DFL's research spans the content, technology and services related to the effective delivery of learning and teaching to the USP region. Current research projects are investigating the use of different media types for face-to-face and distance-based students, the usage of audio and graphics in course materials delivered by faculty to distance students, and an observatory research project collecting data on the role of ICT in education in the USP region.
Integrating different media to facilitate geomatics learning.
Dr Sylivia Dewiyanti has been looking at the integration of three different media (print, video and a web-based learning environment) into a course structure and assessing how face-to-face students on one hand and distance students on the other, use these media to support their learning. This project will also investigate how students use group discussion to interact with their peers and the lecturer. The main aim of the research is to investigate the differential impact of various media in delivering instruction to face-to-face and distance students.
Using audiographics to deliver distance learning
Dr Jenny Evans has been leading a research team investigating the use of audiographics here at the University. Audiographics (the combination of audio conferencing or audio streams with visual materials such as images or slides) has been well suited to the USPNet infrastructure that connects the USP's campuses in the pacific. The research focuses on faculty attitutes and experiences with the services, and includes a number of site visits to observe how USP faculty use the satellite classroom systems.
Pacific eLearning Observatory
Dr. Robert Whelan is leading a project to find out more about elearning in the pacific. This project establishes an Observatory to research the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) in secondary and tertiary education in the USP member nations. The objective is to provide quantitative and analytic information to stakeholders, including educators, policy-makers, and the Distance & Flexible Support Centre at USP to aid them in their strategic planning and service delivery. The research will track development indicators from the 12 USP member nations. These indicators include
- Infrastructure development, including equipment installation
- Internet access and network penetration
- Government capacity-building projects
- Curriculum revisions relating to ICT in schools
- Teacher training and professional development programmes
- Policies related to ICT
- Financing
The focus of the Observatory is on development research that can show progress and hindrances in the ICT in education sector. Results will be shared online and through and electronic newsletter.
Click on the links below to see some past and ongoing DFL related research at USP.
Some past researches | |
Current ongoing researches | |
Future DFL research areas |
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