School of Education
Ikon Distance Education and Learning (IDEAL)

Turn your teaching dream into a reality by studying Early Childhood Education via Distance Learning. Ikon offers the following Distance Learning courses:
We have several campuses across Australia but now you have the opportunity to study with us online. Our live online classes mean you’re in direct contact with your lecturers in every single class. We are excited to be able to offer our courses online giving everyone the opportunity to study with us.
IDEAL can provide you with a great alternative to our on-campus classes.
You will be part of
- a well-supported, positive, online community of fellow learners from across the country.
- live weekly lectures with your teacher, not just pre-recorded materials.
- a small class, giving you the opportunity to actively listen, learn and communicate with your lecturer and classmates.
You will have
- the chance to meet and interact with some of your peers at on-campus week-long intensive subjects.
- real-life industry placement opportunities that provide you with the essential practical experience to become an early childhood teacher.

Benefits of IDEAL
IDEAL was introduced for students who are interested in studying early childhood education but live too far from campus to attend classes. We understand that not everyone has the flexibility to travel to our inner-city campuses, may live in locations where our courses are not currently offered, or are not able to attend on-campus lessons while working a full-time job.
We believe it’s essential for this community to have access to an excellent online version of our courses and provide them with the same opportunities as our on-campus students.
IDEAL classes are run online, however, these lessons have the same structure as an on-campus class. You can participate in live lectures, ask questions, submit your assessments, meet and work alongside other students, access online support sessions, use our online material and resources, and check your results. Apart from lessons, you will have access to all these resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As our classes are run live by our highly qualified lecturers, you will feel like you’re in the classroom!
Study Options
We offer three study options for students who choose to complete their early childhood education degree online.
Daytime Classes
Your classes are scheduled across two days. Each day will consist of a morning and afternoon class with adequate time for a lunch break in between. If you have a third class, it may be in the morning or afternoon on another day of the week.
Afternoon/Evening Classes
Classes are scheduled across two evenings and one afternoon weekly. This schedule consists of an afternoon class, dinner break, and an evening class. If you have a third class, it may be in the evening on another day of the week. Evening classes are usually from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
Permanently Employed
We have introduced a study option for students who are permanently employed and working in an early childhood setting 3 to 5 days (24-40 hours) per week. Classes are scheduled across two evenings per week from 6:30pm – 9:00pm.
Trimester 1, 2024 Intake
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)

Distance Learning Platform
IDEAL classes are designed to provide you with the same experience as our on-campus classes.
We use Zoom, one of the most popular video conferencing platforms and first choice for hundreds of universities and colleges worldwide. Everything you need to learn on the day will be easily found in our online learning system, Canvas. You will have access to a live Zoom link for your lectures.
Have a question? We’ve probably answered it!
What will I be learning?
Classes are similar to our on-campus delivery but modified appropriately to suit distance learning. For more details about the subjects you will be studying, head to our early childhood education course page.
Are all classes online?
Yes! All classes will be conducted through Zoom and are in real time with a live lecturer, not delayed or pre-recorded.
What do I need?
You will need an iPad or computer to attend your classes, and complete your weekly study tasks and assessments.
You will use Canvas to access your study materials. This fantastic learning management system gives you access to course outlines, slides, readings and any additional information relating to your studies. Canvas will also provide you with information on how to submit your assessments.
Do I need to attend classed at the scheduled time?
Although our classes are often recorded for you to view again, you are expected to attend and/or engage in all scheduled lectures, tutorials, and workshops.
How many classes do I have?
IDEAL has the same teaching structure as our on-campus delivery.
Each academic year consists of three study periods called trimesters. Each trimester consists of 11 weeks of teaching plus one exam week. A full-time study load consists of 8 subjects per year (3 in Trimester 1 & 2, and 2 in Trimester 3). You should allow approximately 3 hours per subject for lectures and tutorials. Please remember that if you are an international student, you are required to undertake a full-time study load.
Are there additional study requirements?
It is important to know that there are additional study requirements apart from your live lectures. You should spend approximately 7 hours per week for self-directed study per subject to complete prescribed readings, practice skills, research, study, and additional time to complete assessments.
Will I have library access?
We have a growing online library for students to utilise throughout their studies. You will have access to books, academic journals and a variety of resources.
What's Next?
If you’d like to learn more about our distance education options or find out how to apply, kindly fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, if you’d like to know more about our courses, head to our Early Childhood Education page.