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C/6.1 Physical and virtual learning environments |
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6.1.1 Policy principles 6.1.1 Policy principlesQUT promotes a campus-based learning environment which incorporates flexible approaches to both physical and virtual learning environments. QUT is committed to providing high quality learning environments that:
6.1.2 Policy outcomesThis policy is designed to promote:
6.1.3 Physical learning environmentsQUT gives priority to the provision of physical learning environments which allow a high degree of engagement on the part of the learner, and support good pedagogical practices on the part of the teacher. To this end QUT seeks to support a range of facilities including traditional lecture theatres, laboratories, practical working spaces, and flexible learning spaces which incorporate appropriate technology and services. Design of new and upgraded physical space for learning is based on QUT’s design standards (H/4.1) and protocols for the Future Design of Teaching Space (see http://www.fmd.qut.edu.au/operations/design_standards.jsp). 6.1.4 Virtual learning environmentsVirtual learning environments are designed to support teaching and learning and include the QUT learning management system, systems for student collaboration, simulation and visualisation software, and three-dimensional virtual environments. Virtual learning environments may be combined with face-to-face activities or, for some courses, may constitute the totality of the learning environment. (a) Student access QUT seeks to optimise student access to globally available resources through the internet. Limitations on student internet access are continually reviewed, with arrangements made to optimise access where more intensive use of such resources is required (see F/1.1). (b) Institutional support QUT undertakes significant investment in a range of virtual learning resources, including formally adopted all-of-University systems such as the learning management system, as well as virtual learning resources available through the QUT Library. (c) Staff innovation QUT seeks to encourage innovation and experimentation by staff in the use of new technologies for learning and teaching. Such innovation is particularly encouraged where it seeks to improve the engagement of students, reinforce real world learning approaches or encompass interdisciplinary activities. Innovation in keeping with QUT’s commitment to improve the first year experience, transition to the workplace, and real world engagement is also central to QUT’s strategy for curriculum design (see C/4.2). (d) Student-initiated activity QUT supports student-initiated activity to enhance flexible access to the curriculum, for example by facilitating student-initiated recording of lectures (see C/6.4). 6.1.5 Integration of physical and virtual learning environmentsQUT supports the designed integration of physical and virtual learning environments to provide flexibility in time and location of learning activities (see C/6.3) as well as enhanced learning experiences provided through a blending of face-to-face and technologically-supported learning environments (see C/4.2). The combination of learning environments will differ for each unit and is based on the appropriate use of technology to support the desired learning outcomes for the course and the unit. The integration of physical and virtual learning environments should be based on the following considerations:
6.1.6 Roles and responsibilities(a) Strategic planning The development of learning environments is informed by the implementation of the University’s Learning and Teaching Plan. University Teaching and Learning Committee provides advice and makes recommendations to reflect good practice in learning and teaching (see C/2.1). (b) Physical learning environments The planning and management of QUT’s physical facilities is undertaken through a five-yearly strategic Asset Management Plan which is developed and approved through Planning and Resources Committee and QUT Council (see H/2.1). (c) Virtual learning environments The planning and management of QUT’s virtual learning environments is undertaken through Information Technology Governance Committee which advises on strategic issues relating to information technology and information infrastructure, and monitors and reviews the implementation of information technology projects, funding allocation, and support and maintenance activities (see F/1.7). Related DocumentsMOPP C/1.2 Learning and Teaching Plan MOPP C/2.1 University Teaching and Learning Committee MOPP C/4.2 Curriculum design MOPP C/6.3 Flexible delivery MOPP C/6.4 Recording of lectures MOPP H/2.1 Planning and management of physical facilities MOPP H/4.1 Design standards MOPP F/1.1 Provision and use of information resources and services MOPP F/1.7 Information Technology Governance Committee Future Design of Teaching Space Modification History
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