Online learning guide
--
Online learning at Quantico Centre for Communication + Information Literacy is designed to give learners flexibility and interactivity while maintaining the rigour and comprehensive nature of Quantico CCIL workshops and courses. This guide contains practical information to get started, and guidance to help you to get the most out of your online learning experience with Quantico CCIL.
LEARNING SPACES
An ideal learning space enables focus and participation, creates positive experiences, and takes into account your physical comfort.
Focus and participation
Pick a quiet place for your session. Ideally, this place should have minimal background noise.
Choose a space that is bright and well lit. This makes it easier for you to work and makes your camera more effective.
Ensure that you are in a place where your internet connection is strong and stable.
Positive experiences
Choose stationery that helps you think, whether you like writing in a notebook, using post-its, or taking notes on large sheets of paper with lots of coloured markers. If possible, sit next to a view that you enjoy, or in a place you associate with growth, learning, and/or concentration.
Physical comfort
Choose a spot that has enough space for you to move about and stretch every once in a while.
Sit comfortably, and try to avoid postures that strain your muscles. Physical tiredness can make it harder for you to focus during a session.
Keep drinks and snacks close to you. You’ll get frequent breaks during your learning session, but it’s always useful to have something within reach in case you’re hungry or thirsty.
Maintain a comfortable ambient temperature with enough ventilation.
LEARNING AT HOME
We understand that you may be juggling family and work while you’re learning with Quantico CCIL, so your instructor will provide breaks for you to attend to your commitments.
If you have children who are working near or alongside you, you are welcome to involve them in the session as long as it does not disrupt anyone’s learning. Children are never too young to learn the importance of communication and information literacy, and if you would like to learn how to talk to your children about the issues discussed during the session, please ask your instructor for guidance and tips.
We ask that you keep your space conducive for all participants and minimise distractions when the session is ongoing. However, during breaks or after the session, we would love to be introduced to your kids, partners, parents, siblings, or grandparents, pet cats, dogs, birds, hamsters, or fish, or any other members of your household.
WELL-BEING
The COVID-19 pandemic is a world-changing event. Uncertainty and anxiety are normal and even expected at a time like this. There are ways to cope with the negative psychological effects of this crisis, and there is support available for you.
Keep in touch with the people you care about.
Safe distancing doesn’t mean cutting off social ties. Continue to sustain the communities that bring you joy with social media, messaging, and other digital platforms — or simply give someone you care about a call.
Try to maintain normalcy in your routine.
As far as possible, try to adapt your usual routine to this new lifestyle. Continue with your exercise, work, meals, and social life as much as you can while you’re at home.
Cut yourself (and others) some slack.
As much as you’re trying to keep things ‘normal’, we know these aren’t normal times. If you’re too tired or mentally exhausted to do your usual workout or if your children can’t focus during their designated study time, remind yourself that everyone is adjusting to a new way of life, and that it’s okay to find this adjustment difficult
LEARNING SAFELY
Social workers and advocacy groups around the world have noted that the isolation and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can cause an increase in domestic violence. Social isolation, increased anxiety, and less time spent outside the home puts victims at a higher risk of abuse by a partner, relative, or caregiver. In places where schools are closed, children who are abused at home are at increased risk because teachers — who often identify and report child abuse — do not see them every day and therefore do not notice signs of abuse. Foreign Domestic Workers can also be at an increased risk of domestic violence when they do not have access to support services due to limited social movement and isolation. Domestic abuse can affect anyone, but particularly vulnerable groups include the elderly, women, children, and persons with disabilities.
For emotional support, assistance in a psychological crisis, or if you or someone you know is considering self harm or suicide, please call Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) at 1800–221–4444. For domestic abuse support, call ComCare Call at 1800–222–0000, MSF Child Protective Service 1800–777–0000, or the AWARE Women’s Helpline at 1800 777 5555.
If there is an immediate danger to someone’s health or safety, call an ambulance at 995, or the police at 999.
The contact details above are applicable in Singapore.
NEED TO TALK? If you are anxious or fearful about your current or future situation and want to talk to someone in a safe, judgement-free space, or if you need advice about the next steps in your career, email group@qc.sg with the subject line ‘Need to talk’, and include your preferred method of contact along with the best time to get in touch, or call +65 6573 7370. You don’t have to do this alone.
