This November, we will once again host a whole of VU Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Forum, focused on the theme 'OneVU: Enhancing the Student Experience'
This forum aims to explore innovative strategies and practices that place students at the heart of the educational experience, fostering an environment where they are active participants in their own learning journey.
The program will feature a keynote address, showcase and ignite sessions, workshops including professional learning opportunities and the successful poster session.
Keynote speaker
Deakin Distinguished Professor Liz Johnson, Deakin University
Re-imagining university learning for contemporary learners
We acknowledge the Ancestors, Elders and families of the Kulin Nation (Melbourne Campuses), the Eora Nation (Sydney Campus) and the Yulara/YUgarapul and Turrbal Nation (Brisbane Campus) who are the traditional owners of University land.
To learn more, please contact the Moondani Balluk Academic Unit on +61 3 9919 2836 or [email protected]
Deakin Distinguished Professor Liz Johnson,Deakin University
Abstract
Australian university education is being re-imagined for contemporary learners. As we finally move away from old concepts of university students as school leavers studying via transmissive lectures, new approaches are gathering pace. Decades of educational research have shown what is most effective in fostering learning. Recent external disruptors are making alternative approaches to learning and assessment more feasible and widespread. After decades as an alternative, sometimes seen as ‘lesser’, digital teaching became mainstream through the global pandemic. University staff and students found the advantages and challenges of this new mode, noting that emergency remote teaching is not equivalent to well-planned digital learning. However, life, work and study is now irrevocably digital, at least to some degree. Contemporary graduates need digital skills to thrive in the new world.
In parallel, the Australian context poses additional challenges and opportunities. Australia has re-confirmed its commitment to the rich value of diversity amongst students and staff through the University Accord Review. Australian universities are re-thinking where they can best invest for the future in a constrained financial environment and are considering the specific role of place-based learning. Academic roles and teams are developing in new directions as education-focused roles expand.
This disruptive environment offers exciting pathways for transformation. As we respond to disruptors, we challenge old myths and develop new partnerships with learners and stakeholders. Educators now have the responsibility to build on their successes and put the learning and teaching evidence base to work.
Keynote Speaker
Deakin Distinguished Professor Liz Johnson,Deakin University
Bio Deakin Distinguished Professor Liz Johnson leads Deakin University’s ambitious Education and Employability strategy, including the drive to premium digital learning and outstanding student experience.
Liz steered teaching and learning at Deakin through the disruption of the COVID pandemic, building from extensive projects on Deakin’s online learning environment, teaching innovation and course development and staff capability for learning and teaching.
Liz has led whole-of-institution curriculum reform at Deakin and at La Trobe University, and led nationally funded projects on work-integrated learning in science, having trained as a plant biochemist and taught university biochemistry.
This year, Liz is sponsoring work on academic roles, careers and leadership to enhance the experience of all academic staff at Deakin.
