ltq creative connections 3rd editions

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In 2013 LTQ will focus on delivering the aspiraonal digital core of technologies and matching pedagogies that support learning and teaching. Known for our capacity to research, develop and ancipate technological advances and to capitalise on these we expect to deliver a few surprises in 2013. Watch out for: Enhanced delivery for mobile content - readily accessible from any device Recasng learning content into ready ‘etextbooks’ as open content Comprehensive direcons for open educaon through OERu and other iniaves Learning analycs to support learners engagement within Moodle in the studydesk Revitalised integrated academic student support (SPARS) Increased use of high definion video and audio through Vimeo and Soundcloud Authenc online learning design exemplars Personalised professional staff development Consolidaon of LITE Teams Supporng teaching excellence All LTQ goals and acvies rely on data, rich and diverse to ensure strategic decision making can occur and that our valuable resource ‘our people’ are providing the service USQ expects. The experse across LTQ allows everyone to contribute to our core business, innovaon and extensive policy and procedures across the University. LTQ promotes a culture of parcipaon and engagement of LTQ staff. By building ourselves as individuals and teams we support each other on a journey agreed within our LTQ 2013 Acon Plan to realise USQ aspiraons and provide the best service we can for now and in the future. As a change posive environment LTQ will connue to foster professional development opportunies for all; and remain open and transparent in its acvies and informaon disseminaon. We hope you enjoy this edion. Welcome to the third edition of LTQ Creative Connections January 2013 Issue 3 LTQ Creative Connections LTQ Organisaonal Chart 2 LTQ overview 3 LTQ Secon summaries Learning Environments and Media 4 Creave Media Services 5 Digital Media Services 6 Learning Systems Support 7 Learning and Teaching Services 8 Academic Support 8 Student Support 8 Learning Resources Development 9 Congratulaons to staff 9 OLT Deadlines 10 2012 OLT Citaons 10 Vising Scholar 11 HTML5 symposium summary 12 Upcoming Seminar: Higher Educaon Futures 12 Inside this issue An update from the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Quality) This is the first ‘creave learning connecons’ for 2013 and I am pleased to focus on the secons of LTQ, their funcons and how they are moving forward into 2013. Essenal to the focus of LTQ is that it supports the University to achieve posive outcomes for one of the world’s most diverse student populaons. The innovave work of LTQ inspires teachers and learners in their use of current and emerging technologies to enable collaborave teaching and individualised learning for all students regardless of their locaon or lifestyle. The Learning Centre had 3738 consultations for S1 & S2, 2012— 20% increase over the same period in 2011. Fast Fact (L-R) Michael Sankey, Belinda Tynan and Robyn Smyth Have a look at our 2011-2012 LTQ Portfolio of achievements. LTQ in Review

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Page 1: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

In 2013 LTQ will focus on delivering the aspirational digital core of technologies and matching pedagogies that support learning and teaching.

Known for our capacity to research, develop and anticipate technological advances and to capitalise on these we expect to deliver a few surprises in 2013.

Watch out for:

Enhanced delivery for mobile content - readily accessible from any device

Recasting learning content into ready ‘etextbooks’ as open content

Comprehensive directions for open education through OERu and other initiatives

Learning analytics to support learners engagement within Moodle in the studydesk

Revitalised integrated academic student support (SPARS)

Increased use of high definition video and audio through Vimeo and Soundcloud

Authentic online learning design exemplars

Personalised professional staff development

Consolidation of LITE Teams

Supporting teaching excellence

All LTQ goals and activities rely on data, rich and diverse to ensure strategic decision making can occur and that our valuable resource ‘our people’ are providing the service USQ expects.

The expertise across LTQ allows everyone to contribute to our core business, innovation and extensive policy and procedures across the University.

LTQ promotes a culture of participation and engagement of LTQ staff. By building ourselves as individuals and teams we support each other on a journey agreed within our LTQ 2013 Action Plan to realise USQ aspirations and provide the best service we can for now and in the future.

As a change positive environment LTQ will continue to foster professional development opportunities for all; and remain open and transparent in its activities and information dissemination.

We hope you enjoy this edition.

Welcome to the third edition of LTQ Creative Connections

January 2013 Issue 3

LTQ Creative Connections

LTQ Organisational Chart 2

LTQ overview 3

LTQ Section summaries

Learning Environments and Media 4

Creative Media Services 5

Digital Media Services 6

Learning Systems Support 7

Learning and Teaching Services 8

Academic Support 8

Student Support 8

Learning Resources Development 9

Congratulations to staff 9

OLT Deadlines 10

2012 OLT Citations 10

Visiting Scholar 11

HTML5 symposium summary 12

Upcoming Seminar: Higher

Education Futures 12

Inside this issue

An update from the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Quality)

This is the first ‘creative learning connections’ for 2013 and I am pleased to focus on the sections of LTQ, their functions and how they are moving forward into 2013. Essential to the focus of LTQ is that it supports the University to achieve positive outcomes for one of the world’s most diverse student populations.

The innovative work of LTQ inspires teachers and learners in their use of current and

emerging technologies to enable collaborative teaching and individualised learning

for all students regardless of their location or lifestyle.

The Learning Centre had 3738 consultations for S1 & S2, 2012— 20% increase over the same period in 2011.

Fast Fact

(L-R) Michael Sankey, Belinda Tynan and Robyn Smyth

Have a look at our 2011-2012 LTQ Portfolio

of achievements.

LTQ in Review

Page 2: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

Page 2 LTQ Creative Connections

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Page 3: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

Page 3 January 2013

Issue 3

Third Floor Y Block (Y352)

University of Southern Queensland

West Street

Toowoomba Qld 4350

AUSTRALIA

Vision we enable sustainable creative learning connections

Mission we provide quality innovative services to enhance the student learning journey

Values creative and innovative, explorative and engaging, open and inclusive, clear and simple

Phone: +61 7 4631 1676

Email: [email protected]

Web: usq.edu.au/ltq

collection, analysis, reporting and

benchmarking of data for quality enhancement of learning and teaching activities at USQ

maintenance of academic standards and

development of University policy

development and recognition of excellent

teaching and learning

curriculum reform and renewal for enhanced online

learning experiences

development, management, resourcing and

implementation of USQConnected activities associated with the 'connected student and staff journey'

research and scholarship in higher education learning

and teaching

supporting the student and staff learning journey

The Learning, Teaching and Quality portfolio is lead by Professor Belinda Tynan, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Quality) reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Services) and Chief Information Officer. This portfolio has a focus on:

The LTQ Management

team (L-R)

Robyn Smyth (LTS),

Eric Robertson (LSS)

Sian Carlyon (CMS)

Jeff Black (DMS)

Michael Sankey (LEM)

Belinda Tynan (PVC)

Colleen Wilson (EO)

Mary Ann Lambert (LRD)

Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Quality)

Page 4: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

Page 4 LTQ Creative Connections

Learning Environments & Media (LEM)

With the increased call for more dynamic and engaging online learning environments the formation of LEM has, for the first time, brought together the creative and functional sides of online development and support. This includes the support for all USQ learning technologies, media and multimedia production.

Fundamental to the concept that USQ is a leader in the delivery of vibrant learning, LEM now provides the right internal structure to support this, ensuring that all the key information you require may be found from the one repository.

This repository is found at: www.usq.edu.au/ele and provides you with all the key information required to support your work on the USQStudyDesk and with its associated tool.

It also proves you with, tip and tricks, testimonials, help sheets and will point you in the right direction if you need to contact someone for further assistance.

Together with ICT and HR, LEM is also developing more and new just-in-time training opportunities for you.

The launch of the new Staff Professional Development Portal, in mid 2013, will provide you with additional

opportunities to integrate what you have achieved, through your many and varied activities, into your USQ professional profile.

LEM is also interested in learning from you, particularly when it comes to understanding what new and emerging technologies and tools may better service USQ.

So when the new Staff Professional Development Portal is launched there will be many opportunities for you to share with your colleagues some of the more interesting things you are doing and using.

So start planning for this now.

Internal support for USQ technologies can be found at:

eLearning Environments at USQ: www.usq.edu.au/ele

Page 5: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

Page 5 January 2013

Issue 3

The CMS team

Creative Media Services (CMS)

To contact:

Graphics

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.usq.edu.au/graphics

Photography

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.usq.edu.au/photography

Multimedia

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.usq.edu.au/multimedia

Wall images to the

entrances for Business &

Law and Sciences

Student Services revitalized

front entrance

Lilypad entrance for

Environmental Office

responsive design website,

suitable for mobile device

viewing, developed for LTQ

Review

design and photography for

International and Domestic

course publication suite for

Student Management

judging of the Heritage

Photographic Awards and

the Toowoomba Royal Show

Enhancing online courses

through a variety of

diagrams and animations

Academic and Faculty

posters/flyers for promotion,

conferences, courses, grants

and research

Web graphics, photography,

icons and buttons for

StudyDesk and USQ

websites.

Harvard AGPS referencing

application for USQ Library

During 2012, the CMS team

has been working at full

capacity and created a total of

2721 jobs – representing

some 11,252 hours and a

value around $806,000,

supporting a large number of

students and staff. During

2012, the USQ photographers

took 114,511 photographs

(give or take 30,000 or so)

adding to their valuable bank

of USQ stock images.

All the work of CMS impacts on

and influences all key points

along the student learning

journey - from choosing USQ,

through uni life, to Graduation,

Research, into the

professional sphere and

Alumni.

The CMS team has been

working at full capacity

producing large volumes of

public relations materials,

publications and posters for

students and departments,

photographs, illustrations,

animations and course

enhancements, templates for

academic and professional

staff and numerous corporate

spatial branding concepts USQ

-wide.

CMS have also been working

together with Marketing and

Student Attraction to evolve

and roll-out the USQ Branding

strategy across all

publications, events, signage

and print/online marketing

collateral. This involves fresh

yearly design, photography and

marketing strategies to

continue to support and

innovate USQ’s strong brand.

A small sampling of CMS

projects:

photographic documenting

the SOCA student’s

assessments/portfolios

photographic documentation

and promotional material of

all Artsworx events, recitals

and exhibitions, including

annual events such as

Shakespeare in the Park

Festival, McGregor Summer

and Winter Schools,

Children’s Theatre, Graduart

and Showcase

design of posters, programs

and marketing collateral

plus photography for annual

USQ events on all

campuses, such as

Orientation, Graduations,

Awards nights, Open Day,

Science and Engineering

Challenge, Mountain Mist

USQ corporate spatial

branding concepts and

designs produced for:

USQ Carnival of Flowers

float

Fraser Coast decals

Branded back drop for the

Digital Media Services TV

studio

Creative Media Services is comprised of three sections: Graphic Design, Multimedia and

Photography. The CMS team offers University-wide professional services to support the University

academic program (on-campus, off-campus and online), research projects, and promotional,

branding and marketing activities for the University.

Creative Media Services completed 2721 jobs in 2012.

Fast Fact

During, 2012 the USQ Photographers took 114,511 photographs adding to their valuable stock of USQ images.

Fast Fact

Page 6: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

Page 6 LTQ Creative Connections

With our industry-capable facilities we can help you realise your goals with:

Project pre-production assistance and script-writing advice

Broadcast-standard media studios for interviews, workshops, demonstrations and live-webcasting

On-location recording of your project by our staff, using our digital recorders

Editing of your own recordings by our staff

Media finishing, including titles, animation, music, sound effects and narration

Re-formatting of video to other delivery mediums

Reliable web-delivery of content in high-definition

Copyright Obligations Most recordings and images are owned by someone, and if you want to use their work you need their permission.

So, when you want to use other materials as part of your project – ask us – and we’ll set you off in the right direction. The University Legal Office website is always a good place to start.

We can also provide royalty-free music and sound effects for your recording. There are also industry professional voice-artists in our department too, so if you need a narration or even a radio or TV commercial voiced – we can help.

Digital Media Services (DMS)

The Digital Media Services team are great listeners, and will help you realise your ideas, producing your teaching materials, publicity or information-sharing messages to the highest – in fact, award winning – standards.

Off-Air Recording The government has recently reviewed the laws (for the digital age) for recording shows from Australian TV and Radio broadcasters – for educational purposes.

So, if you want USQ students to hear or see a program that you asked us to record, just call us, come over and fill-in the paperwork, and we’ll do it – give us prior notice though!

The team in Digital Media Services can offer creative solutions to the delivery of your message. We have many years of experience in supporting USQ courses and programs, and can think outside the box if you have some publicity to share or a great idea you want known.

To contact DMS

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.usq.edu.au/media

Since March 2012, USQ course video content has been uploaded to Vimeo. The videoclip play button was pushed over 30,000 times with 50% viewed to the end.

Fast Fact

Digital Media Services completed 406 media production jobs and 98 requests for off-air recordings in 2012.

Fast Fact

Digital Media Service’s Audio Studio Re-alignment project was completed in December and takes the studios to industry standards.

Fast Fact

The DMS Team

Page 7: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

Page 7 January 2013

Issue 3

To contact LSS

Email:[email protected]

Web: www.usq.edu.au/ltq/lss

Learning Systems Support (LSS)

The LSS team offers technology support, configuration, reporting, workflow, security and other functional aspects of a wide range of learning and teaching, library and repository systems. The team assists Creative Media Services, Digital Media Support, Learning and Resource Development and Learning and Teaching Support and also the Library departments of the University. The main categories of applications to do with learning systems are:

learning management systems

assessment-based systems

social networking and other academic tools

electronic publishing and digital resources/repositories

library-based systems

Research output and repository systems.

USQ StudyDesk Moodle is the online course management system used to host courses on the USQStudyDesk. All courses, (on-campus, external, or online) have a 'presence' or Course Home Page in the USQStudyDesk

ePortfolio The USQ ePortfolio (Mahara) system is available to students, alumni and staff, and is designed for to showcase academic, professional and personal skills and experiences. The ePortfolio system can be used to collate the skills and experiences, as well as building a list of career objectives and goals.

Virtual Classrooms Blackboard Collaborate is used for synchronous communication with the USQ teaching environment. A virtual classroom enables you to bring students together to:

share a whiteboard, documents and other resources

share a screen to demonstrate computer programs and web sites

group participants.

Presentation Capture USQ uses a number of tools for presentation capture. Camtasia relay is used for lecture based capture. Camtasia studio for pre-recorded screen-based capture and editing of presentations, while Adobe Presenter is designed for creating audio enhanced powerpoint presentations at the desktop.

Electronic assignment submission USQ has two submission systems recommended for submission of student assignment work electronically:

EASE (Electronic Assignment Submission Environment)

Moodle Assignment Submission module.

Plagiarism detection Turnitin, is the plagiarism identification software used by USQ to enable students and/or staff to check written assignment work for inaccurate citation or potential plagiarism. It can be used as an important learning tool to help students understand academic referencing norms, individual ownership of intellectual property and intellectual honesty.

Content Authoring ICE (Integrated Content Environment) is USQ's core system for content authoring.

There are two components – editing in common word-processors and the web-based application which brings the system and resources together for file management, content rendering to HTML via a style sheet and export options

Materials repository The Learning Objects Repository is a learning objects management system for course related material.

BYO tools BYO Tools is the use of mobile devices, web-based applications and cloud-based technologies to enhance teaching and learning.

Library systems LSS supports the systems that the Library uses to catalogue and maintain its resources. There are various systems used for this including Virtua, Summon, vuFind, iPortal ezProxy, DocEx DiReCt and ePrints.

Learning Systems Support has attended 3375 separate enquiries in 2012.

Fast Fact

The LSS Team

Page 8: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

LTQ Creative Connections Page 8

Learning and Teaching Services (LTS)

Academic Services LTS facilitates staff development using:

A coherent professional development approach based on current scholarship of teaching and learning, especially for online environments.

Learning Innovation Teaching Enhancement (LITE) teams - collaborative projects which aim to improve student learning through discipline-specific Professional Development (PD). Over 90 courses touched in 2012.

PD on demand activities which often arise out of LITE team activities or curriculum development activities.

The Visiting Scholar Program which brings national and international scholars to USQ to expand networks and share expertise. In 2012 LTS hosted 14 scholars for 465 participants.

Learning and Teaching Services has the role of supporting the University’s strategic direction by

facilitating professional development of academic staff, providing student support services at each

campus and preparing resource materials. Our approach has been to concentrate on enhancing

expertise, personalising and contextualising activities so that they are relevant, timely and directly

related to needs identified by staff in disciplines and programs and students contacting learning centres.

In 2013 the workload in LTS has been divided into 9 portfolios reflecting the strategic directions of the LTQ plan. Staff development portfolios include online curriculum design, LITE Teams, online staff induction, quality and promoting excellence in teaching, resource development and Indigenous curriculum development.

Student support portfolios include: Learning Centre operations, Meet-Up Coordination and Student Support Strategies (all campuses).

Development of an online induction program as part of the professional development framework for commencing, continuing and sessional staff.

Analysis of Student Evaluation of Course results and advice on improving or enhancing teaching strategies and pedagogy.

Support for award, grant and fellowship applications in local and national rounds.

Mentoring of promotion applicants in collaboration with the USQ Academy.

Research which informs staff wishing to begin a Community of Practice (CoP) in conjunction with USQ’s Organisational Development unit.

Advice to University and Faculty Learning and Teaching Committees, working parties and project groups.

Service to University committees, Academic Board and major projects such as those funded by the Structural Adjustment Fund.

To contact LTS

Web:

www.usq.edu.au/learnteach/lts

Student Services

LTS provides support to students to improve their academic literacy and basic mathematics:

The Learning Centre services programs such as Orientation, Pathways, online and face-to-face workshops and drop-in sessions. These also include: - Support for students in

need of additional skills in chemistry and statistics.

- Online tutorials via Wimba and Blackboard Collaborate.

The Meet-Up programs offer peer learning in multiple courses and disciplines In 2012: The MUSC (Meet-Up Student Community) is the latest online initiative using Moodle to link distance students to peer leaders.

The SPARS (Student Personalised Academic Road to Success) project aligned to the Connected Student Learning Journey which will enhance academic support with diagnostic tools and learning analytics.

Data analysis of The Learning Centre activities used to inform program offerings.

Learning Centre In 2012 Student contacts with Learning Centres in all locations for S1 and S2 were the biggest yet -3738 consultations of which 1846 were for mathematics support, 1214 were external students (a 20% increase over S1,2 2011).

Meet-Up In 2012: 1324 students involved, on all campuses and online: USQ StudyDesk forums accessed 29,349 times: Over 85% of students who attend Meet-Up, agree or strongly agree that it helps them do better academically.

Learning Resources Development and Learning and Teaching Support are now Learning and Teaching Services (LTS).

Fast Fact

Ms Megan Cooper is the newly employed Indigenous Curriculum lecturer.

Fast Fact

The LTS Team

(Academic & Student Support)

Page 9: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

January 2013

Issue 3

Page 9

LRD works collaboratively with

faculty staff on course

development:

as project managers and

budding educational

technologists in LITE teams

providing information and

advice on resources, tools

and strategies used across

disciplines and pedagogies

providing copyright advice

and checking compliance

with legislation

The LRD team offers University-wide services to facilitate the development and creation of learning

resources and experiences with a focus on eLearning to enhance the student learning journey. The

section also provides support for ‘exceptions handling’ print and CD delivery.

submitting readings to the

Digital Resources Collection

(DiReCt)

making applications for use

to the owners of copyright

ensuring compliance of

course information with

course specifications

ensuring consistency of

structure and format

editing course masterfiles on

instruction from course

leaders

Learning Resources Development

inserting audio-visual

media, interactive tools,

graphics and diagrams

preparing and producing

computer marked

assessment

preparing course resources

for print and digital delivery

producing orders on behalf

of faculties for bulk printing

of resources

uploading course resources

to the StudyDesk.

To contact LRD

Web: www.usq.edu.au/lrds

The LRD team

Ms Lindy Kimmins USQ Citation for outstanding contributions to Student Learning: Meet-Up for Success

Professor Don Gorman USQ Citation for outstanding contributions to Student Learning: Development of a culturally relevant supervisory relations with Aboriginal research students

Mrs Melissa Forbes USQ Learning and Teaching Associate Fellowship: Leading innovation in tertiary music education

Congratulations to staff

Mrs Suzanne Byrne USQ Learning and Teaching Associate Fellowship: What is a taken home exam and when is it useful? Dr Megan Kek Early Career Researcher award (Learning and Teaching & Services) Digital Media Services Team Award Continuous Improvement to Service

Congratulations go to the following recipients:

2012 USQ Staff Awards

Learning Resources Development prepared 3,675 course resources for Semester 1, 2 and 3 in 2012.

Fast Fact

Page 10: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

LTQ Creative Connections Page 10

2013 Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT)

OLT has reintroduced the

Expression of Interest (EOI) as

part of their process.

Applicants can submit

proposals or EOIs in any priority

area in round 1; however, only

Seed Projects and full

proposals arising from

successful EOIs will be

accepted in Round 2.

Also, as a result of feedback

from the higher education

sector, OLT has changed its

2013 process toward

applications.

To reduce the number of non-

compliant applications

received, OLT have introduced

centralised coordination of

submissions.

This means that every

application will need to be

submitted through the lead

institution’s ICO who will

advise OLT regarding

applications to expect.

USQ’s ICO (Institutional

Contact Office) is Dr Fernando

Padro ,Senior Lecturer,

(Quality).

The OLT has announced new grant deadlines for rounds 1 and 2 for 2013 and have given an

overall date for Round 1 2014.

Monday 25 February

2013: Round 1 Expression

of interest and full

applications

2 August 2013:

Round 2. Applications due.

August 2013: Process and

priority information for

Round 1, 2014 released.

For more information on OLT requirements go to: www.usq.edu.au/learnteach/path/grantsawards

or contact Dr Padro.

Known as the intensive workshop

mode (IWM) this model was

implemented initially for the

Master of Project Management

and then adopted for the MBA.

It was originally designed to

support local students with

limited opportunities to study

because of minimal prior family

experience with higher

education, but now almost 20 per

cent of all domestic students

choose this mode.

Students (national and

international) participate because

they value the interactive and

intensive nature of the learning

environment so highly - ‘If a

picture is worth 1000 words, then

an intensive workshop is worth

1000 hours of independent

reading’.

Feedback shows positive ‘word of

mouth’ from past students is a

powerful motivation for students

to select courses offered in IWM -

“I could not imagine studying any

other way at this stage of my

professional and personal life”.

International students

acknowledge the value of

Inspiring and stimulating the

curiosity of a new cohort of

postgraduate students at the

Springfield campus in 2006

required an innovative and

highly-collaborative pedagogical

model.

Originally initiated by Dr Barrie

Todhunter in response to the

Vice-Chancellor’s 2005 vision

that academic programs at

Springfield would be innovative

but in keeping with the campus

themes of “career focused and

community centred”, the model

expanded in 2009 with the

appointment of Dr Jon Whitty.

collaborative workshops within a

multicultural environment - “...this

has not only made me change my

learning attitude, but also helps me

to be open and approach knowledge

from different angles” (International

student 2009).

The new approach is grounded in key

pedagogical principles to create a

rich, well-supported collaborative

learning environment for mature-

aged students who take time away

from workplaces and families to

study.

We blend a pedagogical framework

for open and distance education with

principles of flexible learning,

authentic learning, work-integrated

learning and block-mode teaching to

create a learning environment for

students who are unable to attend

conventionally structured on-campus

programs.

Research shows that workshop

activities have increased students’

curiosity about their personal

learning styles, developed

collaborative learning, enhanced

communication skills and created a

series of small learning communities

that endure into students’

professional lives.

2012 OLT Citation: Barrie Todhunter and Jon Whitty

Building a Postgraduate Learning Community: A collaborative learning model to engage postgraduate

students as active learners through industry-focused activities and authentic learning experiences

Dr Barrie Todhunter and Dr Jon Whitty Faculty of Business and Law, School of Management and Marketing

Page 11: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

January 2013

Issue 3

Page 11

2012 OLT Citation: Yan Li and David Lai

Associate Prof Yan Li and Dr David Lai have both successfully embedded an industry certificate training program into the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) existing ICT curriculum.

With Yan as the project leader and the driving force of the project and David being a fully committed team member and both involving in teaching, working together they have formed a strong and dedicated team.

They developed two Networking Major core courses and a certified training structure which is offered in parallel to USQ degree courses.

This structure is innovative and unique as it enables both on-campus and distance students to obtain the extra benefit of industry accreditation while completing their USQ degrees.

The cooperative networking program has enhanced students’ learning experiences through hands-on practicals and e-learning approaches,

developed work-ready graduating students, and engaged industry.

Unique amongst other Australian Universities USQ is the first to provide distance students with access to these industry based courses.

Distance students can take the Cisco CCNA assessments in their local training centres. Some of their students have commented that The things I have learnt in this course have immediate practical use which I have found to be very rare so far in my studies… This course is an absolute breeze….. (CSC3407, S1 2008, SELT, On-Campus Student) and that This is a well-structured and interesting course, suitable even for an utter Cisco novice like me.

I’ve enjoyed the challenges and feel that this will be directly useful in my chosen career path in the future. Bravo! (CSC3407, S1 2011, SELT, Distance Student).

The USQ Cisco Networking Industry Partnership Program is a flagship model for other USQ industry accreditation initiatives (such as Unix/Linux, Network Security accreditations, and ISO/IEC 20000 certificate, etc). It has significantly enhanced the credibility of the USQ IT Programs for Australian Computer Society (ACS) accreditations.

This initiative also ensures that USQ ICT programs are in a leadership position in Australian universities.

For the leadership and innovation in designing and developing a curriculum that enhance students’ learning and work readiness through flexible access to industry accreditation training

Associate Professor Yan Li and

Dr David Lai

Faculty of Sciences,

Mathematics and Computing

Visiting Scholar: Dr. Elizabeth McDonald

On November 27 and 28 2012, Dr McDonald facilitated a number of two-hour workshop designed to help staff to understand the elements of a successful learning and teaching grant application. During the workshops OLT grants guidelines were explored to identify key elements to be address in designing a proposal. The workshops gave participants information on: Office for Learning and Teaching grant guidelines Identifying key elements that must be addressed in preparing a

successful application Finding resources to assist in understanding the elements needed for a

successful application Preparation required to prepare a grant proposal Developing an outline for a project proposal. To view an interview with Dr McDonald and to listen to her presentations go to: www.usq.edu.au/learnteach/learnres/vsarchive/2012/mcdonald

LTQ hosted 14 national and international scholars during 2012. 25 sessions with 465 USQ staff attending.

Fast Fact Dr. Elizabeth

McDonald

Page 12: LTQ Creative Connections 3rd Editions

On the 19th and 20th

November the PVC Office of Learning, Teaching and Quality and the Department of Mathematics and Computing hosted, what is believed to be, the first national HTML5 Symposium in higher education at the USQ Toowoomba Campus.

The symposium attracted some 70 delegates who came together to discuss what affordances now exist for their institutions due to the latest advances in HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript.

The symposium attracted a great cross-section of participants from higher

education institutions, TAFE’s and schools, with most Australian states being represented.

The two keynote speakers, Phil Whitehouse and Francis Kneebone, along with eight other speakers covered a range of topics starting with the big picture around HTML5 and moving on into mobile delivery, video capture and the clever use of JavaScript to create engaging and adaptive learning environments.

It became clear from the presentations that due to the recent surge in the use of digital content and the proliferation of consumption devices it was important for both educators and developers to fully understand the affordances of HTML5, CSS3. For example, how HTML5 can be used to simplify the playing of media on mobile devices, deliver greater usability for e-books, and provides institutions with enhanced standards for web development and e-publishing.

The symposium attracted very positive feedback from all delegates, particularly in relation to the implementation of responsive web applications on a diverse range of platforms. There was also a very strong consensus amongst delegates to see this activity repeated in the future. For information on the speakers and to access presentations go to: www.usq.edu.au/html5-symposium/

HTML5 Symposium: 19-20 November 2012

(L-R) Phil Whitehouse (Keynote presenter), Stijn Dekeyser (USQ Dept of

Mathematics and Computing), Michael Sankey (USQ Office of the PVCLTQ),

Francis Kneebone (Keynote presenter) and Belinda Tynan USQ PVC(LTQ)

January 2013

Issue 3

Page 12

Upcoming seminar

A well-known and highly respected International advocate for higher education it is our pleasure to welcome Sir John Daniel. He will speak to Higher Education futures with a focus on open education, Open Education Resources, MOOCs and more. So, keep an ‘open mind’ and participate in a keynote presentation, a panel discussion and light refreshments.

Higher Education Futures: Keeping an open mind

Presenter: Sir John Daniel

Date: 7 February 2013 Time: 1:30—4:00pm

USQ Toowoomba Campus: Room R113

Video conference link: Springfield Campus: Boardroom, Fraser Coast Campus: C207

Sir John Daniel served as President and C.E.O. of Commonwealth of Learning from 2004 to 2012. Sir

Daniel brought wide international experience in universities and the United Nations system to his eight-

year tenure as President of COL. For more information on Sir Daniel please visit:

http://www.col.org/about/staff/pages/jdaniel.aspx

Sir John Daniel

To register: http://usqstudydesk.usq.edu.au/mod/vtme/outcomes.php?id=30364