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As an undergraduate student, Alannah Smith gained a reputation for being an active community member on the Murdoch campus. When COVID-19 hit, the bubbly student had to adjust to external study as she moved into a postgrad teaching degree. Staying connected and engaged is exactly what Alannah’s done.

External study provides ample interaction with students and teachers

Alannah is studying for a Master of Teaching (Primary) and taking full advantage of the virtual study options at ��ҹ������վ. With an undergrad degree in science from Murdoch, she embraced the opportunity to make an impact. Alannah thrived with in-person learning, so moving into external study was a big change and required a shift in thinking.  

“It has not been as daunting as I thought,” Alannah says.

“Through the use of Blackboard Collaborate sessions, it is like being in a class but just in your house instead.

“You can interact with other students, and the tutor, just like in internal workshops.”

Virtual classroom environments mirror in-class experiences

Blackboard Collaborate is a virtual classroom and online collaboration tool built to deliver an engaging, personalised, and flexible learning environment for students studying externally. It’s designed specifically for education and manages the extensive and varied collaboration needs of students and teachers. It provides a level of engagement that makes participants forget they’re not in a physical classroom.

It’s also worth noting Murdoch is the first university in Australia to offer ������������™ — simulated classroom teaching technology using virtual reality and human actors. It’s another way Murdoch graduates are preparing for the real world of work and career.

Balancing external studies with work and social life

External study offers flexible options for all students and can be a great option for postgrad students who decide how to balance their work and social lives with their studies in a way that works best for them.

“I have more time to study as some of my other commitments have stopped due to the virus,” Alannah says.

“I can study and watch online lectures whenever I like.

“I can also take a break and do things with my family and pets.

External study allows me to dance around in between studying to give me motivation and concentration.”

As an outstanding student leader, Alannah values the opportunity to stay connected to her peers and the wider Murdoch community as she focuses on her primary teaching postgrad degree.

“We are engaging twice a week through Blackboard Collaborate in place of our once-a-week workshop time,” Alannah says.

“Having it twice a week allows for more engagement throughout the week and gives us time to do pre-workshop activities before the online section.

“We have a group chat of most of the students in our class on social media, where we chat and update each other.”

Planning is the key to success for new ways of learning

While Alannah is the first to admit she has more time to study and complete assignments, she says it’s essential to plan.

“With online learning you are at home all the time, so you have to organise what you are going to do each day for studying and online classes,” Alannah says.

“My two dogs are really great to talk to and cuddle, which gives me motivation to continue to study or finish an assignment when my motivation is dwindling.”

When Alannah needs to relax, her furry companions are ready to help out. She enjoys going for walks along the river foreshore or to the beach with her dogs. The nature lover also gives kayaking and bushwalks top marks for relaxation. Watching films factors into her free time and she finds music inspires her to think about her future as a teacher.

“One of my favourite songs to listen to when studying is ‘Only the Young’ by Taylor Swift,” Alannah says.

“It is really inspirational — saying that young people can make a difference and you can make a difference to the future.”

Discover how you can help influence the next generation of free thinkers with a Master of Teaching (Primary), Master of Teaching (Secondary) or a Graduate Certificate in Education.