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Virtual concepts, real studies
Two research projects will investigate the nature and effectiveness of online teaching tools. By Dallas Bastian
New research will explore virtual learning tools and how much they improve teaching. The University of Queensland received two Office of Learning and Teaching grants to fund the studies.“ These research projects explore how we engage students in active online learning through the use of practical simulations, rather than simply putting content or lectures online,” UQ deputy vice-chancellor, academic, professor Joanne Wright said.
Dr Chris Landorf, from the UQ school of architecture, will use a $ 220,000 grant to lead research into the creation and use of virtual learning environments, with a focus on architecture and other construction-related disciplines.
The study will involve digital images taken throughout the construction of UQ’ s Advanced Engineering Building. The aim is to provide interactive, interdisciplinary learning activities that will address issues surrounding the capacity to use threedimensional computer modelling.
The other research project aims to identify how educators can use online simulations to enhance graduates’ capabilities, particularly in business and related fields. Dr Pierre Benckendorff from the UQ faculty of business, economics and law received $ 177,650 to lead the research.
“ It is vital that all university programs ensure students have strong decisionmaking and problem-solving skills applicable to real-life situations,” Benckendorff said.“ Online simulations have been widely used in business programs, but there has been little guidance or evidence of how these tools integrate with curriculum or evaluation of their effectiveness.”
The project will look into the role of effective and innovative teaching practices that support the use of these simulations.
“ The evolving use of information and communication technologies in teaching and learning raises a whole series of questions ranging from the appropriateness of the‘ chalk and talk’ paradigm, through the role of assessment, to the need to cater for different learning styles,” he said.
More than 90 per cent of all courses at UQ involve substantial use of an online learning management system. Professor Phil Long, director of innovation and analytics at UQ’ s Centre for Education Innovation and Technology, said“ We recognise that we have an opportunity to leverage the online environment more effectively than we have and to that extent we are intent on increasing the quality and value students gain from their online interactions with learning activities.”
Long said the university is continuing to expand and discover the opportunities for online learning, adding it is important that these are engaging and pedagogically sound.“ Doing more effectively online gives us the opportunity to do more on-campus,” he said. ■
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8 | campusreview. com. au