Use of Technology in Higher Education: An Assessment from Socio-Economic Perspectives

This is a project funded through the Digital Futures - Collaborative Research Network (CRN) program. The project supports a full-time Post Doctoral Research Fellow and a full time PhD scholarship for 3 years (2012-2015).

What is the project about?

The project will focus on analysing the economic/social costs and benefits of the adoption of mobile devices (e.g., smart phones, tablet PC, iPad, etc.) in teaching and learning at university level. The short and long run effects of the use of technological devices in the broader society will also be explored.

Why is it important?

This research topic is important for realising the effectiveness of technology used in higher education and building research capacity of USQ. The project will also be useful for many educational institutions at home and abroad where distance and online education is the main component of learning. This is vital for policy makers as well.

Who is involved?

Mainly 3 universities: University of Southern Queensland, The Australian National University and University of South Australia. University of Queensland will also be included for data collection purpose.

Project Leaders:

Dr Mafiz Rahman- Chief Investigator and Project Coordinator (USQ-FBL/ACSBD), Dr Rasheda Khanam (USQ-FBL/ACSBD), Dr Abdul Hafeez-Baig (USQ-FBL), A/Prof Anne Jasman (USQ-FOE) and Assoc Prof Trudy Yuginovich (USQ-FOS-FC).