USQ to host online education symposium

USQ will host a 3D technology education symposium today (14 August 2007).

International speakers will join local experts at the symposium, to discuss the opportunities available to universities using state of the art technology, including second life.

'We will be looking at how elements of 3D technologies can be used within the teaching and learning landscape,' event coordinator and USQ digital marketing manager Cameron Loudon said.

'There is a range of international leaders in the development of 3D technology in the university context that will be addressing the symposium on how this new medium can enhance the learning experience.'

The guest speakers include American Rob Sanders from Appalachian State University and Daniel Livingstone from the University of Paisley in the UK, who will highlight the importance of utilising current and emerging technologies.

'Both Rob and Daniel are experts in their fields and will give us an insight into 3D technology and second life,' Mr Loudon said.

'Kathryn Greenhill from Murdoch University and Dr Penny de Byl and Lindy McKeown from USQ will also address the symposium.

'There are already over seven million people in second life, and it is predicted that by 2011 80 percent of active internet users will have a second life, so it is the way of the future.'

Mr Loudon added that the symposium was also a chance for USQ to once again place itself at the forefront of distance education.

'USQ has a reputation as a leader in distance education and by exploring this technology we are ensuring that we remain leaders in this field.

'These types of environments are a way of bringing globally distant study groups closer together and are a new way for students to interact with one another.'

Those interested in the symposium will also be able to tune in from across the globe with the event offered in three different formats.

'It will be live face to face at the USQ Toowoomba campus, streamed live to the web simultaneously and will also be streamed into second life,' Mr Loudon said.

'This will allow people from across the world to interact with people in the audience here and is the first time that something like this has been run at an Australian university.'

The symposium will run at the University until 1:30pm today.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628