TaF.tc's Home-Based Learning: Everything You Need To Know

TaF.tc is going online! As part of the national drive to limit potential transmission, and keep our seniors safe, we have decided to implement virtual classrooms over the next couple of months.

With regards to our latest arrangements, many of you have expressed your confusion and concerns. I fully empathise with your worries - it's a new situation for all of us! Hence, I have prepared a list of answers to the commonly-asked questions, in hopes of resolving your concerns: 

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

‍

1) Why is TaF.tc moving online?

Although we really miss welcoming you to our campus as usual, the health and well-being of our students, staff, and trainers still remain our top priority. We have been intently monitoring the COVID-19 situation, but the present numbers and COVID-19's ease of transmission still poses a risk. As part of our national drive to prevent potential transmissions and protect our vulnerable populations, we have decided to remain online, at least for awhile. Hence, in the following months, we will continue with online learning to keep up the social distancing measures and provide a safe learning environment for everyone! 

‍

2) How will lessons be conducted? What will I need? 

Lessons will be conducted in a live webinar format through Zoom, a teleconferencing platform. We recommend students to use a computer or tablet along with a phone, with strong internet connection. However, our more digitally advanced classes, such as Digital Apparel Design, Digital Footwear Design, and Virtual Prototyping, it is important to have a computer that meets our minimum specifications. Contact us at enquiry@taftc.org if you are unsure of your laptop needs!

Here is an example of Alan, teaching our Basic Drafting and Sewing class: 

‍

3) Online learning is so different from campus learning, will it affect my learning experience?

The online classes mimic the on-campus classes closely to ensure that your learning experience is on par, if not comparable, to learning on-campus. The lessons will be in a live webinar format, which means that you will be able to interact with the instructors and ask them questions in real time. The instructor will also be able to view your progress through the video call, and give immediate feedback. 

Zoom also offers a screen sharing option, which allows the instructors to view your screen and even take control of it to help you out. This is especially handy for classes that involve software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and CLO-3D.

Here is an example of Tanya, teaching a Virtual Prototyping class, using the screen sharing function: 

Zoom also offers the breakout rooms feature, which allows meetings to be split up into different sections. This feature allows you to have a 1-to-1 consultation with the trainer in a separate room, which can enhance your online learning experience. 

‍

4) I'm not technology savvy but I'd love to give it a shot! What kind of help will be provided for me? 

Don't worry! We will guide you through some of the basic softwares we use for training. Facing difficulties connecting to the e-learning platform or accessing the online material? Not sure where to click to even get there? Rest assured because our tech angels are just a call away, and will gladly troubleshoot and answer any questions that you might have! We manage all our classes within the respective WhatsApp group chats, to ensure that in-depth information and help is conveyed across efficiently and effectively. We are strongly committed to making your online learning experience a smooth-sailing one and will guide you every step of the way. We empathise that this can be a daunting experience, but we hope that you can attend with an open mind. It can be a rewarding experience!

‍

5) What if the online lesson is going too fast and I cannot follow the pace? 

In order to ensure you get the most out of your online course, we will provide class video recordings and e-resources such as e-textbooks for you to review the course material at your own time and pace. Do note, however, that class video recordings will be provided only temporarily due to privacy issues. 

Here is an example of our Introduction to Textiles e-textbook:

‍

6) What if I do not have a laptop, tablet or phone at home with an internet connection?

In the event that you do not have the necessary computer equipment, we can loan you a computer on a first come first served basis. However, we have a limited quantity of computer equipment available for loan, so it's best to contact us before you sign up to ensure availability. 

‍

7) Where can I get my sewing materials for online learning?

Most sewing materials will be provided, but you will be required to purchase additional materials such as a sewing kit if necessary. You will also be notified of the relevant platforms to buy and order your additional sewing materials, via WhatsApp or e-mail, after registration. 

‍

8) What if I do not have a sewing machine at home?

If you do not have a sewing machine, TaF.tc will loan you a domestic sewing machine at no cost, and it will be delivered to you together with your purchased sewing materials. 

‍

9) Can I keep the sewing machine? 

You can purchase the sewing machine from our partner at a discounted rate after you successfully complete your course with a 75% attendance rate and a competent grade. Details on how you can purchase the sewing machine will be sent to you via WhatsApp and e-mail at the end of your course. 

‍

10) Are ALL our courses going online? 

All our courses are going online with the exception of shoe-making classes. Unlike our other courses, our shoe-making courses require specific machinery that are only available on-site. Hence, with special permission from the government, our shoe-making courses will be held on-site at the Footwear Lab at Thye Hong Centre starting 11 June 2020. We will provide all necessary machinery and the trainer will be present in the Footwear Lab for supervision at all times. With the health and well-being of our students, staff and trainers in mind, our class sizes will be no bigger than 8 pax and social distancing measures will be strictly enforced. 

‍

11) How will I be assessed if it is an online class? 

For our theory-based classes, such as E-Fashion Business and Inbound Marketing, online assessments have been created after multiple consultations with the trainers to ensure that they have met the Performance Standard (PS) and Underpinning Knowledge (UK) guidelines, which are criteria that have been used to grade our on-campus assessments. These assessments have also been vetted and revised multiple times to ensure that they will be clear, concise and easily understood by you. The assessments are conducted on either TalentLMS or Google Classrooms, depending on the course you are taking. The assessments will be in an open-book format, which means that you will be allowed to refer to the e-resources available for supplementary information - isn't that great!

For more practical-based classes, such as our Basic Sewing and Drafting and Draping, you will be assessed based on your progress and final product. Trainers will closely monitor your progress throughout the course, to ensure that you take the right steps towards crafting your final product. 

‍

To wrap this up...

I hope that this list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) has been useful in answering some of your queries and concerns. Although it has been a shame that we cannot welcome you to our campus, it is our commitment to ensure you still receive the same quality of education through our online courses. Stay safe and healthy during this period!

If you have any other unanswered questions, feel free to reach out to us at enquiry@taftc.org, WhatsApp us at +65 6011 8066 (https://wa.me/65860118066) or leave us a Facebook message.