Adelaide University learning activities engagement
On 6 September, the Curriculum Domain commenced engagement with 350 professional and academic colleagues from our foundation universities, inviting input into an outline of draft learning activities for Adelaide University.
The draft outline was derived from current learning activities at UniSA and UoA, aligned to aims of the Adelaide Attainment Model, and was reviewed and refined by members of the Learning Environment and Digital Experience Working Group prior to circulation with colleagues.
This engagement process aims to establish a range of learning activities for Adelaide University that can be tailored to the specific needs of different discipline areas and student cohorts. Under the draft outline, the vast majority of Adelaide University teaching will be delivered through on-campus activities such as practicals, tutorials, studios and workshops, along with extensive work integrated learning supported by our leading academics and industry partners.
The draft also proposes most courses at Adelaide University will include digital learning activities such as videos, podcasts, simulations and discussion forums. For many courses, it is proposed that traditional lecture formats be reimagined to include interactive engagement including live polls, quizzes, and short group discussions, along with self-paced learning modules.
Some elements of this engagement paper have been discussed in the public forum, generating apprehension about a perceived shift towards fully online learning. World-class on-campus learning and teaching is the top priority for Adelaide University.
We will continue to engage with students and staff to refine the way we integrate outstanding on-campus delivery with the benefits of contemporary digital learning techniques to maximise student participation in their learning. The engagement process is ongoing, and no final decisions have been made about Adelaide University’s learning activities. We thank colleagues for their inputs so far and are working through their comments and suggestions.
Based on feedback from the initial engagement, our priority is to refine the list of learning activities sufficiently to allow for timetable modelling and course development to continue. As we continue to work with staff through this process, we are also planning further engagement with existing students from UniSA and UoA, with face-to-face engagement set for early October.
We thank all colleagues who have provided input into the development of the learning activity options for the new Adelaide University curriculum. If you would like further information, please contact futurecurriculum@adelaide.edu.au.
Professor Joanne Cys and Professor Katrina Falkner
Curriculum Domain Lead and Alternate
Joint Committee, Building a new Adelaide University