Making the leap from whiteboard to wireless

RMIT University is using new technology to give academics and students more time for face-to-face, interactive learning.

Under stage one of RMIT’s E-learning Advancement Program (REAP), all Australia-based programs became available to students through the Blackboard online system.

More than 5,000 Blackboard course shells were created per semester and more than 600 staff participated in basic Blackboard training.

Now the University is going further, using Lectopia (web-based lecture recordings) to deliver podcasts, streaming and downloadable media through Blackboard.

Students can access these materials via wireless broadband, which is now available around campuses and in some surrounding buildings such as Melbourne Library and the Melbourne Central food court.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Jim Barber, said: “In 2007, we put in place the Minimum Online Presence (MOP) project to provide a standard platform for managing and providing program content.

“Students have been telling us that they want to use online learning methods and that they want them to be consistent and convenient.

“RMIT is the largest technological university in Australia and we are dedicated to using technology to benefit students.

“We understand the strategic importance of e-learning, which gives students flexibility and frees up face-to-face time for active learning and involvement.

“As part of that approach, we’re also encouraging students and academics to use blogs and wikis to share information and collaborate on assignments.”

Professor Barber said work was well under way on the second stage of REAP, with the focus on self-managed and individualised learning.

“Some 50 lecture theatres are now set up to automatically record lectures to Lectopia, with another 50 earmarked to join the web-based project next year.

“While lectures will always be a core method of delivering the curriculum, it’s important that we provide alternatives to the ‘stand and deliver’ tradition.

“More and more students are now fitting study around work and family responsibilities and it’s important that they can access lectures at a time that suits them.

“That helps free up valuable face-to-face time for discussion, team work on projects and so on.”

Students are also being encouraged to use blogs and wikis through the Blackboard system.

“Both options allow students to collaborate over distance,” Professor Barber said.

“That’s particularly important given the expanding links between our academic hubs in Melbourne and Vietnam.

“Blogs and wikis will also allow staff to access and oversee projects from anywhere at any time.

“And students undertaking work-integrated learning can keep e-portfolios that capture their experience on placement and can even become part of their CV to show future employers.”

And what does the future hold?

“We’re looking to incorporate materials including multimedia, simulations and interactive tools within program design,” Professor Barber said.

“The University’s investment in internet infrastructure means we can introduce web conferencing for teaching, personalised feedback and connecting between campuses and countries.

“Learning and teaching is about sharing information. RMIT is committed to using the best and most appropriate technology to help make that happen.”