Media Release

Main stories from 22 September 1997 Adelaidean

Major grant to boost computer-based teaching and learning

There's to be a stronger focus on computer-based teaching at the University of Adelaide thanks to a $123,000 National Teaching Development Grant. The grant will allow computer-aided teaching and learning to be integrated into courses in Science and Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences. Although computer-based teaching has been used in these fields for many years at the University, for the first time a coordinated approach will be taken in a bid to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching. Dr Pat James, the Associate Dean (Learning Technology) in the Division of Science, is already teaching a course almost entirely through the Internet, with Web-based material supplemented by tutorials. Dr James, who has set up 460 Web pages for the course, says the advantages, in terms of flexibility, are enormous. For example, students can learn at their own pace and in their own time, accessing the course work at any time of the day or night.