Logan Campus 1998: The Development, Implementation & Evaluation of a Flexible Learning Environment
Brad Young
Griffith Flexible Learning Services
Griffith University
Contact: b.young@ins.gu.edu.au
In October of 1996 the Australian Federal Government commissioned
Griffith University to build a new campus which opened its doors for the
first time in 1998. The campus is in Logan city, situated in the
Brisbane - Gold Coast corridor. This is one of the fastest growing
areas in Australia. It was decided that this campus break from the
traditional modes of instruction and offer programs that adhered to
a practice of flexible delivery. This notion is to be embodied in all
aspects of curriculum development and delivery. The University defines
flexible learning as an educational strategy that gives independence,
choice and skills to students. In this approach, ways of learning are
adapted as far as practicable to suit learner's requirements. Learning
and teaching strategies may involve face to face interactions (teacher
to student, student to student), and may use a range of technologies
including printed materials, audiovisual materials, multimedia, CD-ROM
and the Internet.
All subjects aim to provide students with skills in: communication,
research, analysis, presentation, problem-solving, use of technology,
and dealing with innovation and change. The flexibility will help students
access study materials when they need them, schedule learning activities to suit, and
progress through their course at a pace appropriate to their life priorities. Flexible
learning has been carried into campus and building design at Logan. Three large
learning centres will be located at the heart of the campus. The centres will
provide an array of access facilities, technologies, and learning
spaces. In this environment there are learning centres equipped with
a leading-edge array of computer resources. The primary focus of this
paper will be the implementation of this technology within the context
of Logan Campus. It will focus on the aspects involved in the design,
development, and resource implications of the online and offline
products. This implementation of computer assisted learning activities,
tools, and communication methods will be explored in detail, covering not
only the development process but also teaching strategies that can be
utilised in concert with the technology. In conclusion this paper will
explore the evaluation instruments being used for the Logan campus
curriculum and outline the potential impact for the wider University
community.
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