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Ensuring students reap the benefits of a true learning experience is what motivates one Swinburne Online teacher.
Susannah Oddi joined Swinburne Online’s team of eLearning Advisors (eLAs) in 2012 after more than 20 years working in media, communications and consulting. Ms Oddi said becoming an eLA allowed her to bring much-valued practical experience to teaching.
“I had been working remotely as a freelancer for five years and I have young children, so the role and flexibility Swinburne Online offered was a perfect match,” said the communications professional, who is also unit coordinator for communications subjects.
“I really love my role. Every day and every student is unique.”
Ms Oddi said her industry practice provided insight and relevance to the learning environment, ensuring students developed strong career-ready skills.
“By knowing the current market and identifying future trends, eLAs are able to link theory to real life applications. Due to skills developed in activities and assessment, the roles of many students have expanded, and others have taken on new positions,” she said.
“One student recently discovered her talents in a specialist area of communications. Encouraged by peer feedback on her live digital portfolio, she is now developing her career as an online content and communities specialist.”
The Melbourne-based professional said she was attracted by the collaborative approach Swinburne Online’s model offered students from a wide variety of backgrounds.
“I have had the privilege of working with many inspirational students, from a woman restarting her life after a troubled background, to a man maintaining his motivation while undergoing chemotherapy.
“Most of our students would not be able to attend a bricks and mortar campus. Many are juggling work and family commitments, live in regional areas or cannot afford childcare and transportation costs associated with attending a traditional university,” she said..
“Swinburne Online provides a welcoming and supportive environment where we learn from one another’s perspectives. This results in deeper learning and promotes awareness and acceptance, which is so vital in today’s technologically connected society.”
For more information visit http://www.swinburneonline.edu.au.
* This article has been written by a Fairfax Media journalist as part of a commercial agreement between Fairfax Media and Swinburne Online.