Distance/Block and NET papers in Second Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics
 

What are they?

Distance/Block and NET papers are designed so that students can follow papers equivalent to those regularly held on campus, but without the need to attend classes every week. Each year, three papers in the Postgraduate Diploma in Second Language Teaching will be offered, and two in the MA (Applied) in Applied Linguistics: the latter are split into half papers, so a total of eight half papers are needed to complete the MA qualification. This means that each programme can normally be completed in two years. That period can be reduced if distance/block papers are combined with on-campus papers. The NET papers are similar to distance/block papers, with the important distinction that all teaching is done online, using a web-conference; there is no requirement that students come on campus for a teaching week.

Who are they for?

• Students who live at a distance from Hamilton
• Students who are unable to attend weekly classes.
• Students who prefer to follow a paper at their own pace.
• Students who wish to complete papers that are not offered on campus that year.

Any student who enrolls in our programmes may take papers in distance/block or NET mode. Over the years we have had distance students living in Taiwan, the USA, The Netherlands, Japan, the Middle East and many parts of New Zealand - including Hamilton!

How do they work?

• The 'distance' element of the papers means that students learn and interact with the lecturer and each other from their homes, wherever they may be. In most - but not all - distance/block papers, this interaction is conducted over the Internet, using a web conference. Most of the assignments are also submitted online, although some papers require students to post assignments to the Programme. In the NET papers, all interactions are conducted online.
  • The 'block' element for distance/block papers comprises an on campus teaching session here in Hamilton. These on-campus periods are held back-to-back in late June and early July.
• During on-campus times there are lectures and input from teachers. In many of the papers, there is an emphasis on student presentations and discussions so that students get to know their lecturers and their fellow students.
• The NET papers are structured in such a way that all course content and student interactions are handled online throughout the year. Audio and video-conferencing with the lecturer and other students may be a component of some of the NET papers.