World renowned professor on the future of learning

Executive Director of USQ’s Australian Digital Futures Institute, Professor Gilly Salmon, will address students, staff and the public at the annual Steele Rudd and McGregor College Professorial Lecture on 19 April 2011.

Professor Salmon will present Exploration: the future for learning which will look at digital learning through the lens of three key contemporary themes: Mobility, Openness and Digital Community.

Professor Salmon said she is looking forward to speaking to USQ and the wider community about the future of learning and education.

'I’m delighted to introduce students, staff and USQ’s wider community to ways of creating fabulous new ways for learning. I’ve come on a journey from the UK to arrive at USQ and now I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to signpost more voyages ...to the future,' she said.

'Sometimes we spend unnecessary energy in attempts to understand the past- effort that can go into creating wonderful digital futures. The past can offer us hindsight and insight into what’s happening now- but what’s more important is what’s next. My lecture will offer some foresight!.'

Professor Salmon joined the Australian Digital Futures Institute early this year and is one of the world’s foremost commentators on the use of digital technology in higher education. Before coming to USQ, Professor Salmon founded the Beyond Distance Research Alliance at the UK's University of Leicester.

'The voyages that the Australian Digital Futures Institute will take in the new Spaceship Phoenix on behalf of USQ will range far and wide ...in our exploration to discover and create new futures.

'The future is more open to all kinds of learning, it’s more mobile and it will be more connected. If you want to be part of it ...be there!'

Professor Salmon researches and publishes widely on the themes of innovation and change in Higher Education and the exploitation of new technologies of all kinds in the service of learning.

The Steele Rudd and McGregor College Professorial Lecture has been held by the Colleges for almost 20 years and is always given by a new dean or professor at the University.

The lecture will be held in the Alison Dickson Lecture Theatre and begins at 7.15pm. To RSVP, contact Ros Smith on 4631 2451.