Re-engineering for Australia's engineering skill shortage

Abstract

To address Australia's engineering skills shortage, the University of South Australia has teamed with Open Universities Australia to create an online version of an approved Associate Degree in Engineering from 2012. This initiative involves large-scale pedagogical and technical staff development. Content is being modularised. Current lectures are being recorded and summarised for delivery using our new Moodle-based Personal learning environment. Asynchronous assessments and activities are being written and tested for individual and small group learning and community building. Simulations, visualisations and interactive experiments are being created and sourced to support practical skill development. Mahara ePortfolio systems are helping to engage students in reflection and support collaborative learning and career planning. Virtual classrooms provide regular synchronous Helpdesk consultations. The re-engineering process is creating a blend of traditional and cutting-edge learning experiences which is also re-energising our current face-to-face and regional teaching as well as satisfying the needs of a new cohort of students.