FAQ

Q. How much time do I have to complete the course
A. Each course has a "suggested timeframe" to guide you. This is based on about 4-6 hours per week at 4 weeks per unit. For example, the MYOB course has three units, so the estimated timeframe is 12 weeks at 4-6 hours per week. The timeframe is flexible though, depending on how much time during the week you have to devote to your study and whether you already have experience in the topic.

You can finish as quickly as you like, and if you need more time this is usually not a problem up to a 12 month period. We just ask that you keep in touch. If you seem to "disappear" then we may remove you from the course. Also courses sometimes change and sometimes this depends on the National Curriculum so is out of our control. You can continue with your course, but if you take longer than the recommended timeframe, there might be changes to deal with - we'll guide you if this happens. The message is to finish within the timeframe if you can and to please contact us if you need more time.

What technical requirements are there?

What you should feel comfortable with

• use the Windows or Macintosh file system to start applications, set up new folders, and save your work into these folders

• use a word processor like Microsoft Word or Open Office

• use a web browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape

• use email to send, receive and save attachments

Technical guide

Your computer should meet the following requirements for the online courses

Hardware: IBM compatible computer, 300 MHz processor
64 MB of RAM: 4 Gb hard disk
800 x 600 display (1024 x 768 recommended)
CD ROM drive
sound card and speakers or headphones
28.8 k modem or higher configuration

a Macintosh® equivalent.

Access to a printer would also be useful, in order to print out pages

Software

Microsoft® Windows® 95, 98 or 2000 (PC users) or higher

Mac OS® 8.9 and above (Macintosh® users)
Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5 or 6

Netscape® Navigator 6 or higher
JavaScript and CSS support enabled
programs such as Microsoft® Word and Excel, to open and use downloadable forms, checklists, spreadsheets and worksheets
a valid email address.

Plug-ins

You will require the following plug-ins to run the multimedia interactions:

Macromedia® Flash Player®. If you haven't got this plug-in, you can download the latest free version from the Macromedia® website. (http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer/)
Macromedia® Shockwave Player®: If you haven't got this plug-in, you can download the latest free version from the Macromedia® website. (http://www.macromedia.com/go/getshockwaveplayer/)
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader(TM): If you haven't got this plug-in, you can download the latest free version from the Adobe® website.(http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html)

If you have any questions, please ask.

Q When can I start
A. You start your course as soon as your enrolment is processed. This is usually within 48 hours of your enrolment.

Q. Is the course easy to use?
A. Yes. The course aims to help you learn, not to cause you to battle with technology. You need to be able to use the Internet and send and recieve emails and attachments.

Q. How long does it take to receive feedback?
A. The turnaround time for marking assignments is three to five days (depending on the nature of the assignment). Questions about the courses are prioritied so if you need help feedback is often immediate, or you can use the telephone.

Q. How do I send in Assignments?
A. Assignments are either submitted online, or you send them by email attachment.

Q, What Qualification will I receive?
A. The qualification is recognised Nationally by employers and other colleges. If you are studying a full certificate course, you'll receive a certificate qualification. If you study a short course you'll receive a Statement of Attainment for the units you complete. The qualification can only be issued by a Registered Training Organisation who undergoes rigorous quality control auditing and assessment under the Australian Qualifications Training Framework (AQTF) to be able to issue you with your Nationally Accredited certificate or statement of attainment on successful completion.

Q. Are there any exams?
A. No. There are no exams. All assessment is conducted during the course.

Q. Will I fail?
A If you submit an assignment and there is more work to do on it, you'll receive feedback and then you can resubmit your assignment. The aim is to help you achieve competency, not to fail you!

Q. Who would I ask if I need help?
A.If you need help there is plenty available. You would either ask your trainer questions by email or phone. If you need technical help you can ask your trainer, or our technical assistant.

Q. What Certificate level should I study?
A. This is a very individual question and it is best to talk with someone by phone who can guide you. You can phone the college and a person will talk to you about your suitability for courses.

Q. Who is Distance Learning Australia?
A. Distance Learning Australia is a privately owned company who works in partnership with the colleges to offer the courses. The college takes your enrolment and issues you with the Nationally Accredited qualification and has stringent quality quidelines to adhere to. Distance Learning Australia has trainers and assessors who are experts in the field of study, design the courses and guide you during your study.

Q. What happens if I'm not in the workplace?
A. The courses include a "virtual" business which you can use as a case study if you are not working. This helps you to apply what you are learning to a business environment and you can choose to use the virtual business during your study.

Q What's your phone number?

A. You can call (02) 6257 1030 - that's Distance Learning Australia if you have any questions about the courses themselves. The college phone number is on the website.

Q: Can I communicate with other students?

A: Yes. There is a discussion page where you can leave your email address if you want other students to contact you.

Q: Will I have to read a lot of notes online?

A: You don't need to be online all the time to complete the courses. There is a mix of web pages and where there is a fair amount of reading to do, these are in PDF format which means you can download them to your computer, read them offline, or print them out.