Technology enhanced learning and teaching
Information and communication technology (ICT) provides academics with an opportunity to create rich learning environments for their students, enhanced by the wealth of information and resources on the Internet, as well as the inclusion of a range of multimedia-based learning elements. As a consequence many universities in Australia are now replacing traditional print-based courses with technology enhanced courses delivered via either online environments and/or on interactive CD. Mostly these courses involve the use of multimedia and ICT to develop dynamic course resources that appeal to different sensory modes and a variety of learning styles.
For example, a technology enhanced course may include elements such as, simulations, interactive diagrams, images, video and audio materials, interactive quizzes and crosswords, PowerPoint lectures with audio (e.g. Breeze), and hyperlinked examples. With this new flexibility, major concepts within course material may now be presented in a variety of modes (multiple representations), for example, in both a visual and aural form. This strategy has been shown to lead learners to perceive that it is easier to learn, improve attention rates, and thus lead to improved learning performance.
Information on how USQ can assist you in incorporating audio-visual learning and teaching materials can be accessed from media services.
Educational technology matrix 2009
The educational technology matrix 2009 (PDF* 310kb) provides an overview of all the educational technologies that are currently available for USQ staff to use. It also provides direct links to instructions on how to use them.
Wimba Classroom
USQ is using Wimba Classroom to provide a global online conferencing system to enable lecturer run tutorials and lectures and also allow student to organise their own study groups. Wimba Classroom allows text, audio and video chat, supported by a shared whiteboard, screen sharing and multiple private breakout rooms. Participants can attend via any internet connected computer and people can also use the phone simulcast (for the price of a local call anywhere in Australia and there are access points in the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and New Zealand) if their internet connection is not fast enough to support voice.
In addition to teaching and learning, Wimba classroom is also increasingly being used to support other aspects of the work of the university e.g.
- Service provision (career guidance, library skills, counselling) to remote students
- Professional development of USQ staff
- Administrative meetings between people on different campuses
Regular Wimba Classroom orientation and training sessions are available to academic and general staff and these can be accessed through the Professional Development site. Students and Staff can also book into regular student (2 or 3 times per week) run 45 minute orientation and training sessions via Wimba Orientation Session course.
A glimpse of the way Wimba Classroom has been used by staff and students is available in the 2008 Wimba Classroom Usage Report which showed strong and positive usage of Wimba in semester 2 2008.
EASE, Moodle Assignment Submission and Turnitin
Up to date information about electronic assignment tools
Exemplars
A series of examples of USQ staff using technology in innovative ways
Other resources
Contact
If you have any queries, contact a LTSU representative.
* This file is in Portable Document Format (PDF) which requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy of Acrobat Reader may be obtained from Adobe .