updating learner and emplyer feedback t analysis chart review audit f student files upn cmpletin issuing f certificates/statement f attainments (Certificates/statements f attainment must be issued in accrdance with the AQF requirements, lcated n the rganisatin s intranet.) Disability Supprt It is recmmended that students with a disability cntact student supprt fr a cnfidential telecnference appintment prir t enrlment. Discussin regarding curse requirements can take place and specific needs can be addressed. This will ensure that preparatin fr the student is undertaken prir t curse cmmencement. Page 29 f 42

30 Students wh require special arrangements such as alternative assessment frmats and special examinatin arrangements because f the effects f their disability shuld discuss the matter with the student supprt prir t enrlling n a curse f study. Study Cunselling Services Online Curses Australia prvides cunselling services t assist students in explring career and training pathways. Whether a student needs curse and career guidance, persnal cunselling, welfare r just smene t talk t in a cnfidential setting, please cntact student supprt t rganise a cunsellr t assist yu. Study Cunselling services include: curse and career guidance - alternative pathways t educatin utcmes, Queensland Tertiary Admissin Centre (QTAC) guidance and tertiary entrance persnal cunselling - decisin making, help with study skills, prblem slving and gal setting, stress management and time management yuth allwance and Austudy infrmatin welfare and guidance services Indigenus student supprt Indigenus student supprt is available t manage issues such as Abstudy, career cunselling, welfare, and managing study prgrams fr Indigenus students. Online Curses Australia is happy t refer students requiring such assistance t The Healing Centre fr specialised cunselling and/r supprt. Online supprt Online supprt is ffered by prviding students with: Access t nline tlbx (fr relevant area f study) facility Web-bard/activity stry bard Discussin bards Page 30 f 42

31 Access and Equity All Online Curses Australia staff are respnsible fr ensuring that access and equity is applied t all clients. Access t Online Curses Australia training curses and prgrams is pen t all persns prvided that they meet the pre-requisites set dwn fr the particular curse r prgram they wish t enrl in. As these prerequisites may vary, they are detailed in the curse infrmatin applicable t the relevant curse r prgram. The pre-requisites may refer t matters such as: Minimum age where Gvernment legislatin sets a minimum age fr licensing purpses as it applies t the type f emplyment relevant t the curse/prgram. An absence f criminal cnvictins r ther legal impediments within a defined perid as may be determined by Gvernment legislatin. Pssessing minimum training qualificatins - as may be determined by Gvernment legislatin r regulatin. Pssessin f basic literacy/numeracy skills. Further pre-requisites may als apply in the case f persns seeking Traineeships, as may be determined by Gvernment legislatin r regulatin. Online Curses Australia has many strategies in place t ensure that we prvide an accessible and equitable service t ur clients including thse wh live in remte areas. Anti-Discriminatin Online Curses Australia and staff will nt discriminate against applicants. Online Curses Australia supprts a diverse wrkfrce and shall adpt nn-discriminatry principles and practices, which affrds access and equity t prgrams and activities ffered t prspective students, enrlled students and frmer students. Online Curses Australia staff shall prmte the principles that access and equity means ensuring that everyne has the pprtunity t successfully gain skills, knwledge and experience thrugh educatin and training. Disability Online Curses Australia encurages disabled students t participate in nline learning. Where pssible, Online Curses Australia will adapt learning resurces t meet the needs f disabled students. Online Curses Australia staff will: Be flexible in curse delivery and assessment Address the needs f all learners including Page 31 f 42

32 Cultural issues Gender issues Literacy and numeracy needs Levels f ability/disability Adult learning styles Develp and deliver curses that are inclusive Implement systems and prcedures t supprt different learner requirements Curse infrmatin alng with vcatinal utcmes are prvided n website Staff must ensure that cmpetency standards are met. Ntwithstanding the abve, Online Curses Australia reserves the right t enrl, teach, r terminate students accrding t the Plicies and Prcedures gverning the rganisatin. It is the respnsibility f the Managing Directr t administer this plicy. Student Administratin & Dcumentatin Online Curses Australia will: Recrd all student dcumentatin via electrnic cpies. Secure and stre current recrds in a lcked cabinet/secure nline envirnment. Archive and secure all assessment results/recrds fr retrieval electrnic cpies (perid f 30 years). These recrds are will be f final assessment utcmes fr each unit f cmpetency and will include the cde and title f the unit f cmpetency plus the date achieved. Cpies will be backed up n t a CDROM. Back-up all rganisatinal administratin and student dcumentatin (daily) Archive and stre all recrds cnsistent with cntractual and legal requirements and the requirements f the State r Territry registering bdy that has registered the rganisatin. Archive and recrds pertaining t students and staff training (perid f 30 years). Archive and stre all master e-cpies f assessment instruments/tls/ prcedures used fr 7 years. Page 32 f 42

33 Students file access Upn request, students can view and have access t their student file/s, results and assessment verviews. Relevant dcumentatin pertaining t the request will be supplied t the student. All riginal dcuments are required t remain with Online Curses Australia unless therwise authrised by a delegate fr Online Curses Australia. In additin, students may access their study prgress frm the nline learning management system by selecting specific reprts that are available t them. Online Curses Australia will take every step t ensure the privacy and prtectin f the training recrds and student files. Federal & State gvernment bdies may require, n ccasin, access t the file. An authrisatin frm must be cmpleted by the student prir t any disclsure f infrmatin t a third party. Recrds Management Enrlment recrds Enrlment frms are cmpleted by students and are stred electrnically and via a hard cpy printed frm learning management system. Student participatin recrds Student participatin will be recrded via the learning management system reprts and ther cntact is dcumented n the student database. Training Plan Upn enrlment, a training plan will be available frm the nline learning management system. Students will be able t view their training plan when they lg int the nline system. Students will be required t sign the training plan and return a signed cpy t student supprt services. This can be scanned and ed r hard cpy psted t student supprt services at Online Curses Australia. Page 33 f 42

34 Strage and retentin f student results and assessment recrds Dcumentatin including cpies f qualificatins/statement f attainments issued t students, cpies f assessment instruments and cpies f cmpleted assessment items are stred via hard and electrnic cpies and within a secure and cnfidential envirnment and n a secure and cnfidential database and pertain t the Retentin f Student Results and Assessment Recrds Framewrk. All database and ther electrnic recrds are backed up daily, in tw separate lcatins and are archived electrnically and stred fr a perid f 30 years. All recrds are treated as cnfidential. Legislative requirements Online Curses Australia prvides students with a link t relevant Acts and Regulatins pertaining t student studies, respnsibilities and participatin within Vcatinal Educatin and Training. Fr federal legislatin, please see the fllwing and fr Queensland legislatin, please g t: Key acts t be aware f and up-t-date with are: Natinal Vcatinal Educatin and Training Regulatr Bill 2011 Privacy Act 1988, including the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Prtectin) Act 2012 and Privacy Regulatin 2013 Cpyright Act 1968 Australian Human Rights Cmmissin Act 1986 Wrk Health and Safety Act 2011 While Online Curses Australia des prvide t students in all states, we fcus Queensland state legislatin in guides and handbk, as it is where ur main ffice is lcated. Please g t yur lcal state website fr legislatin particular t yur lcatin, if nt Queensland. Quality Assurance The Australian quality assurance framewrk fr higher educatin is cntinuing t evlve in respnse t the challenges and pressures which have faced the system ver the past decade. Online Curses Australia is managing the prcess f maintaining and imprving the quality f the rganisatin s peratins. Page 34 f 42

35 Online Curses Australia has dcumented prcedures fr managing and mnitring all training peratins and reviewing client satisfactin. Versin cntrl is in peratin alng with internal auditing, internal review prcedures and quality assurance measures. The purpse f versin cntrl is t manage materials that relate t the rganisatin s scpe f registratin. There is a versin cntrl register fr Administratin and Curse/Learning Resurces which recrds all Online Curses Australia dcumentatin/resurces. All materials are reviewed fr currency by authrised and cmpetent staff prir t issue r re-issue. As a new frm f dcumentatin is prduced it is assigned versin cntrl details in the fter f the dcument, this infrmatin is then recrded n the register detailing the name, lcatin, date f creating and versin number. This applies t all dcumentatin/resurces utilised by Online Curses Australia. A list f materials with respective issue and/r amendment status identified is maintained via register. This register is maintained by administratin. Online Curses Australia is cmmitted t a quality system that addresses activities in delivering training and educatin. Staff and students can rest assured that prcedures fr ensuring valid and reliable assessment, recrding, and certificatin f educatinal and training utcmes are in place and are pursued by all members f staff. T ensure cntinuus imprvements f quality standards, students will be asked t prvide feedback and cmplete an imprvement request frm. Online Curses Australia has been awarded IS9001:2008 Quality Assurance Certificatin (refer t certificate). Feedback fr Cntinuus Imprvement During their curse f study and upn cmpletin f a qualificatin/unit f cmpetency, students will be asked t prvide feedback n their curse f study. This feedback will cntribute t the cntinuus imprvement f Online Curses Australia quality training and assessment services. Training Packages A Training Package is a set f natinally endrsed standards and qualificatins fr recgnising and assessing peple's skills. They cntain: Cmpetency standards which describe the skills and knwledge a persn requires t perate effectively in the wrkplace. Assessment guidelines fr valid, reliable, flexible and fair assessment. Page 35 f 42

36 Qualificatin packaging rules which utline what qualificatins are available within the Training Package. Transitin Arrangements Training Packages are nt static dcuments. They are reviewed, updated and superseded. Cnsequently, staff at Online Curses Australia will cntact students and emplyers (if applicable) when this situatin ccurs. It is anticipated that current students will be transferred t the new training package where pssible, hwever this will depend upn the students prgress and expected cmpletin time. There will be a 12-mnth transitin perid. When a training package has been superseded all new student enrlments will be enrlled under the new training package. Transitin Prcess Training Package Update Identificatin f relevant qualificatins Training Packages Review Review frm cmpleted Qualificatins Review fr each qualificatin Administratin Dcumentatin updated Learning resurces and assessments All items updated LMS Items re-upladed Page 36 f 42

37 Appendix A: Glssary f Terminlgy used with Natinal Training Packages Training Package: A set f natinally endrsed standards, guidelines and qualificatins fr training, assessing and recgnising peple s skills, develped by industry t meet training needs. Endrsed Cmpnents: The central part f a training package, endrsed by the Natinal Training Framewrk Cmmittee, cmprising cmpetency standards, assessment guidelines and qualificatins. Assessment Guidelines: Underpins the assessment and sets ut the industry apprach t valid, reliable, flexible and fair assessment. Learning Strategy: Prvides infrmatin n hw training prgrams may be rganised in wrkplaces and training institutins. This may include infrmatin f learning pathways, mdel training prgrams, and training materials. Assessment Tls: A methd fr the cllectin f evidence fr assessment, such as a knwledge test r a checklist f practical perfrmance. Training Prgram: A set f educatin and training activities, designed t achieve a specific vcatinal utcme, eg a prgram, curse, unit f cmpetency n-the-jb training. Training Recrd Bk: A permanent, readily accessible recrd f the cmpetencies attained by individuals thrugh participatin in wrkplace assessments, training prgrams and ther frms f skill recgnitin. Training Plan/Delivery & Assessment Plan: Details the specific prcesses fr the individual learner, such as dates fr assessing, names f mentrs, frecast events in training and checkpints t mnitr prgress. In additin, units f cmpetency, assessment methds. Page 37 f 42

38 Appendix B: Glssary f Internet Terms: Attachment: A methd t place a file, such as a Micrsft Wrd dcument, int an . The recipient must have the same sftware prgram in rder t pen the file. Bandwidth: The amunt f data r infrmatin that can be sent thrugh a cnnectin, usually measured in bits per secnd (bps.) Blg: A jurnal that is available n the web. The activity f updating a blg is "blgging" and smene wh keeps a blg is a "blgger." Blgs are typically updated daily using sftware that allws peple with little r n technical backgrund t update and maintain the blg. Pstings n a blg are usually arranged in chrnlgical rder with the mst recent additins featured mst prminently. It is cmmn fr blgs t be available as RSS feeds. Bradband: Refers t a cnnectin t the Internet with much greater bandwidth than with a mdem. There is n specific definitin f the speed f a bradband cnnectin but any Internet cnnectin using DSL r Cable TV is cnsidered a bradband cnnectin. Brwser: A sftware prgram used t cnnect t and display infrmatin frm a Web site. Micrsft Explrer and Firefx are examples. Ckie: A piece f infrmatin sent by a Web server t a brwser that is expected t be saved and sent back whenever the brwser makes additinal requests frm the server. Depending n the type f Ckie used, and the Brwser settings, the Brwser may accept r nt accept the Ckie, and may save the Ckie fr either a shrt time r a lng time. Ckies might cntain infrmatin such as lgin r registratin infrmatin, nline "shpping cart" infrmatin, user preferences, etc. CDROM: (Cmpact Disk Read Only Memry) Similar t an audi CD but cntains cmputer data such as files, prgrams, simulatins, r curse materials. T use a CD ROM a cmputer must have a CD ROM drive. Chat rm: A live, Web based applicatin in which participants cmmunicate with each ther via text. Each individual in the chat rm types int a chat windw and his r her writing appears immediately n each participant s screen. In distance learning, chat rms may be used fr discussins and team r grup wrk. Dwnlad: Transferring data (usually a file) frm ne cmputer t the cmputer being used. (The ppsite f uplad). DSL: (Digital Subscriber Line) A methd fr mving data ver regular phne lines. A DSL circuit is much faster than a regular phne cnnectin, and the wires cming int the subscriber's premises are the same cpper wires used fr regular phne service. DVD ROM: (Digital Vide Disk Read Only Memry) Similar t a mvie DVD but cntains cmputer data such as, files, prgrams, simulatins r curse materials. T use a DVD ROM a cmputer must have a DVD drive. Ethernet: A cmmn methd f netwrking cmputers in a LAN. Page 38 f 42

39 FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questins) Dcuments that allw users t access answers r infrmatin n cmmn questins r prblems n a specific tpic. Flame: T attack an individual r grup by psting an t a listserv r discussin grup. Internet culture frwns n flaming. Fire Wall: A cmbinatin f hardware and sftware that separates a netwrk int tw r mre parts fr security purpses. FTP: (File Transfer Prtcl) A way t mve files frm ne cmputer t anther. FTP is an lder methd f file transfer that is nt cmmnly utilized in distance learning curses. GIF: (Graphic Interchange Frmat) A cmmn frmat fr image files, especially suitable fr images cntaining large areas f the same clur. GIF frmat files f images are ften smaller than the same file stred in JPEG frmat. Hwever, GIF frmat des nt stre phtgraphic images as well as JPEG. Hme page: The Internet page that appears when first pening a brwser. A hme page can be changed at any time. While taking an nline curse, it may be cnvenient t use the curse lgin page as yur hme page. Hst cmputer: A cmputer that cntains infrmatin r prgrams that are accessible thrugh anther cmputer. Web sites are files n a hst cmputer. HTML: (HyperText Mark up Language) The cmputer language used t create Web pages. HTTP: (HyperText Transfer Prtcl) is the prtcl fr mving hypertext files acrss the Internet. Hypertext: Any text that cntains links t ther dcuments r Web sites. IM: Instant Messaging is the exchange f text messages thrugh a cmputer applicatin in real time. Ppular IM applicatins include AOL, MSN Messenger, Yah! Messenger and Apple ichat. Internet: Millins f cmputers wrldwide linked tgether by telephne lines and ther frms f telecmmunicatins netwrks. Internet Discussin Grups: Als knwn listservs. These are grups f individuals wh pst, r exchange infrmatin and discuss tpics via n subjects in which they have mutual interests. IP Address: A unique number cnsisting f fur parts separated by dts such as Every machine n the Internet has a unique IP number. Many machines (especially servers) als have ne r mre Dmain Names that are easier fr peple t remember. ISP: (Internet Service Prvider) Cmpanies that prvide a cnnectin frm a cmputer t the Internet using a telephne line, cable r wireless netwrk. Java: A cmputer language used t add new capabilities t a brwser. Java applets (small prgrams) are required fr sme distance learning subject matter. Similar t Active X. JPEG: (Jint Phtgraphic Experts Grup) JPEG is the mst cmmnly mentined frmat fr image files. JPEG frmat is preferred t the GIF frmat fr phtgraphic images as ppsed t line art r simple lg art. LAN: (Lcal Area Netwrk) A cmputer netwrk limited t the immediate area, usually the same building r flr f a building. Page 39 f 42

40 Link: Text r graphics n a Web page that can be selected t view a different Web page r dcument. Listserv: An electrnic mailing list that allws participants t send the same infrmatin t many peple by addressing a message t a single cmputer. The cmputer frwards the message t everyne n the list. Lgin: Either a nun r a verb. Nun: The accunt name used t gain access t a cmputer system (cntrast with Passwrd). Verb: the act f cnnecting t a cmputer system by giving yur credentials (usually yur username and passwrd) Mdem: A cmmunicatins device that yur cmputer uses t cnnect t ther cmputers and the Internet. Netwrk: The cnnectin f tw r mre cmputers tgether s that they can share resurces. If tw r mre netwrks are cnnected tgether this is knwn as an Internet. NIC: (Netwrk Interface Card) The card in a cmputer that allws fr cnnectin t a netwrk, usually Ethernet. Operating system: A prgram that prvides basic services needed t perate a cmputer including file access, screen infrmatin, and muse use. Micrsft Windws and Apple Mac OS are the mst cmmn perating systems fr persnal cmputers. Passwrd: A series f letters and/r numbers utilized alng with a username. A passwrd prvides security t ensure nly authrized users can read e mail r participate in a class. D nt write dwn r share a passwrd. PDF: (Prtable Dcument Frmat) A file frmat designed t enable printing and viewing f dcuments with all frmatting (typefaces, images, layut, etc.) regardless f what perating system is used. A PDF dcument shuld lk the same n Windws, Macintsh, Linux, OS/2, etc. The PDF frmat is based n the widely used Pstscript dcument descriptin language. Bth PDF and Pstscript were develped by the Adbe Crpratin. Plug in: A prgram that adds new functins t a brwser. Audi and vide ften require plug ins. Plug ins must be dwnladed frm the Internet and installed n a cmputer. Pdcast: A frm f audi bradcasting using the Internet, pdcasting takes its name frm a cmbinatin f "ipd" and bradcasting. ipd is the ppular digital audi player made by Apple, but pdcasting des nt actually require the use f an ipd. Pdcasting invlves making ne r mre audi files available as "enclsures" in an RSS feed. A pd caster creates a list f music, and/r ther sund files (such as recrded petry, r "talk radi" material) and makes that list available in the RSS 2.0 frmat. The list can then be btained by ther peple using varius pdcast "retriever" sftware which reads the feed and makes the audi files available t digital audi devices (including, but nt limited t ipds) where users may then listen t them at their cnvenience. POP: (Pst Office Prtcl) One way that an e mail prgram can retrieve yur e mail frm a server. POP2 is an lder versin, and POP3 is a newer versin. Anther cmmn prtcl is IMAP. Prtal: A Web site that is intended t be the first place accessed when using the Web. A Prtal site may als ffer and ther services t entice peple t use that site as their main "pint f entry" (hence "prtal") t the Web. Page 40 f 42

41 Pst: T send an e mail t a listserv r discussin grup. RAM: Randm Access Memry allws a cmputer t keep infrmatin stred fr instantaneus access as ppsed t retrieving it frm a hard drive which takes mre time. Infrmatin in RAM is lst when a cmputer is turned ff r lses pwer. Search engine: A Web site that hsts an engine r indexed database f many f the Web sites arund the wrld. Searches are perfrmed by typing wrds that are descriptive f the infrmatin sught. The search engine returns Web site addresses that cntain keywrds in rank rder frm the best match t the wrst. Ggle is the mst ppular search engine. Other search engines are Yah Search, and ask.cm. Server: A cmputer r sftware package that prvides a specific kind f service t client sftware running n ther cmputers. The term can refer t a particular piece f sftware, such as a WWW server, r t the machine n which the sftware is running, e.g. "Our mail server is dwn tday, that's why e mail isn't getting ut." Snail mail: Regular paper mail frm the U.S. Pstal system. It is named fr its slwness when cmpared t e mail. Spam: Unwanted cmmercial similar t junk mail received thrugh the U.S. Pstal system. Spyware: A term generally referring t sftware that is secretly installed n a user s cmputer and that mnitrs use f the cmputer in sme way withut the user s knwledge r cnsent. Mst spyware tries t get the user t view advertising and/r particular Web pages. Sme spyware als sends infrmatin abut the user t anther machine ver the Internet. Spyware is usually installed withut user knwledge as part f the installatin f ther sftware, especially sftware such as music sharing sftware btained via dwnlad. Surfing: Surfing the Web means mving frm ne Web site r page t anther Web site. Uplad: Transferring data (usually a file) frm ne cmputer t anther cmputer. URL: (Universal Resurce Lcatr) the address f a Web site listed either as r www. This address is used t view a Web site. User name: A name by which a cmputer identifies a user when sending e mail r cnnecting with a remte cmputer using a mdem. Using a user name alng with a passwrd allws secure access t a cmputer. Smetimes called a user ID r lg n. Vide cnference: An activity in which individuals meet at the same time t see and talk t each ther using vide cameras, micrphnes, and the Internet r telephne lines t cnnect between the sites. The distance between sites can be less than a mile r t the ther side f the wrld. Virus: A piece f cmputer prgramming cde that makes cpies f itself withut human interventin. Sme viruses d mre than simply replicate themselves. Viruses might display messages, install ther sftware r files, delete sftware r files, etc. A virus requires the presence f sme ther prgram t replicate itself. Typically viruses spread by attaching themselves t prgrams and, in sme cases, files. Fr example, the file frmats fr Micrsft wrd prcessr and spread sheet prgrams allw the inclusin f prgrams called "macrs" which can be a breeding grund fr viruses. WAN: (Wide Area Netwrk) Any Internet r netwrk that cvers an area larger than a single building r campus. Page 41 f 42

42 Web: Files n millins f cmputers n the Internet that allw access t multimedia text, pictures, audi, and vide. (Als referred t as the Wrld Wide Web r WWW). Web brwser: A sftware prgram, which runs n a cmputer t cnnect it with and display infrmatin frm a Web site. Micrsft Explrer and Firefx are examples. Web site: A set f files n the Internet with infrmatin that can be viewed using a Web brwser. Wi Fi: (Wireless Fidelity) A ppular term fr a frm f wireless data cmmunicatin. Page 42 f 42