HCT Independent Learning Centre Guidelines
1.0 Rationale
It is essential that each College has an identifiable Independent Learning Centre (ILC) with staff, equipment, facilities and materials sufficient to help students with independent learning assistance and support in developing the HCT learning model of independent, life-long student learning in accordance with the HCT Graduate Outcomes. The development of students as responsible life-long learners should be seen as an integral part of the Higher Colleges of Technology curriculum and the teaching process, and should be reflected in the resources and facilities available to students. 2.0 Terminology An Independent Learning Centre (ILC) consists of a number of resources in the form of professionally-trained staff, materials, activities, and support, utilizing a wide range of educational technologies, designed to accommodate learners of different levels, goals, styles, and interests. 3.0 Policy 3.1 All colleges will provide to enrolled students an identifiable ILC facility with the range of ILC services as specified in this policy, document its provision in the official student record system, and allocate a budget and resources for its implementation. 3.2 While enrolled in a program at the Higher Colleges of Technology, a student will be provided with access to an Independent Learning Centre. The establishment of an ILC facility will require allocation of the following resources: 3.2.1 ILC facilities including, but not limited to:
3.2.2 ILC staff including, but not limited to:
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3.3 ILC Materials: Provision, Promotion, Orientation and Training
3.3.1 The ILC will provide a range of curriculum based self-study materials selected and reviewed according to procedure. There will be a preference for making digital and on-line resources. 3.3.2 Independent learning skills will be promoted to faculty and students through awareness of available self-study materials and resources. ILC staff will encourage individual and group use of their facilities. 3.3.3 Orientation sessions and tours of the ILC facilities will be given and information provided about available materials and resources to individuals and groups. 3.3.4 Training will be provided in use of specific materials and resources for individuals and groups. 3.3.5 Systems for monitoring and reporting student progress will be developed in cooperation with academic staff. 3.3.6 Active research in testing commercially produced resources will be conducted, resulting in system recommendations for acquisition. The acquisitions will be made from the ILC budget. 3.4 Supported reinforcement, remediation and extension Where appropriate, ILC staff and / or Academic Support Coordinator will organise and / or provide individual or group tutorials to support student learning. This may involve: 3.4.1 Consulting with academic supervisors and staff in order to identify areas of concern. 3.4.2 Managing the scheduling and administration of tutorials. 3.4.3 Identifying and providing appropriate support materials for use in tutorials. 3.4.4 Being available to students who drop in for help with assignments. 4.0 Stakeholder Impact and Scope This policy applies to all students enrolled in programs at the Higher Colleges of Technology and to deferred students but excludes withdrawn students. It defines the range and, through the procedures, the minimum standards of ILC services appropriate to support students enrolled in programs and ensure students are supported to reach their full potential. |