The Magazine of the SIT2LRN
• SIT2LRN Programme Profile Bachelor of Professional Communication • Student Services • SIT2LRN Outcomes
Distance
Students April 2018 Issue 26
About SIT The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is one of 18 government polytechnics and institutes of technology offering tertiary education throughout New Zealand. SIT programmes are accredited and approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority up to master's level. SIT has a proud history of vocational education and training. For over 40 years we have been providing students with quality education across a range of subject areas and at a variety of levels including postgraduate study. This variety enables you to enter your training at the level that suits you and to progress as you are ready. Many of SIT2LRN programmes link to higher level qualifications at SIT and other institutions in New Zealand and throughout the world. We are constantly developing these relationships to ensure that our graduates have maximum mobility.
Government Fees Free Policy If you are a student in your first year of tertiary studies you may be eligible for the Government Fees Free Policy. You can check your eligibility at http://www.feesfree.govt.nz. Students residing in Invercargill may also wish to enquire about the Mayor Tim Shadbolt Accommodation Bursaries. Eligibility criteria for the bursaries reflects that of the Government Fees Free policy.
The Zero Fee Scheme If you are not eligible for the Government Fees Free Policy you may be eligible for the SIT Zero Fees Scheme. Our Zero Fee Scheme means we pay your tuition fees, so all you have to pay for are the direct material costs for your course. This applies for all of our degree programmes and most of our diplomas and certificates, including distance learning programmes. Many of our graduates are able to start their careers debt-free! This is not an exaggeration – over a three- year degree, our students can save between $7,000 -$14,000 on tuition fees.
Welcome to SITUATION
T
he days are beginning to shorten and it’s certainly getting cooler in the evenings. Autumn is upon us but after the summer we’ve had – across the country – it doesn’t really seem time to be thinking of moving into winter just yet.
But for many students, the long nights of winter are the ideal time to get their teeth into some solid studying. The outdoor summer distractions – barbecue anyone? – have drifted away and there’s less incentive to be outside doing other things. Motivation for study can be hard to find for some students – normal life often gets in the way – and if the sun is shining the desire to be elsewhere can be particularly strong and overtake the need to get cracking on some study. But as the great Brazilian footballer Pele once said: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” That’s the reality for many of our SIT2LRN students – the hard work, perseverance, sacrifices and time spent on studying have all combined to bring success. The subjects of our articles in this edition all share a common thread: they’ve all worked hard to achieve their success. They’ve followed their passions and made an invaluable investment in their knowledge, and in the long run that will undoubtably pay the best returns. Keeping with the “winter is coming” theme, two graduates have a close connection to the snow. Kendall Hawes completed the Certificate in Interior Decor through SIT2LRN while working as a ski instructor through both northern and summer winters. It proved a challenge to study while working full-time, but her passion for sewing, design and painting, plus the realisation that she didn’t want to be an instructor in 10 years’ time, provided the drive to see it through. She’s now working in an interior design store in Wanaka – near the slopes, of course. Someone who went the opposite way – from retail to the snow – is Diploma in Digital Photography graduate Liz Mathieson. She now has what some might consider a dream job as an adventure and fine-art photographer specialising in ski and authentic lifestyle photography in Japan, Canada and New Zealand. Sounds like a tough gig – but she attributes SIT2LRN with providing her with the necessary skills and knowledge to take on this new challenge. Another achieving internationally is Bachelor of Screen Arts student Jacqui Bree. Although based in the small Southland town of Mataura, she’s not letting geography prevent her from achieving her goals. Having already completed a Diploma in Digital Film through SIT2LRN, she’s sold the script of a short film – now in production - to a British company, and is determined to keep studying to achieve her dreams. We also caught up with Tanya Landreth, a Kiwi living in Australia, who works with adults with disabilities. She’s passing on what she’s learning in the Diploma in Digital Photography to her students and empowering them to tell their stories. All these stories are powerful and motivating, so use them to inspire you on your journey with SIT2LRN. American activist Malcolm X summed it up well when he said “education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. How are you preparing?
CONTENTS 04 SIT2LRN Programme Profile 4 Professional
Communication Programmes
06 Student Surveys 6 2017 at a Glance
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10 Barnaby Pace -Bachelor of Applied Management facilitator
11 Student Profiles 11 Sue Gould -Diploma in Professional Coaching graduate
12 Natalie Carmichael
19 Student services
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-Diploma in Digital Photography graduate
2017 Graduations
13 Liz Mathieson
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-Diploma in Digital Photography graduate
14 Tanya Landreth
Bachelor of Screen Arts
15 Jacqui Bree
Facilitator Profiles
Industry Profiles 18 Southern Directionz
On-site Programme
09
17
-Diploma in Digital Photography student -Diploma in Digital Film graduate
16 Kendall Hawes -Certificate in Interior DĂŠcor graduate
09 Annabel Schuler
17 Tracey Pickworth
-Bachelor of Professional Communication facilitator
-Certificate in Interior DĂŠcor graduate
SIT Library 22 News from the Library
Contact Details Freepost SIT2LRN Private Bag 90114 133 Tay Street Invercargill 9840 Free Call : 0800 4 0 FEES(within NZ) Telephone : 03 211 2699 ext 3320 Free Facsimile : 03 211 2698 Email : info@sit.ac.nz Website : www.sit.ac.nz Free Text : 2LRN (2576) Production Manager: Trish Lindsay Editor: Mark Hotton
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Contributors: Claire Allison, Nathan Burdon Co-ordinator: Vicki Popham Art Editor: Elana Bai Cover photo: Liz Mathieson Photo courtesy of Paul Green
Diploma in Digital Photography graduate
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(page 13)
SIT2LRN PROGRAMME PROFILE
BACHELOR OF
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION Changes in New Zealand’s media sector have led to and encouraged a rapid growth in the public relations (PR) and communications field and a rising demand for skilled and knowledgeable practitioners as businesses, aiming to get an organisation’s message out to a wider audience, are increasingly turning to qualified exponents of communication. SIT2LRN’S three-year Bachelor of Professional Communication programme provides students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for employment in this wide and growing number of communications and media-related careers, by providing students with the necessary skills to be effective communicators, researchers, writers and leaders. Developed by SIT2LRN in consultation with industry and communication professionals, the course, first offered in 2015, is designed to equip students with transferable skills that will help them in any career, from media organisations to government and private enterprise. The programme covers: the principles of communication, incorporating appropriate cultural practices in various media communication contexts, and applying ethical, legal and business principles and mediarelated Government policies into the practice of media communications. It aims to provide an opportunity to acquire important knowledge in this field, while applying and critiquing the research and theories that underpin the practice of media communications. Graduates are able to evaluate, develop and implement effective organisational communication practices and strategies, analyse communication processes and respond to this analysis in their decision-making, and it’s these transferable skills that makes them extremely desirable in a fast-changing media world.
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The programme may also provide an opportunity for those already working in the field to diversify their media communications portfolio and to acquire further technical skills, especially in internet-related modalities to enhance their media communications practice. Senior programme manager Lucille Hatley said discussions with industry stakeholders identified a need for employees with understanding, skills and knowledge related to professional communications. The discussions also revealed that many staff working in the communications area did not have professional qualifications in this field and wanted to upskill in order to advance their career opportunities. The two graduate diploma and certificate options in the Local Government and Public Relations majors give students who already have an undergraduate degree or at least 3 years of relevant work experience the chance to focus on a specific area that they are working in or in which they have an interest. The Graduate Certificate in Communication (Local Government) aims to provide those working in middle management at territorial authorities the opportunity to formalise their practical communications skills into a qualification and to gain a sound theoretical base on which to structure regular tasks. The Graduate Diploma in Communication (Local Government) gives more experienced communications
SIT2LRN PROGRAMME PROFILE practitioners the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to manage specific issues, events and tasks that may occur within this environment and draw on the theory that underpins these. The Graduate Certificate in Communication (Public Relations) provides graduates with the theory behind public relations communications, explores the effectiveness of various channels of communication and the laws and ethics which impact on these. It provides those already working in communications or journalism with the necessary theoretical knowledge to be able to move into a more complex public relations role. The Graduate Diploma in Communication (Public Relations) aims to ensure public relations practitioners can build on their applied skills and learning to manage significant events or specialised roles in an organisation or government body. Somebody already engaged in PR at middle management level or someone with a good body of prior on-the-job learning is given the opportunity to become a PR specialist. The degree programme is a fulltime, three-year programme, the graduate diploma is a one-year fulltime programme and the graduate certificate is a six-month full-time programme. Part-time options are also available. Potential students for the courses include people interested in gaining employment in the field of professional communications, students graduating from undergraduate programmes in similar or other disciplines at other tertiary institutions, professionals with a degree working in the field of public relations or local government communication and wanting to gain specialist communications knowledge, and mature, ‘career change’ students with ability and an interest in professional communications and with a commitment to undertaking structured study at an advanced level. As one graduate noted: “Whichever career I’m led to, the Bachelor of Professional Communication is equipping me with personal, cultural and business communication skills I can use for life!”
DARREN LUDLOW The need to have skilled public relations practitioners telling an organisation’s story makes SIT2LRN’s communications programme an important educational option, a former journalist-turned-councillor believes. An Invercargill City councillor since 1998 and a member of the SIT2LRN Creative Media Advisory committee, Darren Ludlow is a strong advocate for the training and upskilling of communication specialists, particularly in local government. “The various papers offered by SIT2LRN have tremendous relevance to people working in local government. Councils have an obligation to communicate clearly with all stakeholders – from elected representatives to ratepayers, from staff within their organisations to those outside organisations that partner with or rely on services from councils.” From an elected representative's perspective, a high value is placed on telling the story of an organisation no matter what issue was being dealt with, he said. “Staff need to know how to encapsulate that message in a concise, relevant and engaging manner. If it is of no interest or poorly presented, outside media might not pick up on the issue - and people often do not respond well if they perceive they are ‘not being told’. He believes it is important that those telling the story have the appropriate skills to communicate effectively and SIT2LRN provides students with a way to learn while working. “From consultation on documents of tremendous interest or controversy to those that may for some have as much interest as watching a snail race, there is always a message that needs to be conveyed.”
LOUISE PAGAN The broad range of topics covered in the SIT2LRN communication and public relations programme make it an attractive option for students and employers, an experienced local government official believes. Southland District Council communications and engagement manager Louise Pagan said the course provided a strong degree that was extremely relevant to what communication practitioners were doing on a daily basis. “The communication papers like event management and public relations are really strong but it’s also very important to have those broad spectrum papers like news writing, politics, law and ethics, New Zealand society, research, media culture and basic communications. “That broad spectrum gives the students an invaluable perspective, so rather than being locked into a narrow degree the variety widens their knowledge - and you need that when you’re out looking for a job.” A journalist for 12 years and at the council for 10, Louise said the strong online element to many of the papers was also really important. “Internet utilisation and social media use are essential skills because in the real world you’re using every channel to get the message out. “It’s really important that students are graduating with the basic skills and an awareness that that is what the role is actually going to be like.”
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SIT2LRN OUTCOMES
2017
NUMBER OF QUALIFICATIONS OFFERED
21 14 18 4
AT A GLANCE
5,750
Total Students
70% 75%
h 25
Study Part-time
(Levels 1 to 5)
Diplomas
(Levels 5 to 6)
Degree & Graduate Diplomas/Certificates (Levels 7)
Postgraduate/Master (Levels 8 to 9)
NUMBER OF QUALIFICATIONS AWARDED
Female
80%
Certificates
1,416
25 years & older
2016 SIT2LRN GRADUATE OUTCOMES 2016 graduates of SIT2LRN programmes of study reported
94% OVERALL GRADUATES
SATISFIED with their programme of study
Median Gross Annual Salary of those in employment
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would recommend the programme of study to others
in employment
undertaking further study
$62,000
ON-SITE PROGRAMME PROFILE
BACHELOR OF
SCREEN ARTS The School of Visual and Screen Arts at the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill offers a diversity of programmes across film, animation, gaming and visual arts. The school is focused on vocational training for the creative industries, delivering professional practices, including internships, alongside the application of practical skills and the acquisition of theoretical knowledge in the classroom. On offer is diploma, degree and graduate diploma level study, and certificate bridging programmes including dual and vocational pathways for those looking to gain a foundation of creative skills to apply to further study or seek entry level employment in the sector. The Bachelor of Screen Arts has been offered at the Southern Institute of Technology for 14 years. Commencing in 2004 as the Bachelor of Digital Media, it was revised and re-titled in 2016. It is a full-time, three-year programme and has been designed for students who have an active interest in studying film or animation. The programme has a core of subjects, which branch into two major strands - digital film (from script to finished product) and animation (limited only by your imagination), with the aim of providing solid technical skills while expanding creative skills that are adaptable to a rapidlychanging industry. In 10 years’ time, the technology used today will be obsolete, but skills in storytelling, character development, research and critical thinking are enduring, irrespective of future technology.
A range of subjects is covered, including video production and editing, screenwriting, stop motion, 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, and business and legal skills. SIT’s screen arts students have access to industrystandard cameras, computers and software (not just educational packages). Another drawcard for the screen arts degree is the productive and supportive creative learning environment in which students receive specialist advice and guidance from SIT’s dedicated and qualified staff. Programme Manager New Media Arts and Business Kathryn McCully said Invercargill’s location was ideal because students got the opportunity to work with production companies in Queenstown and Dunedin. All third year students in SIT’s Bachelor programmes undertake an internship. Previous opportunities have included working on Pork Pie, Pete's Dragon and Two Little Boys, films shot in and around Southland. Executive producer Barrie M. Osbourne said: “Tyndall Productions were lucky enough to gain the services of some SIT film students while filming Pete’s Dragon in Tapanui. They were attentive, interested and eager to learn, and were a great help to the production. I would certainly call on the film school again to help out.” A high percentage of SIT graduates are now employed
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ON-SITE PROGRAMME PROFILE in the industry, both in New Zealand and overseas. They leave the programme equipped with the knowledge and skills that enable them to conceive, execute and promote digital film or animation production to industry standard. They have a broad base of theoretical and practical knowledge of business and legal aspects of the film and animation industries incorporating copyright, censorship, contracts, budget preparation and marketing. All graduates have the ability to professionally screenwrite and edit material, demonstrate core technical skills in the design and creation of 2D and 3D digital images, and are able to explain the fundamental principles of operating digital cameras and producing well composed shots with quality sound and lighting. Graduates can produce computer generated (CG) short films, explain production roles within a studio environment, demonstrate effective work practices within a team environment and work within intensive time structures. They can also design and plan effective management tools and evaluate and problem solve to ensure project quality. Graduates have the ability to promote themselves and their finished projects in the marketplace. All graduates have developed leadership and teamwork qualities through various group projects and are able to undertake a range of film and television employment opportunities or continue with further study. The School of Visual and Screen Arts also offers oneyear full-time film and animation courses in either the animation or screen arts fields. The New Zealand Diploma in Digital Media and Design (Level 5) is a one-year full-time course whose graduates will be able to apply problem-solving skills to a range of digital media and design challenges, apply and manage a design process to meet requirements of project briefs within defined guidelines, apply general and technical
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skills in the creation of design solutions, and demonstrate professional practices, including leadership, in a digital media and design work environment. The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5) is a oneyear full-time course designed to provide those aiming to work as assistant animators or creatives in a studio environment with the basic animation skills and knowledge required for entry level positions in 2D animation. The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 6) is a one-year full-time course that builds on the skills of the Level 5 programme. It aims to provide those aspiring to work in the animation industry with a foundation of specialist skills and knowledge required for employment and/or provide a base for further education in 2D and 3D animation and gaming. There are also two graduate diploma’s on offer for students who already have an undergraduate degree. These are programmes with a specialist discipline area that promotes and enhances the knowledge base, skills, and professionalism of creative media and film students. In the Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts (3D Animation), graduates use industry standard animation software to create an animated film project. They can apply knowledge and skills associated with character animation and, depending on elective choices made, motion graphics and compositing, animation and interaction and audio techniques. In the Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts (Digital Filmmaking), students are stimulated to develop an inquiring and analytical approach to problems and issues, using independent judgment and creative thinking. Graduates are dedicated, professional practitioners prepared for life-long learning, with the desire to constantly update their knowledge and skills within a changing work environment.
FACILITATOR PROFILE
ANNABEL SCHULER Bachelor of Professional Communication facilitator
When Annabel Schuler isn’t facilitating on SIT2LRN’s Bachelor of Professional Communication programme she can be found in her garden or, unsurprisingly, spending “far too much time” trawling news websites. But with her strong background in journalism, it’s hard to imagine Annabel being too far away from any form of news.
“About 15 years ago I was attracted to a job at the Waiariki Institute of Technology in Rotorua running the journalism department.
Originally from Malawi, she came to New Zealand aged 12 via the United Kingdom – after Africa’s heat the UK climate was far too cold for the family to endure.
“It was a great fit for me and over the years I rose to the head of the faculty and added creative writing and communications to the portfolio.”
Following high school, she was told women really only had two choices for further study – teaching or nursing. “But it was clear a few of us wanted more than that and we found a journalism programme at Wellington Polytechnic, as it was then, which accepted a 50-50 mix of men and women, so I decided to train as a journalist.” Working in newspapers and radio throughout Australia and New Zealand as well as various stints in the communications field has provided an interesting and varied career. “I like people, I like researching and digging for information and I really like the buzz of deadlines and being first with the news.” Working in the communications and public relations fields provided her with the chance to use her experience of the media from a client’s perspective.
Annabel has also held various other academic management positions but has come to realise that she loves helping students to achieve. “When I left an academic leadership role I wanted to get back to grass roots and work with students again,” she said. “So my facilitation and supervision role at SIT2LRN combines this well – you could say it has taken the most rewarding aspects of my career and wrapped them all up in one job.” Introduced to SIT2LRN by her partner who is also a facilitator in human resource subjects, she has been facilitating for four years and loves the role and the challenges it provides. It also gives her the chance to continue with academic research and she is actively involved in several projects at present. Her facilitation portfolio includes several papers in the Bachelor of Professional Communications programme, a paper in the Bachelor of Applied Management and a master's paper.
“I also supervise some students who are completing their dissertations – this gives me another opportunity to use my experience gained during my master’s by thesis.” Annabel completed her Master of Arts in Mass Communications at Canterbury University while she was teaching journalism in Rotorua. ”This meant a lot of late nights and hard weekends spent pounding the keyboard but it was worth it”, she said. Her own stint as a distance learning student has also helped with understanding the support SIT2LRN students require, and an in-depth personal experience of what each student faces in order to complete their study and achieve their goals. “I try to apply the learning I took from that experience to the SIT2LRN students I work with, and my number one piece of advice is ‘be organised and don't get left behind’ because that is when you lose your motivation.” SITUATION April 2018
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FACILITATOR PROFILE
BARNABY PACE Bachelor of Applied Management facilitator
SIT2LRN facilitator Barnaby Pace has dedicated much of his life to furthering his own knowledge and believes that opportunity should be available to anyone who wants it. “One of the draw cards for me working for the Southern Institute of Technology is its Zero Fees scheme. I’m a strong believer in high quality education for all and feel that the SIT scheme is a good step in the right direction,” he said. Hamilton-based Barnaby has been a facilitator in the Bachelor of Applied Management programme for three years. “What I enjoy about the role is the diversity of students and the rich experiences, both personally and professionally, that they bring to the courses. I also enjoy seeing the professional and academic growth in students, particularly in the capstone or research projects undertaken.” Barnaby holds two masters level qualifications, a Master of Social Sciences from the University of Waikato and a Master of Quality Systems from Massey University. He has completed two postgraduate diplomas, including one in education, and is currently undertaking a PhD examining the metaphysics of quality. Barnaby has also worked in industry, including about 15 years’ experience in quality and risk management in the healthcare and local government sectors. “In these roles I have developed and implemented quality and risk management frameworks, some of
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which have won national awards. Within academia I have held roles as a senior lecturer, as well as lead research roles.” He facilitates on papers including: Introduction to Quality Management, Quality Assurance and Compliance, Risk Management and Quality, The Project Lifecycle, Project Management, Project and Contract Law, and Business Relationships.
“One of the draw cards for me working for the Southern Institute of Technology is its Zero Fees scheme. I’m a strong believer in high quality education for all and feel that the SIT scheme is a good step in the right direction.” “In this role I facilitate the learning process and guide students through the activities and exercises needed to achieve the learning outcomes. All my students receive regular emails outlining what they need to do in order to keep them on track,” Barnaby said.
“They’ll also get a couple of what I call Star Wars project management tips to ensure that, if they were to build a Death Star, they will have considered the necessary risk and quality issues.” Barnaby has spoken by invitation on risk management at national and international conferences, and delivered strategic workshops to central government in both New Zealand and Australia. “I have published eight books covering topics on healthcare, risk management and education. I have also published numerous peerreviewed articles in both national and international journals and had the opportunity to author a couple of guest editorials.” Barnaby enjoys spending his free time with his family along with two dogs, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog and Bichon/Cairn Terrier, and three cats. “Weekends for the most part involve spending time with my family. With the football season looming, it will be football, football and football for the kids.” However, no doubt Barnaby’s dedication to his students, fuelled by his passion for lifelong learning and accessible education, means that there will also be many more Star Wars tips to help his students stay on target!
STUDENT PROFILE
SUE GOULD Diploma in Professional Coaching graduate
Sue Gould has found it's a natural progression from teaching to coaching, and the Onepu woman is now putting her Diploma in Professional Coaching to good use.
"If I was overseas, or in the South Island, all I needed was my laptop and the internet and I could study, and that's the beauty of it. You don't have to be sitting on a chair at 6.30pm after a long day at work trying to muster up the enthusiasm to listen to somebody lecture." For Sue it was a hard-won qualification, and took her three attempts and about three years to complete the entire course, mostly, as she says, because life got in the way; a marriage break up and a broken ankle among the factors. "And when something is going to give, it's usually the education side of things. "But the big thing is getting it finished, not walking away and leaving it and going, `it's too hard to go back to'. Some of the papers I must have done two or three times, because I had to go back and revise
before I could carry on, so I probably covered it more than most of my classmates.'' Born and bred in Onepu, about 30kms from Whakatane, Sue moved away when she was 19, but returned late in 2016 when her mother became unwell, and is now living in a house on the old family farm. Her background is in tertiary tutoring, including 14 years at Te Wānanga Aotearoa in Auckland, before she moved into the disability sector as a trainer co-ordinator, organising workshops around New Zealand and compiling a state of the sector report for invisible disabilities, which was presented to Parliament last year. "I had my computing qualifications, but I needed to do the adult education, and because I was working, my only option was to do distance learning,'' so Sue would work during the day and study at night. She started a National Diploma in Adult Education and Training with another provider, but completed it with SIT2LRN, and says pretty much all her tertiary learning since then has been with SIT2LRN. She realised that as a teacher, she coached every day. "You coach your students to commit to the course, start the course, and to maintain communication... that's coaching, you just don't know you are
doing it. So studying coaching felt like a very natural progression for me, and it gave me the freedom where I could work from home, and I could choose my own study hours.'' Sue's coaching specialty is based around writing; whether that's people writing a book, poetry or a thesis. She’s also planning to use her creative background to complement her coaching, aiming to set up a workshop space to be able to offer fibre art classes. Sue says she felt SIT2LRN's distance learning was a great option. "If I was overseas, or in the South Island, all I needed was my laptop and the internet and I could study, and that's the beauty of it. You don't have to be sitting on a chair at 6.30pm after a long day at work trying to muster up the enthusiasm to listen to somebody lecture.'' She says she likes the fact the course offered content she couldn't get anywhere else, involving a number of actual coaches, with proven successes, rather than a lot of theory. She's now expanding her knowledge with weekend workshops in a particular coaching method. "One of the things I promised myself when I started teaching was that I would always remain a student so I would always know what it was like to be a new student . . . because it's very easy to get complacent.''
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STUDENT PROFILE
NATALIE CARMICHAEL Diploma in Digital Photography graduate
A book of photographs, produced as a SIT2LRN Diploma of Digital Photography portfolio project, is now gracing coffee tables around the country. Whangarei-based Natalie Carmichael embarked on the course to improve her photography and photo processing techniques as part of developing her skills for her marketing and communication roles. The brief for the final paper was to create a portfolio of images that worked together to tell a story, with a book being one of the options to display the images, she said. Making a book highlighting the Hatea Loop, a popular coastal walkway, seemed an ideal option. It took about four months to create with many hours spent taking photographs. “I wanted to capture the various elements of the Loop at their best, so it was a balance of waiting for good weather, the right time of day and often making sure it was high tide,” she said. “I created just one book to start with for the course, using an online photo-book website. "This was printed and sent away for marking. I got a good grade and when showing friends and family they encouraged me to print more copies and try to sell them.” She made a smaller version in a different format to keep costs down and had 100 printed before pitching it to tourist shops to sell.
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“I’m down to less than 20 copies left now and if demand continues I’ll look at doing a reprint. While the goal was never about the money I have made a profit, which is great.” Although she’s had a passion for photography from a young age, it wasn’t until she began her career in public relations and marketing that she chose to develop her photography and Photoshop skills further. “I found the SIT2LRN course through a family friend who was completing a few papers. The fact that I could do it part-time while working fulltime and that it didn’t require any structured class times was a big bonus. “My end goal was to learn how to make the most of my camera, to be a better photographer and to be more skilled at using Photoshop.” She found the workload easily manageable and completed the course in three years. “Working full-time proved challenging when trying to do a certain photoshoot the weather often isn’t what you want on the days you have available, and there wasn’t a lot of daylight to work with outside of working hours when doing papers through the winter.”
Natalie is currently the marketing and communications coordinator for a steel building company, Donovan Group, in Whangarei, and uses what she learnt on the course every day. “It’s really improved my photography in general and also more specifically my Photoshop skills. “I’ve also enjoyed being able to take photos of family and friends’ babies and kids and get some great results.” She is already encouraging others looking to improve their digital photography skills and knowledge to take up the study with SIT2LRN. “Although it was hard juggling work and study, I would do it again. For someone like me, who needs to fit study in to working life, I’d definitely recommend it.”
STUDENT PROFILE
LIZ MATHIESON Diploma in Digital Photography student
A song lyric changed the course of Liz Mathieson’s life. She was working in retail in Queenstown after travelling around the world from her home in smalltown Canada when a line from Cat Empire’s song No Longer There struck her. “The lyric that really grabbed my attention was ‘What will you leave behind when you’re no longer there?,’” Liz said. “It really got me thinking about my life, my purpose and my goals, and although it’s a song about climate change, my conscience just would not ignore that question.” It became the motivation for Liz to enrol for the Diploma in Digital Photography through SIT2LRN. “The diploma was my ticket to stop using my ignorance of technology as an excuse not to pick up my camera, but to get on with it, focus, change my life and make a dream come true – quite literally,” she said. “Because of changes in photography with the digital age, I felt I needed help to get my head around the digital world to be able to capture the photos I kept seeing in my mind’s eye, and then to learn the software and workflow to go with it. “I have to add that in my SIT2LRN experience I received tremendous
Liz Mathieson
support, invaluable criticism and encouragement from facilitators Chris Parkin, Clive Copeman and Dell McLeod – they kept me inspired and engaged and were instrumental in my commitment to finishing the diploma.” Liz is now working in what many would consider a dream profession as an adventure and fine-art photographer specialising in ski and authentic lifestyle photography in Japan, Canada and New Zealand. Over the last couple of years she has worked the northern winters for a CatSki operation based in Rossland, British Columbia and also shooting heliskiers in the backcountry during southern winters for Southern Lakes Heliski. “The question for me was ‘how can I get paid to ski?’. Being a sponsored athlete is out of the question – just ask anyone who saw me nearly fall off a cliff whilst competing one year in the Temple Basin Chill Big Mountain Competition. “I started out doing some gear shots for winter clothing/gear suppliers here in New Zealand and writing pieces on tips and tricks in the backcountry, that sort of thing. I travelled with my camera, upgraded my gear - and finally worked out a
glove layer system that’s comfortable to -9C and workable to -15C, which is necessary for working in the back country of Japan and Canada.” Liz loves developing her craft in what can be challenging conditions – not only extreme cold, but also avalanche danger, helicopters, variable light and managing a wide range of client needs to name a few. “It’s been a year of huge change and I’ve finally enjoyed my first real summer in about five years and love it. I have realised that although it takes time to hone your skills and develop your craft and unique style as a ski photographer, the skills are transferable". However, Liz has no desire to shoot portraits or weddings, preferring to shoot sports and other scenes on the fly “capturing decisive moments and adding a touch of fine art when out in the mountains.” She has also recently developed a keen interest in time-lapse photography adding “we’ll see where it all leads.” “My goal is always to capture an image which pulls the viewer out of their headspace and makes them dream, even if only for a second. A legacy I can leave behind when I’m no longer here.”
Professional ski guide Kine Host Denstad in Canada. Photo: Liz Mathieson
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STUDENT PROFILE
TANYA LANDRETH Diploma in Digital Photography student
Tanya Landreth has used skills learnt through SIT2LRN to provide a better experience for the adults with disabilities she teaches.
Tanya, along with her husband Steve, is studying towards the Diploma in Digital Photography, both of them having previously completed the SIT2LRN Diploma in Digital Film. The photography programme includes developing knowledge around photographic practice, techniques and tools, understanding the aesthetics of photographic design and the relationships between different photographic styles and tools. Tanya has already been able to put her skills to practical use in her own vocation. “For the past 10 years I have been involved in tertiary education and more recently involved in teaching adults with a disability,” Tanya said. “Both the photography skills and film skills I have developed while studying through SIT2LRN have enabled me to develop engaging trade tasters that students have relished. “When I started using video with my clients, I had colleagues tell me I was setting my students up for failure – that working on Adobe Premiere was too difficult. Well, we all proved them wrong.
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My students worked together and made a short video. “They edited it themselves and showed it at in an end-of-year work exhibition that our disability department put on. It wasn’t just the video skills that they learnt; it was planning skills, working together with others, supporting each other, acknowledging effort and results and much more.”
“I love studying with SIT2LRN and the flexibility given by the SIT2LRN faculty has meant that I can develop skills while continuing working." Tanya got her first digital camera in 2002 and became addicted to the art. Initially her favourite subjects came from nature – birds, animals and landscapes but she has developed more of an interest in sports photography and other forms of human interaction.
Tanya, a New Zealander who has been in Australia since 2000, lives in Warrnambool at the end of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria where she and husband Steve dote on Bono the family dog, and they return to New Zealand each year for a visit. “Steve and I have started up a small photographic and video business called Landreth Images. We have a website and you can also find us on Facebook. “The main work we have been doing is family story telling sessions, events (sports) and videoing weddings. It's very small but we are hoping to build it up this year. I became interested in video while working at Deakin University where part of my role was making digital resources to support students in their studies,” she said. “I love studying with SIT2LRN and the flexibility given by the SIT2LRN faculty has meant that I can develop skills while continuing working,” Tanya said. “However, because my husband and I are working on the same qualifications it does make for a very competitive household!”
STUDENT PROFILE
JACQUI BREE Diploma in Digital Film graduate
Jacqui Bree is well on her way towards making a career in writing, directing and producing.
With the Diploma in Digital Film under her belt, and a Bachelor of Screen Arts under way, Jacqui has already sold a short film script to a United Kingdom online production company. It is currently in production and due to be released later this year. The Mataura mum of a five-yearold daughter has also entered international festivals, including the Script Pipeline screenwriting competition. While she wasn't placed, she says she received valuable feedback from American professionals. “I also entered the 60-hour film contest in the United Kingdom and while I was not given an award” (over 900 teams entered worldwide), “it was such a rewarding experience and I’m looking forward to doing it again this year.” Jacqui completed the Diploma in Digital Film as an online student and found distance learning with SIT2LRN much easier than she expected, despite an already busy life. Jacqui’s daughter has autism and ADHD, so for the past five years she has been a full-time mum. “It was fantastic being able to work study around a full schedule of getting my daughter the appropriate support. " She is now studying towards a Bachelor of Screen Arts at the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) campus in Invercargill.
Jacqui has a long background of performing and directing in theatre and has an ATCL Performing (Speech and Drama) Diploma from Trinity College London. Originally from Christchurch, Jacqui and her family moved to Invercargill three years ago, then to Mataura. Her husband wanted to return to study and found an IT course at SIT. He was the one who told her that they had a distance-learning film course, “after hearing from me for years - lamenting that I have not been able to do what I love and what I have a passion for.” It was the first time Jacqui had attempted distance learning, and she studied part-time for two years to gain her diploma. “Being a distance learning student was surprisingly way more manageable than I thought. They broke it down to week by week content, and assignments were clearly explained. "I found the facilitators incredibly knowledgeable and all of them got back to me quickly, so I never felt like I floundered.” Jacqui also said she quickly learned how to take constructive criticism, thanks to the facilitator in screenwriting. Jacqui now drives 40 minutes to SIT’s Invercargill campus every day to complete the Bachelor of Screen Arts.
“Being a distance learning student was surprisingly way more manageable than I thought. They broke it down to week by week content, and assignments were clearly explained. “I found the facilitators incredibly knowledgeable and all of them got back to me quickly, so I never felt like I floundered.” “I am incredibly thankful that I did my diploma first which gave me a fantastic foundation, particularly making short films and gaining experience in editing and audio, and I do not feel like a fish out of water.” She says distance learning may look intimidating, particularly for those with an already full schedule. “But it is way more manageable, and way simpler than it may originally look.”
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STUDENT PROFILE
KENDALL HAWES Certificate in Interior Décor graduate
Spending her days on the ski field slopes and her nights studying has paid off for Kendall Hawes, who is now working in her chosen career.
The 25-year-old completed a Certificate in Interior Décor through SIT2LRN while working as a ski instructor, and now has a job at Wanaka business The Material Girls.
"I started to study as I knew that while being a ski instructor was fun and enabled me to travel, it wasn't what I saw myself doing in 10-20 years' time.
Kendall grew up in Wellington and always had a passion for sewing, design and painting.
"I found out about SIT2LRN through internet searches and by talking to my friends and family. I was looking for a cheap way to be able to continue to travel, ski and learn.''
When she finished high school she was unsure what she wanted to do, moving to Melbourne for 18 months before returning to Wanaka where her family now lives. "Becoming a ski instructor was kind of accidental. I've always been a skier and when I moved back to Wanaka I took a job working in the kids' club up at Cardrona. I fell into a friendship group who were all ski instructors and ended up taking my exams at the end of that winter". As a qualified ski instructor she moved to Lake Tahoe, California and loved the job so much she continued to travel between winters for five years (10 seasons back-to-back) and has done seasons in America, Japan and New Zealand. However, she was missing designing and drawing and began exploring further study options.
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Kendall said she loved the interior design course. "The content was so practical and taught me a lot of really useful information. Initially I found it disappointing that there weren't more pictures to draw or mood boards to make, but as I've come to learn, interior design is more about the practicality and facts you can provide a client rather than the fluff.'' Ski instructing while studying wasn't easy. "I had barely any free time and a lot of the time I also worked a second job. Taking my course work to the hill wasn't really an option as there was nowhere to draw or create, and studying when I got down the hill at the end of a physically tiring day was tough work.''
But she learned it was important to start on her assigned work immediately. "For 10 of the 12 modules I gave my course work no attention for the first four weeks and then had a lot of late night sessions. My advice is to make a plan and stick to it. Even just an hour a night is better than doing 30 hours in two days!'' Kendall began work at The Material Girls in November, just as she was wrapping up her studies. It is an interior design store that has a workroom on site and specialises in all things fabric – curtains, bed linens and upholstery – but also assists clients with paint colours, furniture and more. "Working in the design room really helps me to get experience and understand how interior décor works in real life. Sue Stevens, who owns and works in The Material Girls, and Abi Casey are wonderful resources and I have enjoyed learning everything they have to teach me. "I want to do another distance course though SIT2LRN and study something along the lines of business management or accounting so that I can one day own my own store."
STUDENT PROFILE
TRACEY PICKWORTH Certificate in Interior Décor graduate
Motueka’s Tracey Pickworth has turned an interest into a vocation thanks to SIT2LRN.
The mother of three teenage sons already had plenty on her plate before undertaking the Certificate in Interior Décor through SIT2LRN. As well as a busy family life, she and her husband own a painting and decorating business while she also works as a nurse at a community centre and a doctor’s surgery. “My interest in this course was around a simple passion I had for interior styling, renovating and open homes,” Tracey said. “I thought ‘why not make this something more than a hobby? Why not get myself a qualification in an area that inspires me?’ “My idea of relaxing was to go to the library and grab a House and Garden magazine. The more I read these, flicked through the pages, the more I thought ‘I want to be more than just a creative person, I want to get some formal recognition’. “I picked SIT2LRN because the study was exceptionally affordable compared to other options out there.” Studying from home provided Tracey with the ability to fit study around her lifestyle, but being able to learn in different settings also suited her learning style. “Firstly, I do enjoy learning and it really appealed that I could study
“I picked SIT2LRN because the study was exceptionally affordable compared to other options out there. Family life is expensive enough but SIT2LRN allowed me to do both." from home. I’m a very busy working mum and my husband runs a business, yet here was an option where I could study on my own terms from home,” she said. “Distance learning suited our family well, all I really needed was a computer. I preferred to study in multiple different sites, so sometimes I’d take my computer and course material, buy a coffee and study at a local café – next time in the bedroom, then down at the library. I found it wasn’t hard work to find time because I was passionate about the topic.” Tracey found the SIT2LRN facilitators accessible and encouraging. The marking guides provided with each assignment meant she knew exactly what was required to reach the necessary grade.
“You don’t have to be an academic person to do this course. I loved learning about the principles and elements of design, and how these affect the overall look of a home, bedroom or office. “It was also very easy to get in touch with my facilitators. Initially I asked loads of questions of them but as the modules progressed and my learning increased I only asked when I was super stuck,” she said. “My confidence grew and the facilitators treated me respectfully and answered my questions in ways that were easy to understand. As the course progressed I began to realise the knowledge I was gaining was more than a ‘hobby in interiors’ and, in fact, I was gaining an actual skill base to use for future job opportunities.” Since undertaking the course, Tracey has developed a clearer picture of her own style, and the aspects of interior design that she most enjoys. “I’m not keen on drawing plans, I was never good at drawing at school either, but I love the idea of using my skills to manage projects,” she said. “I’ve also launched into style blogging and I’ve set up a Facebook page that our clients can refer to for ideas, products and services.”
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INDUSTRY PROFILE
SOUTHERN DIRECTIONZ A southern career consultancy business is utilising SIT2LRN’s distance learning to help get people back into work after injury or to aid them with career changes.
Southern Directionz managing director and career consultant Dave McKissock works closely with the Southern Institute of Technology to help clients develop their employability. Clients come to Southern Directionz for a range of reasons, and from throughout the South Island. Some are looking to return to work after a period of injury and may not be able to continue in the same jobs they once had. Some are approaching an age where they can no longer carry on in the physical roles they are employed in. And some are looking to further their education in order to change careers, either through their own choice, or when a change has been forced upon them. “I put a lot of people through training. At the moment I’ve got one guy doing the Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety through SIT2LRN and another doing a Diploma in Quantity Surveying on campus at SIT. Sometimes we get them doing short
courses as well.” “People who get injured and can’t go back to their original jobs need to be seeking other work,” Dave said. “I establish what other work they can do, through the various assessments I conduct, and then facilitate training pathways for them. I have a very good rapport and relationship with SIT2LRN staff who provide course information to aid making those decisions.” With many also opting to work into their later years, either through choice or circumstance, changing careers is an increasingly common occurrence. Preparing for that career change while still working is an option many are choosing, McKissock said. ‘It’s not unusual. Many people get to a stage in life where they find that the work is too physical or they’ve had personal circumstances where they’ve had to move away from that job and look at alternative work,” Dave said. When clients come in and are looking
at changing careers or upskilling options, we look at what they need to do to get into those roles.” Distance learning allows flexibility for those who want to expand their skills, but need to work around their rehabilitation following injury, or are still in work and need to be able to work their study into their lifestyle. “For people who are still in employment and who want to do distance learning, it’s a really helpful system to work with because they can continue to work with a plan to upskill and then transition on. "I like working with SIT2LRN as they offer a wide range of courses that allow my clients to work towards upskilling whilst still working to support their families. "Some of my clients require additional support due to personal circumstances, and they have a great support system and network in place which enables them to provide personal one-on-one advice and support to my clients if needed which really helps my clients to succeed. “
"For people who are still in employment and who want to do distance learning, it’s a really helpful system to work with because they can continue to work with a plan to upskill and then transition on. I like working with SIT2LRN as they offer a wide range of courses that allow my clients to work towards upskilling whilst still working to support their families".
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STUDENT SERVICES
STUDENT SERVICES The Southern Institute of Technology offers the services of its Learning Support Centre to both onsite and SIT2LRN students. Various printed resources are available to assist the learning process. These are available online in the SIT2LRN page, under Learner Toolbox on Blackboard.
SIT2LRN Student Liaison
Learning Assistance Unit
Tauira Tautoko Support
Pauline Te Maiharoa
Jerry Hoffman
Marcia Te Au-Thomson
Phone: 0800 40 3337 extn 3331
Phone: 0800 40 3337 extn 8796
Phone: 0800 925 242 extn 8776
Email: pauline. temaiharoa@sit.ac.nz
Email: jerry.hoffman@sit. ac.nz
Email: marcia. teauthomson@sit.ac.nz
I’m the ‘connector’ between students and SIT2LRN. Student liaison is all about helping students to engage with their studies and achieve their goals. Sometimes students may want help or to talk with someone, but aren’t sure who to contact – so they can contact me and I will help them connect to the right person or area. I am passionate about people and am genuinely interested in our students.
The learning assistance team will assist you with your study skills including such areas as: academic reading, writing assignments or essays, concentration, time management, exam techniques, memory skills, note taking and any other area of learning. This is a free, confidential and selfreferred service. Sessions are done on a one to one basis. To contact us please phone and leave a message or email us with your contact details.
Welcome to Tauira Tautoko, the Student Support Centre based in Te Pakiaka at SIT.
Phone assistance is available for SIT2LRN students.
Tauira Tautoko is a warm and welcoming place to take a break from your studies with free Tea, Coffee and Milo available as well as full cooking facilities for your use. We have a Computer Suite and study area for you or your study group to use and we also provide free use of a telephone for short phone calls. Come visit us at Tauira Tautoko based in Te Pakiaka at SIT.
Disability Liaison Liv Hall Phone: 0800 40 3337 extn 8752 Email: liv.hall@sit.ac.nz If you have an impairment (permanent or otherwise) that creates a barrier or hinders your learning, please make an appointment with our disability liaison officer for confidential assistance. Support for examinations, equipment or advice is freely available. Verification of your situation will be required. It is our policy to provide quality learning opportunities which are appropriate, equitable and accessible. Be prepared for examinations, tests and assignments by visiting us well before they begin.
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STUDENT SERVICES
Pacific Island Liaison Officer
Tertiary Chaplain
Counselling Service
Lisa Stuart
Lois McMurdo
James Wilkinson
Phone: 0800 40 3337 extn 8721
Available Monday to Friday
Phone: 0800 40 3337 extn 3342
Email: chaplain@sit.ac.nz
Email: james.wilkinson@ sit.ac.nz James can assist Pasifika students with course advice and study issues, help students get in touch with the local Pasifika community and organise Pasifika cultural events.
Health Nurses Anna Ellis & Jane Brown Phone: 0800 40 3337 extn 8874 Email: anna.ellis@sit.ac.nz jane.brown@sit.ac.nz
SIT Employment Support Phil Dobson Phone: 0800 40 3337 extn 8841 Email: phil.dobson@sit. ac.nz
A registered nurse is available daily to help with any health related issues such as: support with underlying health conditions, mental wellbeing, sexual health, pregnancy testing and support, emergency contraceptive pill, blood pressure checks, wart treatments, wound dressings, removal of sutures, injury, and much more. Referral and access to doctors and other health professionals as required. Phone based consultations are available for SIT2LRN students.
SIT employment support is available to both students and recent graduates. By contacting us we can offer you comprehensive support to find employment. We can help you create or amend a CV, assist with cover letters, apply for specific positions, and provide impartial advice around contracts.
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Greetings, my name is Lisa, I am the Chaplain for SIT. Sharing a problem or a situation in a confidential and non-judgemental manner can clarify matters and refresh one’s spirit. Tertiary education often means meeting people and coming to terms with different cultures, beliefs and values systems. At times we want to discuss these or other related issues. To attend to our work and study, to achieve our optimum potential, requires our full attention in mind, body and spirit. If we can assist you in living generously and more fully, contact the chaplaincy by phone or email leaving contact details for a quick response. Should you require the presence of a local tertiary chaplain that can also be arranged. May your time at SIT be a rewarding and wholesome experience.
Phone: 0800 40 3337 extn 8781 Email: lois.mcmurdo@sit. ac.nz We are a free, friendly, confidential and accessible service to all students and staff. Some areas of counselling are: stress, goal setting, decision making, sexual abuse, referrals, relationships, pregnancy issues, setting limits, dealing with anger, anxiety, depression or grief, conflict resolutions, alcohol, drugs and gambling issues. Appointments can be made by phoning 0800 40 3337 extn 8781 and leaving a message or you can email. We are able to provide phone or Skype counselling for SIT2LRN students.
ON-SITE BUSINESS 2017 GRADUATIONS STUDENTS
2017 GRADUATIONS
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SIT LIBRARY
NEW STUDY AND SUBJECT GUIDES The library has created a variety of study and subject guides to aid your studies. The study guides provide useful information on effective study methods to give you a head start on how to plan, prepare and continue with a good study path. These subject guides provide lists of relevant databases for your subject, links to useful websites and the locations of relevant books and journals in our library. They also include links to the library’s catalogue and E-library and information about the library’s research booklists, reference managers, APA referencing and interloans.
Locating the study and subject guides The study and subject guides are located on the library’s Blackboard page and the library catalogue. These guides can be read online or downloaded. On the library’s Blackboard page links to the study and subject guides are located in the left hand panel.
Study and subject guide content The study guides available include:
ªª Agriculture, Horticulture and Floristry
ªª Basic steps for the assignment process
ªª Audio Production
ªª Essay checklist
ªª Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing
ªª Example of a study timetable
ªª Business
ªª Mind mapping
ªª Commerce
ªª Note taking from lectures and readings
ªª Education
ªª Organising your study space
ªª Environmental Management
ªª Study tips
ªª Fashion
ªª Structure of an academic essay
ªª Film and Animation
ªª The literature review
ªª Health and Safety
ªª Tips for during your exams
ªª Massage
ªª Understanding instructional words in essays, assignments and exams
ªª Music
ªª Where to start with exam study 22
The subject guides available include:
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ªª Nursing
SIT LIBRARY To locate the library catalogue, go to the library’s website www.sit.ac.nz/library and you will find the link under the Finding Information heading.
On the library catalogue links to the study and subject guides are below the new books display.
ªª Social Services and Mental Health ªª Sport and Exercise ªª Te Ara Reo Maori ªª Travel, Tourism and Hotel Management ªª Veterinary Nursing and Animal Care ªª Visual Arts
Contacting the library If you have any questions please contact the library by phone or email. Phone: 03 2112699 ext. 8836 Email: library@sit.ac.nz
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FILM & ANIMATION @ SIT
GAIN THE HANDS ON INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING YOU NEED TO LAUNCH YOUR FILM CAREER INVERCARGILL CAMPUS ª ª ª ª ª ª ª ª ª ª
Vocational Pathways Creative Industries (L2) NZ Certificate in Digital Media & Design (L3) NZ Diploma in Animation (L5) NZ Diploma in Animation (L6) NZ Diploma in Digital Media & Design -Film (L5) NZ Diploma in Digital Media & Design- Film (L6) Bachelor of Screen Arts (Animation) Bachelor of Screen Arts (Film) Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts – Digital Filmmaking (L7) Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts – 3D Animation (L7)
SIT2LRN STUDY ANYWHERE ª
Diploma in Digital Film
Call today or email info@sit.ac.nz 0800 4 0 FEES www.sit.ac.nz