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| The Financial Review Higher Education conference is part of the National Policy Series and was held at The Langham Hotel. Photo: Eamon Gallagher |
Leading educators have acknowledged universities can do more to embrace technology and deliver students with value for money but they need to get faculties onside and the basics right first.
University of Technology Sydney deputy vice-chancellor Shirley Alexander said 90 per cent of the universities' course material could be delivered online but it was not longer good enough to simply deliver videos of talking heads giving lectures...
University of
Melbourne's pro vice-chancellor of teaching and learning, Professor
Gregor Kennedy, said while there was much to get excited about in terms
of developments in technology, universities also had to get back to
basics.
"Look it's all very well to get excited ... but you also need to ask is single sign-on working and can students print in the library?"
Deloitte's digital strategy and innovation partner Robert Overend said it was important for higher education institutions to implement strategies to maintain relationships with students for longer and "help them dip in and out".
Macquarie University's Professor John Croucher spoke of the need to embrace technology within limits. He referred to a colleague's refusal to adopt email as perhaps going too far but had banned himself from using powerpoint during lectures.
"As soon as I turn my back they are on their phones, checking their mail or checking something else," Professor Croucher said.
Victoria University's vice-president Ian Solomonides said it was not uncommon to meet resistance when pushing for change.
"You need a thick skin and a great deal of resilience if you want to innovate in this area," Professor Solomonides said.
Read more...
Source: The Australian Financial Review
