A corporate approach to the introduction of flexible delivery education

Abstract

There are many examples where individuals and groups have embraced new technology to enhance learning and capture new markets. Invariably difficulties arise from infrastructure requirements, lack of standards and the inertia of faculty and student populations to change. RMIT University recognising the need to change and the threat of inaction have developed and implemented a corporate strategy. This paper describes how the change has been achieved through: a corporate teaching and learning strategy focused on student centred approaches; a conscious identification of flexible delivery and assessment through the use of computers; the need to define and deliver graduate attributes consistent with professional practice and accrediting bodies. The Information Technology Alignment Program (ITAP) and the Distributed Learning System (DLS) have been established to provide a standard university wide infrastructure and interface for program development and delivery. Changes of this magnitude and nature are not possible over a very short period. Progress and experience to date are described, including processes adopted in the Faculty of Engineering to involve all faculty staff and their resulting response. What we believe is unique, is the resolve and resources that the university has committed (5% of budget, approximately A$16 M) to meet this educational challenge in a corporate way in an environment where individual academic practices has dominated.