Sport, Health and PE Education specialisations an Australian first

In an Australian first, USQ launched a Sport, Health and Physical Education specialised Education degree that can be completed fully online.

The Bachelor of Education (Sport, Health and Physical Education) was officially launched with ceremonies at Fraser Coast, Toowoomba and Springfield.

Highly regarded, experienced and well-known physical educator identity and Program Coordinator, Associate Professor Ken Edwards, said the program would open the opportunity for students anywhere to study Sport, Health and Physical Education degrees through offering true flexibility in the choice of study modes.

'Students can choose to study on campus at Fraser Coast, Springfield or Toowoomba or study externally from anywhere in Australia or overseas,' Associate Professor Edwards said.

'We will use the latest technology to give online students the same high level of lecturer interaction that makes USQ the university of choice for students undertaking Education degrees.

'Webstreaming of lectures, virtual classrooms, video and You Tube clips along with interactive discussion forums will enable online students to have the full classroom and tutorial experience that on-campus students receive, without ever setting foot on a campus.

'All students will develop practical skills through involvement in coaching and similar accreditation courses that value add to any teaching degree.'

USQ Lecturer in Sport, Health and PE, Susan Wilson-Gahan, said the staff involved in delivering the program have extensive ‘hands on’ teaching experience.

'Staff have contributed to development of curriculum, development of sports and sporting organisations, have extensive coaching experience and have made a variety of other contributions in the field of sport, health and physical education,' Ms Wilson-Gahan said.

Dean of the Faculty of Education, Professor Nita Temmerman, said the program compliments well those already in place in the areas of Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, Special Education and Further Education and Training.

'The Sport, Health and Physical Education degree is available with a specialisation in the Primary or Secondary areas, and is designed for students who wish to work in learning communities such as schools - as well as those who are interested in coaching, recreation and the sport, health and fitness industries,' Professor Temmerman said.