Using the web to enhance tertiary education learning experiences

Jo Kehoe, Lecturer, School of Commerce, Faculty of Business & Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton Mail Centre,  QLD 4702. Email: j.kehoe@cqu.edu.au

Beth Tennent, Head, School of Commerce, Faculty of Business & Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton Mail Centre,  QLD 4702. Email: b.tennent@cqu.edu.au

Karen Becker, Lecturer, School of Commerce, Faculty of Business & Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton Mail Centre,  QLD 4702. Email: k.becker@cqu.edu.au

Keywords

Enhancing tertiary education learning experiences; flexible and web based delivery.

Abstract

The continuing need to enhance the quality of education in all tertiary sectors is ever present. The development and delivery of large undergraduate courses, presents many challenges to those involved in both design and delivery, to ensure that the desired learning outcomes are achieved in the most effective way possible. When these students represent, as they do at Central Queensland University (CQU), a combination of internal and distance students, domestic and international students, the challenge to achieve these outcomes becomes even more complex. As educators in the tertiary environment we are mindful of the need to be innovative in our utilisation of web-based resources, to evaluate the benefits or otherwise to our students as learners and enhance the quality of their learning experience. Importantly we need to remember that we are learners too and our adoption of web-based technology is an integral part of the continuous evolution and development of all educators.

This paper reports on the initial findings of a recent survey to measure students? general expectations and perceptions of web based flexible delivery in three core undergraduate subjects in accounting, management and law. In particular, the web-based initiatives being investigated in this study relate to online material delivery, online assessment and online interaction and engagement.

Note: To maintain consistency, throughout this paper, the term ?course? is used to refer to an individual unit of study undertaken as part of an undergraduate program. Some institutions may refer to these as ?subjects? or ?units?.

Acknowledgements: The authors wish to thank both the Faculty of Business and Law and the Division of Teaching and Learning Services at Central Queensland University for their financial support of this research.