Get all your ducks in a row for the start of S1

At this time of year, we’re all paddling hard so we’re hoping this checklist (with key links) will help you to glide smoothly into Session 1.

Know the key teaching dates for Session 1

• S1 classes commence: Monday 20 February.
• Mid-session break: 10-21 April.
• Last day of S1 classes: 2 June.
• S1 Exam period: 5-23 June.
• Other key dates and events for learning and teaching
• Refer to the MQ Academic Calendar for other dates (be sure to select 2023!).

Publish your unit guide

• Unit guides are due to be finalised and published by 6th February 2023. Read the Countdown to launching your Unit Guide for key dates and information including what information comes from MQCMS and what can be changed in iTeach.

Get your iLearn unit ready

• Your iLearn unit should be laid out according to the MQ Online Learning Standards. Follow these 5 steps to ensure your unit is compliant.
• Use this checklist report to see at a glance if your unit meets template requirements
• Set up your iLearn to optimise MyLearn for students.

Get some help with using iLearn and other learning technologies

• There’s a series of facilitated workshops and self-paced modules available to help you use MQ teaching tools such as iLearn , Gradebook, Turnitin Feedback Studio, Rubrics, Echo360 as well as information on where to seek help.
• You can also seek help through the iLearn Drop-in Clinics.

Find your classes and rooms

• Find out when and where you are teaching (class days/times and room location) and what facilities are available in the space by accessing the Timetable System.

Get up to speed with the technology in your teaching spaces

• If you are scheduled to teach in 1CC (Central Courtyard), this information will help you get set up to teach in 1CC, whether you are teaching a face-to-face class, or also have some students joining online via Zoom. We are also running a series of hands on technology training sessions, specifically for staff who will be teaching in 1CC. See training dates and register.
• Here’s general information for using lecterns, microphones, and how to contact the AVTS team.

Find out about new iLearn Insights features (and get help)

• iLearn Insights allows you to visualise student activity and engagement in your iLearn unit. Get an overview of the key iLearn Insights features and new functions coming for Session 1.
• If you have any questions about using iLearn Insights, you can get the answers during these consultation hours.

Calm your nerves about teaching your first class

• If you are teaching for the first time, this first day of teaching checklist will help you prepare.

Welcome to the unit and to the session

• What will you do to welcome students and engage and motivate their learning? Here are 3 strategies.

Plan for contingencies

Ensure you have this information to hand for your students at the start of session:

• How students can get in contact with you directly (through the contact block in iLearn)
• What students need to do about sickness, absences, or anything else impacting their studies (i.e. applying for special consideration)
• Where students can find out about class changes and other important information, i.e. using iLearn announcements
• How students can access Student Wellbeing
• How students can access the Writing Centre

Bookmark this directory of information, resources and links to services for supporting students.

Let tutors/sessional staff know about the teaching development that is available for them

• If you’ve got new teaching staff in your unit, help them settle in with self-paced modules, workshops and resources to support them in their teaching role (or download this pdf document on Sessional staff PD).

Make teaching development part of your game plan this year

• Whether you’re new to teaching at MQ, an experienced teacher wanting some technology tips, or you’re ready to undertake some more structured professional learning – here is where you will find support to achieve your teaching development goals with facilitated and self-paced programs, workshops and resources.

Questions? Contact professional.learning@mq.edu.au

Banner image: Photo by Henrykc on Shutterstock