Find out how Siobhan, an adult learner on our Continuous Professional Development programme, coped with mixing a Third Level education with family responsibilities and work commitments:

How did you hear about the Open Training College (OTC)?

I heard about the College about two years ago when I did a short evening course with the Carers Association. (Raymond Watson, Course Director with the OTC was delivering the course)

It was searching online that I eventually found the course which interested me and that could fit in with my busy life.

What is your role at work?

a) Secretary of Jig Saw Dublin 7/11 club (this is a social group that myself and three other mums set up two years ago, the aim of the group is include children who have special needs in their community.)    
b) SNA in a mainstream primary school.
c) Mother of 3 children, the youngest of whom has Asperger’s Syndrome.

Did you feel that going back to education would benefit your current role?

Yes, I felt that gaining more knowledge in the area of disability would definitely be of benefit to me and to those I work with. The particular modules on offer are very relevant to the area in which I work.

What appealed to you regarding going back to education?

I wanted to do something for myself and prove to myself that I could succeed.

What appealed to you regarding the OTC courses?

The OTC courses are very relevant to the area I work in. As I have a busy schedule one of the most important things in doing a course for me was flexibility. Being able to study at times that suited me was great. Also the idea that I can pick the particular course that suits me at a time of the year that suits me is super also. It is great the way in which the timetable of the
courses are set out for three years and the workshop dates are printed also, being able to plan ahead is very important for me.

Was the information easy to understand?

Yes, the information was laid out in a very easy to read format and was backed up with excellent online supports.

Did you receive timely and in-depth information about your course?

After looking on the College web site I emailed the College for further information about the courses and the suitability of them for me. I was promptly contacted by phone by the Course Director who went through the course content with me. He answered all my questions and concerns and was very encouraging.

The fact that it was HETAC accredited module, did that help you decide?

Yes the fact that the module was HETAC accredited certainly influenced my decision to choose the course. It was important to me to have a qualification that was of a high standard and well recognised.

What was the experience like?

At first I was very excited taking on this new adventure! Then I got very nervous.  It was a great comfort to read on the online forum that all the other students were feeling the same.

Did you feel there was a major time commitment involved?

I wouldn’t say it was a major commitment but to get the most out of the course I think you would need to commit somewhat. I would say that on average I would have spent 10 hours per week between reading and online work.

Did the use of computers scare you?

No, I would have basic computers skills and I felt that was sufficient to get through the course.

Did the MyOTC Foundation Course help you?

The MyOTC Foundation Course was a great help in preparing me for the main course. It’s a range of I.T. tasks to be completed over a one week period. It explained everything I needed to know in relation to the online component of the main course i.e. How to access the courses Learning Centre, using the College email system; saving documents and retrieving them and how submitting your assignment using the online service. I printed the notes and referred to them when I needed to during the main course.

How did your family feel about you returning to study at college?

My family were great, very supportive. I’d say to the kids I have to do my homework, and a lot of the time we would be sitting at the table in the kitchen doing our homework together!

What was the biggest surprise during the course?

What surprised me the most was how much I enjoyed the course. I found the content so interesting I became immersed in it and it didn’t feel like work.

I hadn’t written an essay since my school days and was anxious about having to write a long piece, but I was surprised at how much I had to say.

What kind of learning supports impressed you?

I found listening to the online tutorials very helpful. I watched and listened to these tutorials a number of times and I found it helped me have a better understanding of what I had read in the units of the study modules.

Did you attend the optional 1-day skills workshop?

Yes. I really enjoyed the workshop; it was great to meet the other students and hear their experiences. It was also great to put a face to the name of the tutors! The workshop helped reinforce the important points of the course through a power point display. We also did some group activities.

Was it actually more or less work then you thought before taking the plunge?

I found the course very manageable so I would say it was a little less work then I thought. I also needed to finish my assignment a week early as I had a planned trip and I achieved this.

How many hours study did you put in throughout the six weeks of the CPD course?

I would think in the region of 54 hours.

Would you recommend the CPD route to other people?

I would highly recommend the CPD route. It gives such flexibility to the student. It is possible to add to your qualification at times in your life that suit you. You may pick the courses that interest you and are relevant to you. Studying with the OTC was such a wonderful experience for me; it has given me confidence in myself.

Will the completion of this module motivate you to continue your studies?

Yes most definitely. I plan to finish the degree at my own pace.

Do you think it was good value for money?

Considering the amount of support you received during the course, I would say it was good value.

Click here to find out more about the CPD modules on offer.