Hello and welcome to theAcademicLeadership For Course CoordinatorsProgram.

Before you start, please spend a few minutes reading through this section to familiarise yourself with how this online program works and the best way to work through the materials.

If this is your first time studying online you're probably wondering what you need to do first, how to move around this site andwhere your program materials are located! We hope to answer most of these queries here.

Computer Requirements

Before you begin, make sure that you have the appropriate hardware and software to effectively use this online program.

In addition to a computer, checkout the links below to see what System& browser requirements, and Plug-insare needed.

System& browserrequirements

Plug-ins

How to move around this unit

If this is the first time you have studied online, you may not be very familiar with Blackboard, so take a look at the information below which will explain how to navigate through the online materials.

Use the menu bar

This online program contains a range of different resources, all of which can be accessed from the side menu bar. Simply click on a menu item to go directly to that section.

Use the 'breadcrumbs'

As you move through the pages you will see that the name of each page will change to reflect where you are in the site. These are known as 'breadcrumbs'. A breadcrumb provides a link back to each page you have previously accessed.

As a general rule, if the text is underlined, you can click on it to go back up a level, that is, to go back to the previous page you were on. You can essentially 'follow the breadcrumbs' to find your way back from where you came.

What you will find in this online unit

This onlineprogram contains a range of different resources which you can access at any time. All of these resources can be accessed from the side menu bar on the left hand side of this page.

Below is a brief explanation of the menu bar options.

Announcements / Please check this section of the unit REGULARLY as this is where your Program Coordinator will post important information and reminders relating to this unit.
Before you begin / This is where you are now.
Staff Profiles / The contact details for your Program Coordinators are supplied in this section.
Program Materials / The majority of your study material for this unit is found within the Program Materials section.
The Program Material is arranged into modules. Within each module you will find a range of resources including:
  • Module Notes.
  • Learning Outcomes.
  • Other relevant resources.
Make sure that you review all of the resources to get the most out of this program.
Academic Leaders Café / You can use the Academic Leaders Café (Discussion Board) to talk to other participants and your Program Coordinators while studying this online unit. Please always observe good netiquette ( whenever you make a posting.
You will sometimes be asked to post your answers on the discussion board so that you can share your thoughts and ideas with other participants in the program.
Technical Tips / Here you will find information about:
  • Joining a Discussion Group.
  • How to access iLectures.

How to work through this online unit

Everybody will have their own ways of working through their materials but here is a recommended way to work through this onlineprogram.

  1. Explore the site for a few minutes. Go through all the items in the menu bar and get to know where everything is. Have a look in the StaffProfiles section to see who yourProgram Coordinatorsare.
  2. Start working through theProgram Materials, week by week. Make sure that you:
  3. Read theModule Notes carefully.You may like to save these to your own computer, or print them out week by week.
  4. Read through anyReadings that arelisted. Access any Additional Resources that are mentioned.
  5. We hope that you enjoy working through this onlinesite and wish you all the best with the program.

Before you begin.doc