Independent Learning Centre (ILC) Induction Follow the instructions carefully, and be sure to complete the activities at the end of this induction.

Welcome Message Click on this link to play the welcome message video Welcome Message Click on this link to play the welcome message video. It may take a moment to load up.

What is Independent Learning (IL)? Developing your own skills outside of the classroom Reflecting on your own strengths and weaknesses Setting goals to improve your language skills Deciding how, when and where to study independently Group work is also a fun way to work independently. You are responsible for your own independent learning!

Important Information The ILC is located at RMIT building 36, level 5, room 15. It is open from Monday to Friday 8.45am to 7:00pm, weeks 1 – 4. In week 5, it is open until 4:45pm Monday to Thursday. The ILC closes on Friday of week 5 (non-teaching day). The ILC also closes for a half hour lunch each day from 12:15 -12:45pm.

No eating or drinking in the ILC * No mobile phones in the ILC ** * Bottles of water are OK. ** Turn your phone off or keep on silent mode. If it rings, take your call outside.

ILC Facilities You will also find a photocopier in the ILC. The ILC has 45 computers. You do not need to reserve a computer to use it. Hotmail, Yahoo mail and Gmail are blocked at REW. If you wish to access these email sites, you will have to do so at the RMIT Swanston Library. There is one ILC printer. You are given 75 pages at the beginning of each module for printing. Use this allowance carefully! You will also find a photocopier in the ILC.

ILC Quiet Room The ILC Quiet Room is located in room 5.10 (next to the library). This room is occasionally booked for ILC workshops and academic support classes. The rest of the time, it is a quiet study area. Please do not talk in this room.

Computer Software The ILC has several computer software programs that will improve your skills in English: Road to IELTS Connected Speech EyeSpeak Storyboard Issues in English Study Skills Success EASE You do not need to read all of this information in today’s induction. Why don’t you print this document in your own time and read it at home? Click on this document for more information about computer software programs.

Offsite Independent Learning REW Building 36 393 Swanston St. Melbourne, 3000. Other libraries can help you with your English study. RMIT Swanston Library A large collection of books Newspapers Computers and printers Photocopying CDs and DVDs RMIT Swanston Library Building 8, Level 5 360 Swanston St, Melbourne, 3000.

Offsite Independent Learning Join up today!! The City Library The City Library has one of the largest collections of ESL (English as a Second Language) books in Australia. Readers, talking books, IELTS kits, grammar books DVDs, CDs, magazines and newspapers Computers English software City Library 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000 REW Image source: www.onlymelbourne.com

Reading in the ILC Graded readers (Elementary to Advanced levels) Audio readers (books with CDs) Newspapers Magazines Graded readers are books students can read for pleasure. All books have been simplified according to a level of English. You may borrow two readers for one week. Present your student card to the ILC desk to borrow a reader.

Academic support ILC teachers are available to help you with your work outside of class time. Please note the following important information about academic support: ILC teachers will spend a maximum of 20 minutes per student per day in the ILC You do not need to make an appointment to see an ILC teacher ILC teachers will help you prepare an independent learning plan that suits your learning needs ILC teachers will not correct your writing if you are handing it in to your teacher as homework – they will only give you a general idea of your work

ILC Workshops ILC teachers often deliver workshops to students on a variety of different skills, including pronunciation, reading, writing and listening skills. Workshops take place in room 5.10 in weeks 2, 3 or 4 of each module. Listen carefully for announcements and more information from your teacher. This is a great opportunity to build on your skills gained in class! Maximum of 12 students per workshop.

Conversation Classes Conversation classes are a good opportunity to practise your speaking skills with a native English speaker. There are normally a maximum of 6 students per conversation class. They take place in the ILC in weeks 1 – 4. You must sign your name on the conversation class attendance sheet in the ILC to participate.

Online ILC The Online ILC is a digital REW resource that you can access in the ILC, on other library computers or at home. It contains the following: Listening and video downloads ILC packages eLearning Centre Discussion Boards Useful English websites …and much more! Accessing the Online ILC Go to Internet Explorer and type in http://www.rmit.edu.au/learninghub in the address bar. On the left-hand side of the page you will find a space to enter your student number and password, and click on LOGIN. 3. Click on YES in response to the security question.

4. Click on the Online ILC link. Click on the Blackboard link below REW Online ILC at ILC1.

Online ILC: Activity Share your answers with a partner Now explore the Online ILC and answer these questions… Click on 3. ILC Staff Information. When did Shane start working at REW? Click on 4. ILC Packages. Write down the names of 3 packages for your level. Click on 6. Listening and Video Downloads. Click on Video Downloads. What is the name of the feature program? Click on 7. Useful Websites. Find a vocabulary or grammar website. Write it down. Share your answers with a partner

Homework ** Go into the ILC to complete the following tasks ** Write down the name of an ILC teacher. Write down the name of a reader for your level. (Why not borrow it!) In the ILC computer lab you will find four framed photos on the walls. In a short paragraph, describe what you see in one photo. Find today’s newspaper (The Age, The Herald Sun or The Australian). Write down a headline on the front page. Do you know what the news report is about? TAKE YOUR ANSWERS TO YOUR NEXT CLASS! ILC Treasure Hunt

Good luck with your studies! ILC induction written by Shane Talia and Tania Sarunic Photographs by Laki Sideris and Shane Talia