CQUniversity has long been a provider of distance education
within the Australian higher education Sector. We have been doing it for
decades (almost 40 years to be precise) and I’d like to think we’ve made plenty
of advancements since then.
People choose distance education for many different reasons
– flexibility being number one. Many students realise that external study is
the most convenient way for them to combine study with personal commitments, as
they work towards a post graduate qualification, or seek to change their career
path.
The demand for distance places and programs is most
certainly increasing, with many Australian universities now realising this
need. Notably those that have not previously had a presence in the space are
now moving towards delivering courses and or programs via distance mode.
Aside from flexibility, it goes without saying that
technology, particularly mobile technology is the key driver in the uptake of
distance programs. Rapid developments in technology are changing the way we
learn and retrieve information, and most importantly changing expectations. Ten
years ago many of our students were still receiving hardcopy learning materials
in the post and weren't able to take advantage of the lectures and tutorials
that on-campus students could. Now they can receive learning resources instantaneously
in the palm of their hand and attend classes just by following a link.
As well as contributing to a more interactive learning
experience for students, technology is also allowing universities to expand
distance program offerings. In fact one of the most exciting programs being
offered by CQUniversity, via distance education is paramedic science. In this
instance technology has made all the difference in being able to effectively deliver
this program, to hundreds of student’s right across Australia.
I’m sure there will be many cynics out there that can’t
possibly see how such a hands-on discipline could be studied by distance. In
response I can only say that the program recently received glowing feedback
from the Council of Ambulance Authorities (CAA) at a site evaluation.
Paramedic Science educators with representatives from the CAA
CAA members themselves, admitted to be sceptical about how
effective the delivery of this program would be via distance, but left
CQUniversity convinced that this was a way forward for education. What’s more
they commented that CQUniversity was leading the way.
Of course we don’t completely rely on the online delivery of
courses for distance education, with many of our distance programs having a
residential school component. The schools allow our distance students to come
together in realistic settings to gain hands on practical experience.
I have absolutely no doubt that in the next few years
distance education will take off as both demand grows and new learning
technologies emerge. It is a very exciting time for not just CQUniversity, but for
students and the higher education sector as a whole.
On the topic of distance
education our Cairns Distance Education Study Centre (DESC) is celebrating its first
year in operation this month. It’s a great facility that has been well utilised
by our students in Far North Queensland. We’ve since opened centres at our
metro campuses as well. If you are a distance student and want to know more
click
here.
Distance students in Cairns celebrating the 1st Birthday of the Carins DESC
