I did it again. I didn't take my own advice and I lost a piece of work. Save it or lose it! It was only two years ago that I posted about ensuring that all work is backed up properly. Read that post here.
This time I was working on a Prezi - a mind map program I downloaded onto my iPad. Luckily, the work I lost was not crucial and I hadn't spent a lot of my time on it as it was only in the early stages. But it has served as a reminder - save it or lose it!
So here's a recap to ensure nothing is lost by failing to ctrl + s!
1. save the document or project as soon as it is started.
2. make it a habit to save at regular intervals or as soon as a small block of work is complete.
3. don't just save it on your pc or tablet - transfer it to an external hard drive, usb or even better to the cloud!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Oops, I uploaded the wrong assignment!
Has this ever happened to you? Uploading the wrong assignment for a unit is an easy mistake to make. You have probably noticed that course units within a stream usually have the same letters preceding the course code to indicate they belong to that subject. For example, EDPE243 - ED indicates it is an education subject.
One student, Casey* submitted two assignments for her teaching degree three weeks ago. Today, Casey received her results. One assignment she received top marks and the other she failed. Casey looked at her assessment uploads and realised she had accidentally uploaded the same assignment for both subjects - subjects that had near identical course numbers. Upon realising this, she contacted her lecturer by email who confirmed that she had uploaded the wrong assignment but could only mark what was uploaded. The stress from this mistake and hoping for a solution left Casey in tears and sick to the stomach that all her hard work would go to waste. Casey sent the lecturer a copy of the correct assignment in hope that if anything, she would gain some feedback.
Other students' stories who came from different Australian Universities;
Another student, Danielle* said that she had mixed up two assignments once and it was the lecturers who realised and emailed her to upload the correct assignments.
Jacki* didn't realise that she had uploaded the incorrect assignment until her lecturer contacted her. But the due date had already passed by the time the mistake was picked up. However, Jacki was able to resubmit the correct assignment but with a penalty.
Jo* uploaded the correct assignment but an earlier draft. She had to learn the hard way as the lecturer stated that she could only mark the uploaded assignment as there was no way of knowing if she had used the extra days to complete the task.
Mixing up assignments when uploading assessment because the unit codes are near identical is an easy mistake to make. Here are three tips to ensure that you don't have to endure the same stress as Casey.
1. When saving an assignment, ensure that you use both the unit code, unit name and assignment number to identify it easily.
2. Before pressing 'submit' when uploading your assignment, triple check that it is the correct assignment for the unit. If you are tired (if it is not the due date), leave the uploading until you are feeling more refreshed.
3. Go back into where you submitted the assignment and ensure that it was received.
*names changed to protect identity.
One student, Casey* submitted two assignments for her teaching degree three weeks ago. Today, Casey received her results. One assignment she received top marks and the other she failed. Casey looked at her assessment uploads and realised she had accidentally uploaded the same assignment for both subjects - subjects that had near identical course numbers. Upon realising this, she contacted her lecturer by email who confirmed that she had uploaded the wrong assignment but could only mark what was uploaded. The stress from this mistake and hoping for a solution left Casey in tears and sick to the stomach that all her hard work would go to waste. Casey sent the lecturer a copy of the correct assignment in hope that if anything, she would gain some feedback.
Other students' stories who came from different Australian Universities;
Another student, Danielle* said that she had mixed up two assignments once and it was the lecturers who realised and emailed her to upload the correct assignments.
Jacki* didn't realise that she had uploaded the incorrect assignment until her lecturer contacted her. But the due date had already passed by the time the mistake was picked up. However, Jacki was able to resubmit the correct assignment but with a penalty.
Jo* uploaded the correct assignment but an earlier draft. She had to learn the hard way as the lecturer stated that she could only mark the uploaded assignment as there was no way of knowing if she had used the extra days to complete the task.
Mixing up assignments when uploading assessment because the unit codes are near identical is an easy mistake to make. Here are three tips to ensure that you don't have to endure the same stress as Casey.
1. When saving an assignment, ensure that you use both the unit code, unit name and assignment number to identify it easily.
2. Before pressing 'submit' when uploading your assignment, triple check that it is the correct assignment for the unit. If you are tired (if it is not the due date), leave the uploading until you are feeling more refreshed.
3. Go back into where you submitted the assignment and ensure that it was received.
*names changed to protect identity.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Holiday time - time for a break and to enrol!
Time to enrol
You may be enrolling in units for the first time as a new student or you may be a continuing student. It is most likely that your University has opened their enrolments for you to select the units you would like to study over the coming session/trimester/semester.
Most
University courses will have a set outline of core units that you need to
complete each year. Alongside these core units, you may be required to choose
‘electives’ from a selection of additional non-core units. These non-core units
may build into specialising in a stream within your study area.
If you are
short on time due to work commitments and/or have children, you may wish to
look at the unit information to check for
1) any residential schools if a distance student and
2) the
required work load of assignments, online work and exams.
The most important factor when choosing an
elective unit is to choose an area that you will enjoy. Choosing an area that
you have a general interest in will motivate you throughout the semester and
you will most likely produce better work.
How many units should I enrol in?
This is dependent on a number of things and you will need to consider the following;
1) work commitments,
2) the number of children you look after
3) the amount of support you have from friends and family and
4) other commitments.
As Confucius said;
“It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.”
Remember if you do decide at a later date that your course load is too much, there is time to drop a unit before a penalty applies.
Check your University for further details and enjoy your break!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Back from a hiatus
Well it's been way too long between blog posts and I think it's time to get eDegree back into the swing of things!
During my hiatus, I've been a bride, graduate, teacher, research student and most recently, a new mum! So, I have many new perspectives and ideas to share and hopefully for those who use to follow this blog or are new readers, you will share some of your stories, achievements and tips too.
Although it's now half way through 2013, it's never too late to start or restart something you enjoy, whether it be a new hobby, career or study path (or in this case, a blog!).
During my hiatus, I've been a bride, graduate, teacher, research student and most recently, a new mum! So, I have many new perspectives and ideas to share and hopefully for those who use to follow this blog or are new readers, you will share some of your stories, achievements and tips too.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Back Up Buddy!
Back up, back up, back up! This is some great advice I regularly give others and this time failed to remind myself.
It was only eight little research articles - surely I could get that safely from Mum's computer back to my place, an hour away, without too much hassle on my USB. No, I don't need to save it on mum's computer or email these articles to myself - I have just double checked and they are definitely on my uni USB.
Fast forward two hours later, I'm at home with my 'trusty' USB and the articles are NOT there. I have other items on it (all backed up elsewhere anyway!)but not these precious articles that I found after five hours trawling through databases.
It seems backing up information as soon as you have it is a necessity. Emailing it to yourself whilst on someone else's computer (bearing in mind internet access would be required!), saving it to your hard drive or the computer you have been using and USB (or a portable hard drive) is the only way you can be sure that all your hard work is not lost.
A few tears later and a happy ending - thanks mum for being able to find the author of the much needed articles as I was able to trace back to where they were originally found and download them again.
It was only eight little research articles - surely I could get that safely from Mum's computer back to my place, an hour away, without too much hassle on my USB. No, I don't need to save it on mum's computer or email these articles to myself - I have just double checked and they are definitely on my uni USB.
Fast forward two hours later, I'm at home with my 'trusty' USB and the articles are NOT there. I have other items on it (all backed up elsewhere anyway!)but not these precious articles that I found after five hours trawling through databases.
It seems backing up information as soon as you have it is a necessity. Emailing it to yourself whilst on someone else's computer (bearing in mind internet access would be required!), saving it to your hard drive or the computer you have been using and USB (or a portable hard drive) is the only way you can be sure that all your hard work is not lost.
A few tears later and a happy ending - thanks mum for being able to find the author of the much needed articles as I was able to trace back to where they were originally found and download them again.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Semester Started! Time to get motivated
The new Uni semester has started and it is time to get motivated...if you aren't already!
By now you should have enrolled in all the units that you will undertake this semester whether it is a full time or part time load. Remember, there are academic penalties if you do not withdraw from a unit before a certain date if you decide not to continue with a particular subject - always check this with your University.
You may have already been to your first lecture this week where you get to know your new lecturer, find new friends and lecture rooms if this is your first year of study.
However, if you are studying externally - without face to face contact then no doubt you will already have been online and had a look at your course outline and materials and may have even downloaded some.
Either way, you should now know what is expected of you in this course in terms of assessment and attendance and what you should know by the end of the unit you are enrolled in. First week is mostly a bit of orientation, getting organised and setting yourself up for success- remember you can do this!
So, what questions have come about in your first week of Uni?
By now you should have enrolled in all the units that you will undertake this semester whether it is a full time or part time load. Remember, there are academic penalties if you do not withdraw from a unit before a certain date if you decide not to continue with a particular subject - always check this with your University.
You may have already been to your first lecture this week where you get to know your new lecturer, find new friends and lecture rooms if this is your first year of study.
However, if you are studying externally - without face to face contact then no doubt you will already have been online and had a look at your course outline and materials and may have even downloaded some.
Either way, you should now know what is expected of you in this course in terms of assessment and attendance and what you should know by the end of the unit you are enrolled in. First week is mostly a bit of orientation, getting organised and setting yourself up for success- remember you can do this!
So, what questions have come about in your first week of Uni?
Thursday, January 6, 2011
What will you be studying this year?
The University year will soon start and you will have or be thinking about the units you will choose to study.
I recommend choosing elective units that you think you would enjoy or that you think you will do well in. Look at the unit outline to determine whether this work will benefit you and your study aims.
There are also compulsory units that you will have to undertake as part of your study. There may be some that you do not wish to do but a requirement of the course. Think of the positive - what you can get out of it? You will also need to make sure that you satisfy any prerequisites for units you do choose.
Make sure you enrol in the unit by the University's given deadline. You will also need to ensure you have all the required texts for each unit - check out what second hand shops have available to save $$$s!
Once you have enrolled in your units, there will be a date they will become available online - usually the first week lectures begin. Ensure that you keep an eye on when they do become available so you can join any online groups first and stay on top of the forum discussions.
Take the first week to work out a study timetable, get to know your way around online and what is required of you to complete each unit.
Most of all, enjoy your semester and get what you can out of your study!
I recommend choosing elective units that you think you would enjoy or that you think you will do well in. Look at the unit outline to determine whether this work will benefit you and your study aims.
There are also compulsory units that you will have to undertake as part of your study. There may be some that you do not wish to do but a requirement of the course. Think of the positive - what you can get out of it? You will also need to make sure that you satisfy any prerequisites for units you do choose.
Make sure you enrol in the unit by the University's given deadline. You will also need to ensure you have all the required texts for each unit - check out what second hand shops have available to save $$$s!
Once you have enrolled in your units, there will be a date they will become available online - usually the first week lectures begin. Ensure that you keep an eye on when they do become available so you can join any online groups first and stay on top of the forum discussions.
Take the first week to work out a study timetable, get to know your way around online and what is required of you to complete each unit.
Most of all, enjoy your semester and get what you can out of your study!
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