The University of Queensland's Academic Board has approved principles for the widespread adoption of flexible delivery in teaching, in a concerted effort to 'match learning objectives with student needs'.
Academic Board president Professor Andrew Lister said the use of flexible delivery would evolve over the next three to five years, in line with recommendations in a recent working party report.
He said the report, including national and international research in an attempt to develop a co-ordinated approach to the University's provision of flexible delivery, recognised the need to present students with effective learning experiences, at the same time addressing changes in student population and advances in education technology.
Professor Lister said flexible delivery of teaching was an opportunity the University could not ignore if it was to maintain its leading status in an increasingly competitive environment.
Flexible delivery is defined as the provision of learning and assessment opportunities in a way that does not require the student to be present at a particular place or at set times.
The University of Queensland Ipswich campus, due to open in February 1999, has been identified as the major priority in the development of flexible delivery, and will provide opportunities for progress in other areas of the University.
A Flexible Delivery Unit (FDU), to be located at the Ipswich campus, will be linked to other parts of the University by a broad-band microwave network, enabling all staff to take advantage of new technologies in course development and delivery.
Although face-to-face teaching is likely to remain the primary mode of teaching, flexible delivery techniques will be used to enhance the range and effectiveness of learning experiences.
Professor Lister said some progress had already been made towards incorporating flexible delivery techniques into traditional course structures, with resource materials placed on the World Wide Web for selected subjects in many departments, and Multimedia packages developed to assist learning.
He said it was also important to realise that not all flexible delivery options were highly technological, given the use of older techniques including printed correspondence, telephone and email interactions, and vacation school.
However, a systematic shift toward flexible delivery will necessitate an examination of the University's existing technical infrastructure, particularly with regard to information technology.
The skills base of staff is also a key consideration, with a commitment to raise staff awareness of flexible delivery techniques.
Flexible delivery will affect other areas of the University's infrastructure and calls for a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of other academic and administrative support services, including student support and student administration.
The priorities for flexible delivery include subjects offered through the Ipswich campus; large enrolment subjects (more than 400 students); subjects aimed at a significant student population which cannot attend campus; and subjects offered as part of consortium arrangements.
For more information contact Professor Andrew Lister on 07 3365 1320.
