UQ technology which helps train the next generation of veterinarians in a virtual environment was recognised at a recent tertiary education conference in Singapore.
The team received two Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ascilite) awards for the development of an interactive CD-ROM which allows students to learn the basics of bovine reproduction prior to completing fieldwork.
“The ascilite awards are designed to reward leaders in the use of electronic technologies in teaching and learning in tertiary education,” TEDI project manager Wendy Chalmers said.
“Winning recognition for two consecutive years demonstrates the consistent high quality of TEDI’s work when compared with our peers.”
Dr Scott Norman and Dr Steve Johnston from the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (NRAVS) provided the content expertise while the design and development was provided by a multidisciplinary team within TEDI.
The CD provides a range of textual and visual representations including 3D animations, video, photographs and ultrasound footage to enhance student learning and overcome some of the practical problems associated with fieldwork.
“Working in close collaboration with our client in the key role of content expert, our aim is to design and develop pedagogically sound, high quality educational resources,” Ms Chalmers said.
“This method of working produces higher quality results than if the client had to learn all the necessary skills required for quality multimedia development or attempted to do it all themselves.”
This is the second consecutive year that such a collaboration has received double ascilite honours, with Dr Vic Galea from NRAVS and TEDI developing an award-winning Virtual Plant Pathology CD-ROM in 2006.
In announcing the winners, Society President Dr Cathy Gunn paid tribute to the work of TEDI and UQ as winners of the awards for two years running.
Media: Wendy Chalmers at TEDI (w.chalmers@uq.edu.au) or Cameron Pegg at UQ Communications (07 3365 2049, c.pegg@uq.edu.au)
Photos to accompany the release are available here. For high resolution versions please contact Diana Lilley (d.lilley@uq.edu.au)
