News and blogs from Embassy Melbourne

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News

Here are some recent news stories from Embassy Melbourne:

Melbourne teachers share their experience at a conference

Embassy teachers Gareth Hughes and Neil McRudden made a presentation about Study Smart, our online study environment, at a recent conference in Australia, with over 450 people in attendance.

Gareth and Neil teach on Embassy's Smart Express course – an integrated and innovative face-to-face English language course (officially launched this year), where the learning outcomes are supported by the use of Interactive whiteboard, networked student laptops and Study Smart (run on the popular learning management system Moodle).

Their Study Smart course site has evolved over the past eight months from a blank canvas to a popular resource for students. Students use Study Smart both in class on their laptops and netbooks, and for homework activities; and the site includes various games, quizzes, blogs, assignments and web-quests.

They also have used programmes such as Hot Potatoes and Wix to further enhance the functionality and appeal of their site. "Overall, teaching with and developing Study Smart for Smart Express has been an incredibly rewarding learning experience," says Neil.

Find out more about Smart Express or meet Melbourne staff including Neil.

New interactive whiteboards in Melbourne

Ten new interactive whiteboards are currently being installed, which will mean that all Embassy Melbourne classrooms are equipped with one. See an interactive whiteboard in action here.

We believe that the use of this technology makes lessons more fun, and learning more efficient. Now it's available to all Melbourne classes!

New Work Placement Assistance Service at Embassy Melbourne

Embassy in Australia now offers a work placement assistance service to all students of Intermediate level and above.

The new Work Placement Assistance Co-ordinator Jane Purchase will run weekly seminars in which students can learn skills such as how to write a resumé or a letter of application. She'll also explain how to perform well in an interview, where to look for work, and other work-related topics such as tax, working visas and so on. Students can also book an appointment with Jane to assist them with any of the above areas.

At the first seminar, about 40 students turned up, and the interest looks set to continue.

While Jane does not find a job for students, she hopes to help them learn the necessary skills to do so themselves. Many students are interested in getting a job to support them while studying in Melbourne, and working can also help greatly with fluency and vocabulary acquisition. Others seeks jobs after they graduate, hoping to gain valuable experience for their future careers.