Overview of LRDS Research
USQ emphasises the fundamental importance of research and research training. The University encourages research through its internal research programs and the mentoring of researchers seeking external funding. It provides research training to its postgraduate students through specialist seminars for researchers and supervisors.
USQ Research Guiding Objectives
USQ's Strategic Plan includes the following guiding objectives for research, research higher degrees and professional practice:
-
To encourage scholarly activities and maintain intellectual curiosity at all levels of operation, and develop identified research strengths that play a significant role in knowledge generation, enrich teaching programs and benefit regional and rural communities;
-
To be the world leader in research relating to flexible learning and the methodologies of distance and online learning.
LRDS Research Training and Dissemination Plan
LRDS has undertaken various research activities and projects over a number of years. The following table represents the current research training and dissemination plan which LRDS researchers have developed and maintained.
| Research Training and Dissemination Plan |
| Projects |
Objectives |
Goals |
| 1. Electronic Journal - e-JIST |
To publish quality papers and articles related to Instructional Science & Technology |
Publication of quality papers online |
| 2. Website |
To establish a www home page and a series of list server discussion groups |
An operational www site
Active listener discussion groups |
| 3. Symposia and Workshops |
To conduct regular DeC Workshops & Seminars |
Conduct workshops and seminars and disseminate relevant information |
Funding Levels/Support for Research
-
Research grants:
LRDS staff are encouraged to apply for internal and external grants.
- Some have already been successful in attracting such funds (e.g. Internal – New Researcher Scheme; External – collaborative studies other institutions; DEST Evaluation and Investigations Program).
-
Other Support:
Current projects related to the LRDS research focus are supported in the following ways:
- Staff are enrolled in postgraduate studies, and where research projects in such studies are related to the LRDS research focus, HECS payments are subsidised.
- Time for research has been allocated as part of academic staff workloads.
- Where staff have had papers accepted at national/international conferences, and such papers relate to the LRDS research focus, LRDS allocates funding to cover travel and conference registration.
Research Infrastructure
LRDS does not have designated staff appointed specifically to provide support for LRDS research, however some administrative staff provide a level of administrative support when/where current workloads allow. LRDS is a founding member of the ICDE. Membership of this Research Network will result in a number of joint projects.
LRDS also seeks to involve staff from the University's faculties and Learning and Teaching Support (LTS) to consolidate the research effort to enable USQ to attain its strategic goal of being a leader in online global education.