MLM Toolbox for Students - Frequently Asked Questions

As a Distance Student, what study material will I receive?

Prior to the commencement of the study period, students receive a study package for each unit in which they are enrolled.

This package includes:

• Study Guide

The Study Guide is designed to guide and direct your learning throughout the study period and is divided into modules. Each module takes approximately 1 week of study. The Study Guide directs your learning to the relevant readings and to the prescribed textbook if applicable. Weekly readings are provided too. The Study Guide integrates the learning from the textbook and these readings.

• Readings

The Readings are a collection of articles, documents and extracts from books, journals and websites relevant to the unit. These are specially compiled for Distance Education students who may experience difficulties in accessing resources due to the physical isolation of their studies. These are not intended to be the only material read; students are usually required to purchase a prescribed textbook too. Students are also encouraged to do further research where required.

• Unit Specification Booklet

The Unit Specification Booklet outlines the key information on this subject. It includes the content and unit objectives, presents the recommended study timetable and outlines the organisation of the unit. The Unit Specification Booklet also contains the assignment questions and details of when the assignments are due for submission as well as the allocation of marks.

• The Toolbox CD

This Toolbox contains the administration information relevant to your study at AMC. The package includes vital information in relation to "Course Contents and Rules", "Referencing Requirements", AMC Library information and a sample of a good assignment. All the general administration forms which may be required during your study period, including the examination "Nomination for Final Assessment" are also included.

How is my study assessed as a distance student?

Depending on the unit, assessment is usually by means of 2-3 written assignments and a final written examination at the end of the study period. There are also units which are project based over the duration of the study period.

Marks on individual assignments may vary between units; the Unit Specification Booklet indicates the assessment breakdown. Marked assignments are returned by mail to students. Overseas students are advised of their mark and initial feedback by email where possible.

All assessments are submitted to the Distance Education Centre.

Do I need to study two units per semester by distance education?

For your first semester of study with us, we recommend that a student undertakes one unit. Subsequently, a maximum of two units per semester is recommended but some students with busy work and family commitments find that they can only undertake one successfully.

Do I need internet access to undertake distance education studies?

Although we provide you with enough resources in your study package to be successful in this unit, further research is generally required. The Web is a useful means of acquiring the latest research. Students will also need to access their student email address for official correspondence such as enrolment confirmation and invoices as well as information from the distance education office.

Do I need to pay for anything else in addition to my school fees?

For most units you will be required to purchase a textbook. We recommend that you only purchase the texts for the units that you are currently enrolled in as the lecturer may change the prescribed text each year as new texts become available.

I am a distance-education student. How many hours a week will I need to spend on my studies?

For distance education you will need to allow ten to fifteen hours per week on average for each unit.

Can I take leave from my studies?

Yes, students can take leave of absence from the course for up to one year.

I am a distance-education student. Can I contact my Unit Lecturer if I have problems with my studies?

Yes, of course, that is what they are there for. If you are having problems, the sooner you contact the lecturer the better. Often a telephone call or email can save you hours of frustrating and painstaking work.

I am a distance-education student. How do I submit my assignments?

Assignments for distance education studies can be submitted by post, fax or email. Most students email their assignments to the Distance Education office.

If you are at sea and unable to email or fax the assessment item, the printed assignment should be sealed in an envelope and signed and dated by the Captain. When at the next port of call, the envelope can be mailed to AMC Distance Education Centre.

What is the procedure for Distance Education Exams?

The examination paper/s will be dispatched to you at the end of the Revision Week and you have two weeks in which to complete your exam/s. The examination is in a similar format to that of the assignments completed throughout the semester. That is, it must be presented and referenced in accordance with the assignment requirements used throughout the semester.

What happens if I can't submit my assignment on time?

There are set dates for submission of assignments and it is expected that students meet these deadlines. From time to time exceptional circumstances can arise which makes completion difficult by the due date. Never assume that an extension will be granted. Always seek permission for late submission before the assignment due date so the assessment penalty can be avoided. Remember late assignments submission may lose marks.