All the Ways to Connect with Your New Online Program Community

There’s a common misconception that connecting with others while completing an online program can be difficult. But here at the University of Adelaide, we’ve embedded social engagement into all of our online programs. 

Your virtual online learning community is made up of the follow groups, who you will be connecting with on a regular basis: 

• fellow students 
• tutors and other teaching staff 
• Student Success Advisors 
• other University services. 

Some interactions will be compulsory, while other opportunities will require you to take the initiative to engage.  

 
Live Online Tutorials 

Each program cohort is diverse in their professional experiences, skills, knowledge, ages, cultures, and the paths they’ve taken to enrol. But remember that you all share a passion for your chosen discipline and the importance of professional development. This diversity creates a highly stimulating learning environment so make sure you bring your unique perspective to the table.  

One of your primary points of contact with your cohort will be during the weekly live online tutorials.  

• Online tutorials are typically scheduled mid-week and are held after hours to allow for maximum participation. 
• They’re designed to consolidate your learnings and validate your understanding of the assigned weekly readings. 
• Provide a time to ask questions and explore topics that relate to areas you want to explore further or understand. 

These tutorials will be run via Zoom, so you’ll be able to communicate using video, chat, shared screens and breakout working groups. All University of Adelaide students have access to a university Zoom account.  

The University of Adelaide Zoom web app can be accessed from https://adelaide.zoom.us/ (Links to an external site.)  You’ll need your University of Adelaide axxxxxxx@adelaide.edu.au username and password to sign into Zoom. 

Course Discussion Forums 

MyUni has a Discussion section that lets you provide your views about a topic or reply to a question or a query from a fellow student. A discussion question or topic might: 

• clarify a key point being made during the week 
• expand an argument for a broader perspective leading up to an assessment 
• facilitate a robust discussion to help you consider viewpoints other than your own 
• be a graded discussion, where you will receive a mark based on your contribution. 

You can 'Subscribe' to any interesting discussions you see and be notified when there is an additional comment.   

MyUni Inbox and email  

Your learning environment MyUni also has an Inbox that allows you to direct message other people who are enrolled in a given course or your tutor.  

Inbox is also referred to as Conversations, and is located on the main navigation menu on the left-hand side of MyUni. 

As a student of the University of Adelaide, you can search the universities directory on Outlook and reach out to a specific person. Please note that you are expected to use the MyUni Inbox for all communication related to your course with your tutor. 

Study groups 

Many of our students take the initiative to form their own study groups. Whether a group naturally continues working together after a team assignment, they live in the same city or simply get along, your fellow students can be an integral source of motivation and support.  

“One of my group assignment teams stayed connected even after due date and they have continued to be an absolute lifeline! I can ask stupid questions and we all motivate each other when assignment time hits.” 

- Maddie, current Graduate Diploma of Psychology student.    

What this group looks like is up to you. It can be a group or chat on social media or even a regular catch-up at a local coffee shop.  

University services  

Don’t forget you also have access to a friendly team of professionals who can help you with a wide range of additional services. These include: 

• career development consultations 
• sessions with a psychologist 
• Student Success Advisors  
• 1:1 online tutors  

The whole team at the University of Adelaide can’t wait to meet you over the next couple of months. The adage holds true online: you only get out what your put in, so be brave and put yourself out here and you’ll be establishing new connections in no time.