TAFE SA Regional is taking full advantage of modern technology and the keenness of students to take up study online, by offering the Certificate III in Fitness course via Open Learning for the first time.
Due to high interest and large enrolment numbers, newly appointed TAFE SA Sport and Recreation lecturer Kevin Littler has been employed to coordinate and mentor students in this six-month course.
Mr Littler brings 14 years’ experience as a Physiotherapist, experience as an instructor teaching technical science, and a passion for health and fitness, to the position.
“I have a keen interest in fitness and really enjoy helping students work towards achieving their goals,” Mr Littler said.
There are 41 students enrolled in the course from Whyalla, Ceduna, Port Augusta, Roxby Downs, Kadina, Coober Pedy, Streaky Bay, Wudinna, Haslam, Mannum, Murray Bridge, Coonalypyn, Tintinara, Jabuk, Swan Reach and Pinnaroo.
Each student has their own reason for enrolling. Some are employed in gyms but there are many other employment areas which utilise the expertise of qualified fitness trainers.
“A few of the students are involved in coaching, some are employed in the health industry and need to organise physical activities for rehabilitation purposes or for the elderly.”
“A Certificate III in Fitness is the minimum qualification required to deliver any exercise program so it is very useful for these people to complete the course,” Mr Littler said.
“The Murray-Mallee region has also identified a number of people in the community who will be looking at establishing or refining a range of programs and community gyms in the region, and they are putting those people through this course to develop their knowledge,” Mr Littler said.
The key to successfully completing this course is the ability of students to engage in study.
“Studying externally, from the comfort of your own home, is a terrific way to learn, especially for people who cannot easily access a TAFE SA campus, but students need to be self-motivated and interested enough to complete assignments and tasks.”
Students of online courses at TAFE SA are supported by lecturers via online and phone contact.
“The Certificate III in Fitness is a mixture of online study, video conferences and face to face sessions.
Online communication is used to connect students to lecturers and other class members, which helps the learning process.
“The face to face sessions will definitely be a highlight as they will provide the students with a chance to connect with their class and demonstrate what they have learnt. It is also a chance for me to identify any areas which need improvement,” Mr Littler said.
The Sport and Recreation program is looking to expand delivery of higher level qualifications via open learning in the future. To find out more contact the TAFE SA Campus in your region.