{"id":14538,"date":"2021-09-16T15:13:37","date_gmt":"2021-09-16T05:13:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/?p=14538"},"modified":"2021-09-16T16:18:27","modified_gmt":"2021-09-16T06:18:27","slug":"bringing-online-learning-to-life-students-find-inspiration-and-peer-engagement-across-borders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/educational-innovation.sydney.edu.au\/teaching@sydney\/bringing-online-learning-to-life-students-find-inspiration-and-peer-engagement-across-borders\/","title":{"rendered":"Bringing online learning to life: Students find inspiration and peer engagement across borders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Supporting learning success through peer and community connections: The Australian Consul-General in Guangzhou was recently guest of honour at a special University of Sydney in-person event for almost 100 students in China studying remotely.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Find your Inspiration \u2013 China Connect\u00a0event\u00a0on 20 August was designed to inspire, engage and motivate students studying online from China during Semester 2, 2021. The event featured guest presenters and a panellist discussion with industry leaders and notable alumni, who share connections, with Australia and the University of Sydney, through their current positions and education.<\/p>\n

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Organised in collaboration between the\u00a0Centre in China<\/a>\u00a0(CiC) and the\u00a0Student Experience Program<\/a>, the event provided students with the unique opportunity to meet face-to-face, and outside of the Zoom classroom, to engage with industry leaders and build connections with their peers. It was designed to complement the great work from across the University that supports students in succeeding during online study, and enabling development of critical skills and exposure to the workplace environment. The event was an opportunity to complement, in a new Chinese Province, the successful\u00a0Peer Study Program<\/a>\u00a0being run at the University\u2019s Centre in China, extending an in-person learning experience and tackling the isolation that students can feel when studying remotely.<\/p>\n

Australian Consul-General in Guangzhou, Michael Sadleir, gave a keynote welcome speech, then joined a panel of esteemed industry guests, which included NSW Trade and Investment Commissioner, Greater China, Murray Davis; and Dr Tong Zhang, Alumna and Researcher from Peng Cheng Laboratory.<\/p>\n

Insights from the panel discussion and question and answer session<\/h2>\n

What COVID has shown us<\/h3>\n

\u201cHow quickly a problem in one part of the world can quickly spread and become a problem for the rest of the world. But it\u2019s also shown that the solutions to these problems is best solved by the world working together. That\u2019s what diplomacy is all about.\u201d Michael Sadleir, Australian Consul-General in Guangzhou<\/em><\/p>\n

Advice and tips for students to succeed<\/h3>\n

\u201cYou have to find your own path. To do that you have to use the skills: critical thinking, openness to new ideas, explore, etc. that you will get from your USYD education.\u201d Michael Sadleir, Australian Consul-General in Guangzhou<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIn life you can listen to us, talk to your parents, friends, get some ideas, get some work experience \u2026 but at the end of the day you have to use your critical analytical skills to work out for yourself what makes you happy. Don\u2019t be shaped by others \u2026 you can only ever find it out by yourself, you can only ever do it through experience and trying new things.\u201d Murray Davis, NSW Trade and Investment Commissioner, Greater China<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBe flexible. You have to take opportunities as they arise and make the best out of them. That\u2019s the way the ball bounces. You have to take those moments, seize them, run with them, and do your absolute best with them. You\u2019ll find that over the long course it does work out\u2026 It is critical not to lock yourself out of opportunities. Take the long-term view.\u201d Murray Davis, NSW Trade and Investment Commissioner, Greater China<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOne piece of advice – just trust yourself.\u201d Dr. Tong Zhang – Researcher, Peng Cheng Laboratory<\/em><\/p>\n

Event highlights<\/h2>\n

\"\"The event was at full capacity with nearly 100 students attending and the Q&A session ran overtime with insightful questions from the audience. We have observed similar demand and over-subscription for complementary activities such as CiC\u2019s Peer Study Program, which provides students an opportunity to connect face-to-face with peers whilst studying offshore and unable to travel to Australia. Students reported coming away feeling connected, inspired and excited about what their future holds.<\/p>\n

Colleagues can watch and share the\u00a0video highlights<\/a>\u00a0with students.<\/p>\n

How might I go about doing something similar in my unit or program?<\/h2>\n

We have the great opportunity, and responsibility, to not only impart academic knowledge and teachings in the classroom, but to also prepare our students for their future careers, and application of their learnings in the \u2018real world\u2019. Below are a few practical ways to support teaching and students:<\/p>\n