Summary
Highlights
Pablo de Agostino introduces himself, Sol, and Euge as members of the Student Welfare Department, which has recently transitioned from the Orientation Department. This department has been delivering this seminar for over 15 years, constantly improving it for new students. The seminar is now mandatory, as required by the Ministry of Education for all higher education institutions. This compulsory introductory cycle aims to ease the transition for students from various backgrounds to higher education, akin to re-learning to ride a bicycle after a long break. It focuses on developing basic skills like language comprehension and problem-solving, which are crucial for academic success. The seminar is structured into three parts, with the first unit delivered by the Student Welfare Department and subsequent parts handled through a course called AENS (Adaptation to Higher Education Studies), except for Artificial Intelligence and Web Development students, who will be guided by Pablo. Evaluation is mandatory for all modules of this cycle.
The institution uses two main platforms: 'Autogestión' for administrative tasks (like checking grades, registering for courses, and managing payments and attendance) and Microsoft Teams for academic activities. Autogestión is accessible via cervantes.edu.ar and requires a unique matrícula and password. A video tutorial demonstrates how to navigate Autogestión, highlighting sections for academic progress, personal data, documentation status, payment information, password changes, certificates, attendance, study plans, grades, course registration, and academic calendar. Students are encouraged to check Autogestión daily for updates. Microsoft Teams is the academic platform for virtual classes, material, tutorials, and academic interaction. Students receive a unique Teams account (not a personal Gmail) through Autogestión. A video guides students on accessing Teams, emphasizing the importance of using the provided credentials. Teams allows for downloading the application on various devices or accessing it through a web browser, with all data stored in the cloud. Each course is organized as a 'Team' in Teams, where students can find messages, files, assignments, and virtual meeting links. It is crucial for students to familiarize themselves with Teams before classes begin.
The Teams platform serves as the central hub for academic life, where students will find their course teams, materials, assignments, and schedules. Teams are automatically populated with first-quarter courses for new students. An instructor demonstrates how Teams is organized, with each rectangle representing a course team. Special 'Teams' are set up for the introductory cycle for each career. It's essential to understand that all activities, including the introductory cycle assignments, have a deadline of April 1st for all students. The first activity, outlined in Teams within the 'material de estudio' channel, is to implement a study technique (e.g., conceptual map, synoptic table) to summarize the information from this seminar. Students are advised to enter Autogestión to get their Teams credentials and explore the platform over the weekend. They are also cautioned about managing notifications in the Teams mobile app, as frequent updates can be overwhelming. The importance of using Teams for all academic work, including exams, is stressed. The seminar highlights that exams can be in various formats (written, oral, online forms) and emphasizes the shift from paper-based assessments to digital ones.
Cervantes offers three modalities: presencial (in-person), semi-presencial (hybrid), and distance learning. Presencial and semi-presencial students are attending this seminar. Presencial students attend classes regularly, while semi-presencial students attend once a week and have optional virtual tutoring sessions. Regardless of the modality, all students are expected to 'attend' classes, either physically or virtually, by participating in live sessions via Teams. This hybrid model allows for flexibility while ensuring engagement. Classes are recorded for review, and classrooms are equipped with technology to facilitate hybrid learning, including interactive whiteboards. The institution stresses that choosing a virtual attendance option does not exempt students from engagement; active participation with cameras on is expected. Documentation requirements include identity documents, an approved high school transcript (or proof of processing), a birth certificate, a 4x4 photograph, a physical aptitude form, and a commitment to pay. The physical aptitude form is a standard requirement from the Ministry of Education, and students can consult their personal doctors or take advantage of agreements with CONSI and Naranja X. All documentation submission will be digital through Autogestión. Students are advised to avoid printing materials until confirmed by their professors, as content may change.
The seminar re-emphasizes the deadline for the introductory cycle activities (April 1st) and the importance of working on them gradually to avoid last-minute stress. Students can seek help through chat, Teams, or the WhatsApp group. Each student will be assigned to a specific counselor for support. The institution aims to continuously improve student services and offer benefits. A survey, 'ficha del ingresante,' will be available in Autogestión to gather information about student profiles, helping professors tailor their teaching. Effective communication is highlighted through WhatsApp groups and the Student Welfare Department's email. Students are encouraged to maximize their university experience by forming study groups, building relationships, and taking advantage of networking opportunities. The seminar concludes by welcoming students and encouraging active participation in their academic journey.