Graduate Attributes

Online Learning is committed to ensuring that the University of Adelaide's graduate attributes are achieved by providing academic staff with professional development and by researching and collaborating in the area of educational information and communication technologies. Each of the eight graduate attributes is described here, along with identified strategies to achieve these attributes.

Graduate Attribute 1

Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised

Pedagogical and Instructional Design assistance in the creation of online content which is well-structured, interactive, can be easily edited and updated, provides internal and external links to further materials, embeds formative assessment tools and activities and utilises multimedia where relevant.

Graduate Attribute 2

The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.

Pedagogical, instructional design and multimedia assistance in the creation of active online learning environments using both asynchronous and synchronous forms of interactions which can incorporate

• a constructivist approach to learning
• problem-based learning
• reflective learning
• collaborative learning
• roleplay simulations
• scenario-based learning
• links to external websites and databases
• ability for students to work at any time, at any place in their own manner
• online submission of work via the learning management system's discussion boards, digital drop box, assignment manager

Graduate Attribute 3

An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.

• problem-based learning
• scenario-based learning
• development of higher order learning including reflective learning and critical thinking, cognitive presence, in conjunction with teaching and social presence indicators
• groupwork strategies via learning management system's group feature which includes discussion board, virtual classroom, digital dropbox, email facilities
• utilise rubrics, exemplars
• self and peer assessment

Graduate Attribute 4

Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.

• Tutor professional development in online facilitation
• Asynchronous communications with ability to reflect, learn from each other, progress findings of others, constructively critique and moderate
• Roleplay simulations via discussion board activity
• Synchronous communications - virtual classrooms
• Online Debates
• Groupwork
• Development of a learning environment which has high social presence

Graduate Attribute 5

A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.

Academic professional development in various technologies available to allow interaction by students, including

• MyUni features
• Complementary technologies such as
  • PDF
  • Streaming Media - audio and video
  • Flash
  • DVD
  • Testpilot
  • Respondus
  • Turnitin
  • Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint

Graduate Attribute 6

A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.

• Adult learning strategies (androgogy )

Graduate Attribute 7

A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.

• Rubrics with consequences
• Self-directed learning strategies
• Empowerment of learning

Graduate Attribute 8

An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.

• Social presence - Community of Inquiry framework
• Teaching online across cultures
• Plagiarism and collusion, Turnitin