NZTC Block Courses enable greater flexibility for students
Over the past few months, New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) students around the country have been enjoying coming together to engage in the college’s new virtual Block Courses.
Challenges arising from Covid-19 lockdowns prompted NZTC to look at new flexible ways of providing support to ensure study could be continued from home, with health and safety and access at the forefront of the decision-making.
Block Courses have traditionally been a face-to-face requirement of the college’s teaching programs, but as the nation moved to isolation, the college moved these online, utilising its long-established learning platform - NZTC Online.
Increased flexibility, new connections, and engagement with fellow students throughout the country are just a few of the opportunities that have been created since establishing the virtual Block Courses.
Students have been holistically supported to participate in tasks of review, reflection, and discussion, while drawing on materials and a supportive online learning community, as they progress the skills needed to become effective early childhood teachers.
The move to virtual Block Courses has been welcomed by students as they enjoy no travel or accommodation costs, no traffic, and no time away from the children and families that they care for and educate. Students have shared that the content is supportive and relevant, and lecturer guidance/feedback provided on the discussion forums is highly valued.
One student shared, “by engaging in Block Courses virtually, no one has to organise others to look after their children and there are no travel and accommodation costs, so it is a win all round!” Another shared that the Block Courses allow for increased flexibility, “I don’t have to take a day off work, and it is really enjoyable having the opportunity to engage with the content in my own time.”
The college is committed to continuing to enhance Block Courses with the ongoing support of The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand | Matatū Aotearoa and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.