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Review aims to build on distance education strengths

December 21, 2005

Distance.thumb.jpgThe University of New England, the only major provider of distance education to be financially rewarded by the Federal Government through its new Learning and Teaching Performance Fund, will devote much of that reward to enhancing the quality, flexibility and accessibility of its distance education programs.

The $2.2 million grant in recognition of UNE’s achievements in teaching and learning was announced late last month.

Recognised for its leading role in the development of distance education in Australia, and currently the nation’s third-largest provider of university education in this mode, UNE has just completed a major review of its distance education practice.

The wide-ranging review has identified ways in which UNE’s acknowledged excellence in teaching and learning could be adapted most effectively to the changing environment of distance education. Professor David Rich, UNE’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), said the major aim of the review’s recommendations was to ensure that not only the educational content, but also the level of support from (and contact with) UNE staff, met students’ needs. “Distance education is about students’ interaction with each other, the staff, and the University, as well as course content,” he explained.

“We recognise the need to use the ever-expanding variety of media to build closer contact and a sense of community,” Professor Rich continued. One aspect of that “learning community”, he said, was the availability of academic support, particularly for students returning to education after an interval of some years. “We know there is a need to enhance learning support, and while some very successful programs exist already, we will be adding to their number.”

The review process began in June 2005 and ended earlier this month. It involved student surveys and interviews with key stakeholders as well as the collection and analysis of a wide range of data. Professor Rich will chair the steering group responsible for implementing its recommendations. “The review, while revealing many strengths, has identified areas for improvement,” he said. “We have a lot to be proud of but, in a changing world, there is a need for continual upgrading of programs involving communication technology.” Implementation of the recommendations will begin in 2006.

The review recognises the potential of the UNE Access Centres established over the past few years in country towns throughout New England and North-west NSW. “Effective use of these centres could contribute to the sense of community we are aiming for,” Professor Rich said. “They can provide not only direct contact among local students, but virtual involvement in classes and discussions through our video-conferencing capability.”

UNE has a history of leadership in distance education, and the “New England Model” of education in this mode was ground-breaking and internationally influential. The University’s strength in distance education has been based largely on the depth and breadth of its academic traditions, and the Review Committee’s report identifies those traditions as a foundation for future strength and successful development. “In addition, we want to ensure that UNE will continue to be a leader in distance education by being responsive to social and technological change and to our students’ needs,” Professor Rich said.

He said that one priority was to achieve the best possible combination of communication technology and other means of delivery. “In this way we won’t become a totally online, ‘virtual’ university, although we will use technology where appropriate.”


Media contact: Professor David Rich, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning), UNE (02) 6773 3367 or Jim Scanlan, Public Relations, UNE (02) 6773 3049.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at December 21, 2005 12:29 PM