Each module (with the exception of the dissertation) is designed to include some of the core material that you need to complete and pass the module. However, in order to take full advantage of your time studying with QMU, you will also need to find information from a variety of other sources. These will include some of the following:

Published resources

An important study skill is the ability to read around a topic, to take the views of others, to evaluate these often varying views and to synthesise these views into your own work. To do this, you need to do as much background reading as you can. The sources of information may include recommended textbooks, academic and professional journals, the quality press, and electronic resources such as electronic books and journals and Web sites. As a student of QMU, you can have physical access to the print resources and facilities of our library, and also to the many online services that are available. As a matriculated higher education student, you may also be able to gain access to the library of a university or college nearer your home. For further information on using other libraries see:

www.qmu.ac.uk/lb/IFS_UsingOtherLibraries.asp

More and more information is now available via the Internet. Unlike professional or academic journals which are generally peer reviewed, there is not usually an editorial committee to approve the validity of Internet information. When searching the Internet generally for information you should always evaluate the web sites you find. Ask yourself:

• Who is providing the information and why?
• Has an author allowed the message to be coloured by a personal bias of some kind or are the authors of the site biased or prejudiced toward the subject in any way?
• Do they represent an official body (national or local government, a professional association or an academic institution)?
• Are they a commercial organisation whose purpose is to sell something?
• Are they a pressure group or political organisation with a particular view or message?

You need to establish a view on the validity of the data before judging its usefulness when developing your own opinions.

Online communication

You will need access to email as this is the normal method of communication with your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT). Online-discussion is via WebCT and will become an important way for you to engage in discussion with your fellow students. You will find a guide to online disscussions here:

www.qmu.ac.uk/cap/TELPdfFiles/StudentDiscussionsSeptember2007.pdf

These communications can become an important source, but don’t forget to reference them as indicated at http://www.qmu.ac.uk/lb/information/Guides/writeandcite10.pdf

Personal experience

Another important source of information is the world of work. You should be able to reflect on your existing and previous experiences and think about how this relates to any theories being developed in your studies. It is also useful to observe the world around you and to talk to professionals and colleagues. The marks you obtain for a module assignment will, to a significant extent, reflect your ability to recognise links between theory and practice. This is an important skill for any graduate and something that you will take with you throughout your career.

You may want to store this evidence of your learning in an ePortfolio. A guide to the ePortfolio can be found at: http://www.qmu.ac.uk/eportfolio/

To login to the ePortfolio: https://eportfolio.qmu.ac.uk/

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