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Dr Denise Wood

Position: Teaching and Learning Portfolio Leader Dr Denise Wood
Division/Portfolio: Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences
School/Unit: School of Communication, International Studies and Languages
Campus: Magill Campus
Office: C2-33C
Telephone: +61 8 830 24642
Fax: +61 8 830 24745
Email: Denise_dot_Wood_at_unisa_dot_edu_dot_au
URL for Business Card: http://people.unisa.edu.au/Denise.Wood



Denise is a Senior Lecturer in Media Arts, and Teaching and Learning Portfolio Leader in the School of Communication, International Studies and Languages at the University of South Australia. She has extensive experience in the multimedia industry as both a producer and training provider. Denise was a founding member of the Federal Government’s Information Policy Advisory Council, which was Chaired by Terry Cutler and established by the Telecommunications Minister in 1996. She was formerly the Director of Research and Development with the Crippled Children’s Association of SA (now called Novita Children’s Services), and the Director of OptCom SA Inc., a Federal and State Government funded organisation, which provided multimedia production and training for young people with disabilities in the late 1990s.

Denise is currently undertaking funded research in collaboration with Novita Children’s Services focusing on the use of Web 2.0 technologies for increasing the social participation of children with complex communication needs. She is also the Principal Investigator of two nationally funded research grants as well as several University funded projects focusing on the use of innovative technologies in teaching and learning, inclusive design, and enhancing the teaching and research nexus in the undergraduate curriculum. She is currently heading a research team on a project funded by the Australian Teaching and Learning Council, which involves the design and development on an open source, accessible 3D virtual learning platform. The findings from her research have been widely published in book chapters, peer reviewed journal papers and conference presentations, many of which focus on the use of Web 2.0 and 3D virtual worlds to promote social inclusivity, enhance employment opportunities and to engage young learners in virtual experiential learning that has an impact on ‘real lives’.

Denise is Associate Editor of the Higher Education and Research Development Society Journal (an A ranked journal) and she is a reviewer of several books, peer reviewed journal publications and conferences. She is a member of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, Standing Advisory Committee on Disability Issues as well as various industry and State Government Advisory Committees and Working Groups focusing on the use of Web 2.0 and virtual worlds in education, business and to enhance social inclusion. Denise has a regular segment on Radio 5RPH Adelaide in which she discusses innovative technologies to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities, and she maintains a strong social networking profile via Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, various Ning Groups, a Wordpress Blog, Twitter, Del.icio.us, and of course, Second Life. Denise is perhaps better recognised by her avatar identity, Denlee Wobbit.

Denise has received several awards for her work in equity, community engagement, and teaching and learning including the prestigious Telstra-TJA Christopher Newell Award for Telecommunications and Disability (2010), an ALTC citation for outstanding contributions to student learning (2010), a University of South Australia Award for Teaching Excellence (2006), UniSA Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2006 and 2009), Quality Teaching Awards in 2007 and 2008, and a University Equity Award. Other awards include the Premier’s Public Sector Engagement Award for building communities (2009) as the Project Leader for the SA Government funded Sustainable Online Community Engagement project, South Australian Information Technology Achiever of the Year presented by the Premier of South Australia, Comtech'94 and an SA Great Award for services to a special field (disability) presented by the Governor of South Australia, Proclamation Day 1994.


Links to other sites



Wordpress Blog


ALTC profile page


ALTC Exchange Blog


Educause profile page


Aust. Flexible Learning Framework profile page


LinkedIn profile


Edna (education.au) profile


Academia.au profile


Twitter home page


Facebook profile


Association of Virtual Worlds (Advisory Board Member)


ALTC funded 3D virtual learning platform project website


ALTC funded peer review project site


Teaching interests

  • Teaching and Research
    Denise's teaching focuses on Web design and interactive media with a particular interest in accessibility and usability. Denise employs a range of methodologies to enhance student engagement including practice based and service learning, reflective practice through collaborative peer review and assessment and research activities to encourage problem solving and deep learning. Some of the techniques Denise has been trialling to support these approaches include Web 2.0 technologies such as 3D virtual simulations, blogs, podcasting, audience response systems (in lectures) and interactive simulations.

    Denise's research informs her teaching, and this research has largely focused on the intersections between digital technologies such as Web 2.0 and immersive 3D environments, and the formation of virtual communities. She is a project leader of two nationally funded teaching and learning projects as well as several University funded projects addressing the use of innovative Web 2.0 and 3D virtual learning technologies to enhance social inclusion.

  • Awards
    • 2010 Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for sustained excellence in engaging undergraduate students through service learning and research activities that promote social and ethical action and enhance the student learning experience
    • 2010 Telstra-TJA Christopher Newell Award for Telecommunications and Disabilities
    • 2009 Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (UniSA)
    • 2009 Premier's Public Sector Engagement Award (Building Communities category) for Sustainable Online Community Engagement Project
    • 2009 UniSA Chancellor's Award for Community Engagement (as a member for the Northern Summit Communications Team)
    • 2009 UniSA Supported Teaching Award
    • 2008 UniSA Quality Teaching Award
    • 2007 UniSA Quality Teaching Award
    • 2006 UniSA Award for Teaching Excellence
    • 2006 UniSA Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning
    • 2006 UniSA Award for Equity (Online Accessibility)
    • 2005 Program Director Excellence Award (UniSA — Div EASS)
    • 2004 Chancellor's Award for Community Service (UniSA)
    • 2004 UniSA Equity Award (Special Commendation)
    • 1992 SA Great Award
    • 1992 Comtec IT Achiever's Award
  • Committees
    • Member of UniSA Equity Working Group
    • Member of UniSA eRsearch Champions Group
    • Member of UniSA Social Media Working Group
    • Member of UniSA e-Portfolio Working Group
    • Member of Division of EASS Teaching and Learning Committee
    • Co-Chair of Division of EASS Equity Committee
    • Teaching and Learning Portfolio Leader, School of Communication
    • Member of the University Teaching Technology Advisory Group
    • UniSA representative on the Department of Premier and Cabinet Thinkers in Residence Committee
    • Member of the South Australian Simulation Advisory Group
    • Member of the Information Policy Advisory Council, 1996-1997



I teach the following courses

INFT 1014Introduction to Digital Media
INFT 2002Electronic Publishing on the Internet
INFT 3012Accessible Interactive Media


Professional associations


Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA)

Australasian Interactive Media Association (AIMIA)

Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA)

Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE)

Australian College of Educators

Australian Association for Research in Education

Society for Disability Studies (SDS)

Cultural Studies Association of Australia (CSAA)

Professional member of IEEE

International WebMasters Association and HTML Writer’s Guild

The Internet Society

Association of Virtual Worlds

Australian Virtual Worlds network


Qualifications


Doctor of Philosophy (Education), Flinders University, 1992.

Master of Educational Technology, University of Southern Queensland, 2005.

Master of Design (Graphical Communication), RMIT, 2007.

Postgraduate Certificate in Flexible Learning, University of Southern Queensland 2004.

Graduate Diploma in Instructional Uses of Computers, South Australian College of Advanced Education, 1987.

Graduate Diploma in Social Sciences, Flinders University, 1983.

Bachelor of Arts (Social Work), South Australian Institute of Technology, 1981.

Certificate in Assistive Information Technology, EASI / University of Southern Maine, 2002.


Research interests

  • External Grants

    • Facilitating Flexible, Enquiry-Based Experiential Learning through an Accessible, Three-Dimensional Virtual Learning Environment (3DVLE) with Gerry Bloustien, Australian Learning and Teaching Council Grant (2008-2010). Total external funding $203,000.
    • Peer Review of Online Teaching and Learning project involving collaboration with five national universities and one international university. Carrick Institute of Higher Education Australia Grant (2007-2009). Total external funding over two years $149,895.
    • Project team member of Computer Aided Feedback & Assessment System (CAFAS) with Martin Freney (Martin is principal investigator), Carrick Institute of Higher Education Australia Grant (2006-2007). Total external funding $113,000.
    • Sustainable Online Community Engagement, SA Government, Office for Volunteers Grant (2008-2009). Total external annual funding $50,000.
    Previous External Grants
    • Apple Computer Education Foundation Grant to investigate the effects of feedback and reinforcement in computer programs on children's learning.
    • Channel 10 Children's Medical Research Foundation Grant to investigate the optimal selection of communication devices for non-verbal children.
    • Mazda Foundation Grant for OtpCom training program (1993) $54,085

  • UniSA Grants

    Division of EASS Research Performance Fund
    • Increasing the social participation of children and adolescents with physical disabilities through the use of Web 2.0 sites and 3D virtual world applications. DRPF Grant $8,581
    • Crash(Ed): A road safety initiative to educate young people of the consequences of road crash through a documentary play, website and application in the virtual world Second Life; in particular targeting regional communities in Australia and UK. DRPF Grant $9,960.
    • Creating a ‘Third’ Life: Analysing the Cultural and Social Impact of Simulated Environments in an Accessible 3D Authoring Platform, DRPF grant with Gerry Bloustien who is principal investigator (2007-2008). Total funding $12,700.

    University Teaching and Learning Grants
    • Project Leader with Ron Corso and Stuart Gluth: Design as a catalyst for engaging students in the creative research process (2009-2010). Total funding $9,973.
    • Project Leader: The use of Web 2.0 and 3D virtual simulations for career planning and industry engagement
    • Project Leader: Strategies for Strengthening the Teaching and Research Nexus in the undergraduate curriculum (2007-2009). Total funding $24,875.
    • Co-project Leader with Lynne Badger and Jillian Miller: Strategies for improving retention and success of Indigenous students (2007-2009). Total funding $25,000.
    • Project Leader: The use of 3D virtual simulations for experiential learning (2007-2008). Total funding $8,496.70.

    Division of EASS Teaching and Learning Grants
    • Project Leader: A ‘Curricula Model for Inclusive Course Design’ (2004-5).
    • Co-Project Leader with Stephen Loo: An integrated curriculum in digital media and design (2004).
    • Co-Project Leader with Wendy Schiller "In the Beginning" — Arts Curriculum Construction (2004).
    • Co-Project Leader with Roger Windle and Sheila: The effectiveness of WebCam technology for the provision of practical teaching (2003).


Research publications

Book Chapters

Wood, D. (in press). The benefits and unanticipated challenges in the use of 3D virtual learning environments in the undergraduate media arts curriculum. In G. Vincenti and J. Bramam (eds.) Teaching through Multi-User Virtual Environments: Applying Dynamic Elements to the Modern Classroom, IGI Global, Hershey PA.

Fewster, R., Chafer and Wood, D. (in press). Staging Second Life in real and virtual spaces. In G. Vincenti and J. Bramam (eds.) Teaching through Multi-User Virtual Environments: Applying Dynamic Elements to the Modern Classroom, IGI Global, Hershey PA.

Hickey-Moody, A. and Wood, D. (2010). Ethics in Second Life: Difference, desire and the production of subjectivity. In C.Wankel.and S. Malleck (eds.) Emerging Ethical Issues of Life in Virtual Worlds, New York.

Lindsay, N. and Wood, D. (forthcoming 2010). Supporting diversity through culturally appropriate entrepreneurship training in a 3D virtual world. In G. Vincenti and J. Bramam (eds.). Multi-User Virtual Environments for the Classroom: Practical Approaches to Teaching in Virtual Worlds, IGI Global, Hershey PA.

George, R., Wood, D. and Wache, D. (2004). Shifting the Teaching Paradigm: Professional Development in Online Teaching and Learning. Second volume of Current Perspectives on Applied Information Technologies, Information Age Publishing in collaboration with the Centre for the Application of Information Technologies, Western Illinois University, 2004.

Wood, D.L. (1990). The Characteristics of Intrinsically Motivating Early Childhood and Special Education Software. In, McDougall, A. and Dowling, C. (eds.). Computers in Education, North-Holland: Elsevier Science Publishers, pp. 719-724.

 

Book Reviews

Wood, D. (in press). Book Review: Unimaginable bodies: Intellectual disability, performance and becomings. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers by Anna Hickey-Moody (2009). In Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education.


Peer Reviewed Journal Publications

Wood, D. (in press). Transforming the first-year learning experience through research based media practice. To be published in the inaugural International Journal of First Year in Higher Education, 2010.

Wood, D. (2010). Communicating in virtual worlds through a Web 2.0 application. Telecommunications Journal of Australia, 60(2), Monash University Press, 19.1-19.16. *Winner of the Telstra-TJA Christopher Newell Award for the best paper demonstrating the tangible benefits that an innovative use of telecommunications technology can deliver in assisting individuals with disabilities

Wood, D. and Friedel, M. (2009). Peer review of learning and teaching: Harnessing collective intelligence to address emerging challenges. Australian Journal of Educational Technology, 25(1), pp. 60-79. Retrieved 21 February 2009 from http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet25/wood.pdf *ERA A ranked Journal.

Wood, D. (2009). Real life access to Second Life worlds: The potential, the problems and the possibilities for a barrier-free future, the International Journal of Diversity in Organisations, Communities and Nations, 8(6), pp. 139-148.

Wood, D. (2009). Challenges to strengthening the teaching and research nexus in the first- year undergraduate curriculum, the International Journal of Learning, 15(12), pp. 111-120.

Scutter, S. and Wood, D. (2009). Enhancing the first-year student learning experience through quality improvement of courses, submitted to e-Journal of Business Education & Scholarship of Teaching, Australian Business Education Research Association, Mapleton, Qld.

Hickey-Moody, A. and Wood, D. (under review). Steam-punks in a networked society: Differenciation, disability & Second Life, submitted to Cultural Studies Review, University of Melbourne Press.

Wood, D. (forthcoming 2010). Engaging the “net generation” in research focused activities through the use of Web 2.0 and 3D virtual learning environments. Paper to be submitted for review to the International Journal of Humanities.

Hickey-Moody, A. and Wood, D. (2008). Virtually sustainable: Deleuze & desiring differenciation in Second Life, Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, 22(6), pp. 805-816. Routledge, London. *ERA A ranked Journal.

Freney, M. and Wood, D. (2008). The Delivery and Management of Feedback and Assessment in an e-Learning Environment, the International Journal of Learning, 15(2), pp. 169-178.

Wood, D. (2007). Promoting the Social Sustainability of Virtual Communities through Inclusive Design Practices, The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, 3(4), pp. 163-172.

Wood, D. (2007). Form and function in Web design: A humanistic perspective, Design Principles and Practices: an International Journal, 1 (3), pp. 71-78.

Wood, D. (2007). Selling the "Nation-State" in the bid for gold: A critical analysis of the strategies employed by Sydney and Beijing in their winning bids to host the Olympic Games, The International Journal of the Humanities, 5(9), pp. 55-60.

Wood, D. (1987). The microcomputer as a tool for learning in special education, Unicorn, Journal of the Australian College of Education, 13 (3), pp. 182-184.

Wood, D. (1986). Computer courseware designed for students with special needs, Australian Journal of Remedial Education,18(4), pp. 59-62.

Wood, D. (1986). Microcomputer applications beyond drill and practice: New challenges in special education, Australian Journal of Special Education, 10 (2), November, pp.29-32.

Caudrey, D. and Wood, D. (1983). Independent living for young physically disabled people in South Australia, Australian Rehabilitation Review, 7(4), pp. 41-46. .

 

Peer Reviewed Conference Papers

Wood, D. and Dodd, A. (under review – submitted 6th July 2010). Preparing students and communities for an unknown future with the support of Web 2.0 and CMS technologies. Proceedings of the 26th Annual ASCILITE Conference: Curriculum, technology & transformation for an unknown future, Sydney.

Wood, D., Barnes, A., Vivian, R., Scutter, S., and Stokes-Thompson, F. (under review – submitted 6th July 2010). The future may have arrived, but engagement with ICTs is not equal among our diverse “net gen” learners. Proceedings of the 26th Annual ASCILITE Conference: Curriculum, technology & transformation for an unknown future, Sydney.

Gregory, S., Lee, M., Ellis, A., Gregory, B., Wood, D., Hillier, M., Campbell, M., Grenfell, J., Pace, S., Farley, H., Thomas, A., Cram, A., Sinnappan, S., Smith, K., Hay, L., Kennedy-Clark, S., Warren, I., Grant, S., Craven, D. and Dreher, H. (under review – submitted 6th July 2010). Australian higher education institutions transforming the future of teaching and learning through virtual worlds. Proceedings of the 26th Annual ASCILITE Conference: Curriculum, technology & transformation for an unknown future, Sydney.

Wood, D. and Dodd, A. (2010). Sustaining community engagement in partnership with higher education and the public sector. Proceedings of the AUCEA National Conference 2010, University of Tasmania, 5-7 July 2010.

Scutter, S., Wood, D. and Sim, J. (2010). Quality improvement of learning and teaching through scholarly peer review of academic practice. Proceedings of the HERDSA 2010 International Conference, Melbourne.

Scutter, S. and Wood, D. (2009). Enhancing the student learning experience through quality improvement of courses. Proceedings of HERDSA 2009 International Teaching and Learning conference, Darwin.

Bloustien, G. and Wood, D. (2009). 'Can I borrow your face for a minute?': Issues of aesthetics and bodily transformations in Second Life. CFP - Cosmetic Cultures: Beauty, Globalisation, Politics, Practices, University of Leeds, 24 - 26 of June 2009.

Wood, D. (2009). A scaffolded approach to developing students’ skills and confidence to participate in self and peer assessment. Proceedings of the ATN Assessment Conference, Melbourne.

Fewster, R. and Wood, D. (2009). Performance pedagogy in virtual and blended learning places and spaces. Proceedings of the 26th Annual ASCILITE Conference: Same Places: Different Spaces, Auckland, New Zealand, 6th-9th December, 2009. http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/auckland09/procs/fewster.pdf

Wood, D. (2009). Experiential learning in 3D virtual worlds: Students making a difference to ‘real’ lives in ‘virtual’ places. Proceedings of the 26th Annual ASCILITE Conference: Same Places: Different Spaces, Auckland, New Zealand, 6th-9th December, 2009. http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/auckland09/procs/wood.pdf

Wood, D., Morris, C. and Ussery, J. (2009). Accessibility solutions for 3D virtual learning environments. Peer reviewed Extended abstract IEEE Accessing the Future Conference, Boston, 20-21st July 2009. http://ewh.ieee.org/conf/accessingthefuture/documents/wood.pdf

Hanna, A. and Wood (forthcoming 2010). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of contributors to open textbooks, 6th International Conference on the Book, 25-27 October 2008.

Abhary, K., Adriansen,H.K., Begovac,F., Djukic, D. Qin, B., Spuzic, S., Wood,D. and Xing, K. (2009), Some Basic Aspects of Knowledge. WCES-2009 Procedia Social and Behavioural Sciences.

Wood, D. and Hopkins, L. (2008). 3D virtual environments: businesses are ready but are our ‘digital natives’ prepared for the changing landscape? Proceedings of ASCILITE 2008: Hello! Where are you in the landscape of educational technology? pp. 1136-1146, Deakin University, Melbourne. http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/melbourne08/procs/wood-2.pdf

Wood, D. and Kurzel, F. (2008). Engaging students in reflective practice through a process of formative peer review and peer assessment. Proceedings of the ATN Assessment Conference 2008: Engaging Students in Assessment, Adelaide. http://www.ojs.unisa.edu.au/index.php/atna/article/view/376/252

Wood, D. and Friedel, M. (2008). Peer review of online learning and teaching: new technologies—new challenges. Proceedings of ASCILITE 2008: Hello! Where are you in the landscape of educational technology? pp. 1126-1135, Deakin University, Melbourne. *Outstanding paper award. http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/melbourne08/procs/wood-1.pdf

Friedel, M. and Wood, M. (2008). Challenging design students to be ethical professionals in a changing landscape of technologies. Proceedings of ASCILITE 2008: Hello! Where are you in the landscape of educational technology? pp. 299-308, Deakin University, Melbourne. http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/melbourne08/procs/friedel.pdf

Hickey-Moody, A. and Wood, D. (2008). Imagining otherwise: Deleuze, disability & Second Life. Proceedings of Australian & New Zealand Communication Association Annual Conference, 2008, Massey, New Zealand.

Wood, D. and Freney, M. (2007). Collaborative peer review: A model for promoting reflective practice, improving quality of feedback and enhancing learning outcomes. Proceedings of HERDSA 2007 International Conference: Enhancing Higher Education, Theory and Scholarship, Adelaide, Australia.

Freney, M. and Wood, D. (2007). Computer aided feedback and assessment systems: A tool for learning advisors. Proceedings of ATLAANZ 2007 Conference, Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Freney, M. and Wood, D. (2006). CAFAS: An automated computer aided assessment tool for providing student feedback and managing assessment information. Proceedings of the Evaluations and Assessment Conference 2006, Curtin University of Technology, Perth.

George, R. and Wood, D. (2005). Promoting the scholarship of online teaching and learning. Proceedings of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference, City University, London.

Schiller, W., Wood, D. and Meiners, J. (2004). In the beginning: Establishing a model for a transnational interdisciplinary arts education project. In Sheehy, F and Stauble, B. (eds) Proceedings of HERDSA Conference, Transforming Knowledge into Wisdom, Sarawak.

Wood, D. and George, R. (2003). Quality standards in online teaching and learning: A tool for authors and developers. Proceedings of ASCILITE 2003 in Adelaide, South Australia, December 2003.

Day, I., Wood, D., Scutter, S. and Astachnowicz, S (2003). Report on preliminary trials of synchronous, voice-based communication. Proceedings of ASCILITE 2003 in Adelaide, South Australia, December 2003.

George, R. and Wood, D. (2003). Promoting the quality of online courses. Proceedings of Learning for an unknown future conference in Christchurch, New Zealand, 2003.

Reid, Ian C. and Wood, Denise (2000). Convergence of print, multimedia and internet technologies: A holistic approach to the production of flexible teaching and learning resources. Proceedings of the International Distance Education Conference, Adelaide, September 2000.

Wood, D. and Correll, M. (1988). Research implications for the use of microcomputers in early childhood and special education. Proceedings of the Sixth Australian Computers in Education Conference, Perth, September, pp. 378-386.

Wood, D. (1987). Educational materials to support microcomputer applications in the classroom: An integrated approach. Proceedings of the Australian Computers in Education Conference, Adelaide, September, pp. 75-82.

 

Other Conference/Colloquia Presentations

Hickey-Moody, A. and Wood, D. (2009). Ethnography and the ethics of affect in virtual worlds. Paper presented at the Australian Anthropological Society Annual Conference 2009: The Ethics and Politics of Engagement, Macquarie University, New South Wales, 9th-11th December, 2009.

Wood, D. (2009). Accessibility for people with disabilities, Invited presenter at the Gov 2.0 Roundtable, Parliament House, Canberra, 26th November 2009. http://www.katelundy.com.au/2009/11/25/gov2-0-roundtable-on-accessibility-for-people-with-disabilities/

Wood, D. (2009). Avatars, Health and Education in Virtual Worlds, Broaden your Media Horizons, Healthy Development Adelaide, 17th November, 2009. http://www.adelaide.edu.au/hda/news/

Scutter, S. and Wood, D. (2009). Integrating research and teaching in the undergraduate curriculum. Undergraduate Research in Australia: South Australian Regional Roundtable, 10th November, University of South Australia.

Wood, D. (2009). Research informed media practice invited presentation at the National Summit, Undergraduate Research in Australia: First Australian Summit on the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning convened by Professor Angela Brew (ALTC Senior Fellow), 5th-6th November, 2009, Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia.

Wood, D. (2009). Motivating the first-year learner through research informed media practice, Undergraduate Research in Australia: New South Wales Regional Roundtable, Macquarie University, New South Wales, 23rd September, 2009.

Wood, D. (2009). The use of a flexible online peer review tool to guide undergraduates in self and peer assessment. ERGA Conference 2009: Feedback and Flexible Learning, Adelaide, 24th-25th September, 2009.

Wood, D. (20090). Virtual Worlds, AARNet training workshop, the University of Wollongong, 17th September, 2009. http://mirror.aarnet.edu.au/pub/aarnet/AARNet_workshops_2009/

Wood, D. (2009). Webs, Wikis, Blogs and Avatars! What the? ATEM Central Region Event, invited speaker, 12th August, 2009, Adelaide. http://atem.wildapricot.org/Default.aspx?pageId=377146

Raghavendra, P., Wood, D., Newman, L., Lawry, J. and Sellwood, D. (2009). Internet use by children and adolescents with physical disabilities: Implications for social networking, presented at the Novita Children’s Services Research Symposium, Regency Park, South Australia, 5th August, 2009.

Wood, D. (2009). Technologies of disability in virtual worlds. Panelist with Hickey-Moody, A. and Goggin, G. Technologies of Disability Symposium, Sydney University, Sydney, Australia, 31st July, 2009.

Wood, D., Morris, C. and Ussery, J. (2009). Accessibility solutions for 3D virtual learning environments. Extended abstract IEEE Accessing the Future Conference, Boston, 20-21st July 2009. http://ewh.ieee.org/conf/accessingthefuture/documents/wood.pdf

Wood, D. (2009). Ethics in screen production research, panelist at the Australian Screen Production Research and Education Association annual conference, 9th July, 2009, Adelaide.

Scutter, S. and Wood, D. (2009). Enhancing the first-year student learning experience through quality improvement of courses. Extended peer reviewed showcase paper in FYE Showcase Abstracts, ALTC First Year Experience Curriculum Design Symposium 2009, pp. 167-171. http://www.fyecd2009.qut.edu.au/resources/FYE_ShowcaseAbstracts_17Mar09_final.pdf

Wood, D. (2009). Teaching in Second Life. Helen Keller event in Second Life, 27th June, 2009. http://www.unisa.edu.au/news/2009/250609A.asp.

Wood, D. (2008). "Virtually" inclusive Web 2.0 and 3D online communities, Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association Conference, September 23rd 2008, Adelaide.

Wood, D. (2008). Re-engaging undergraduates through 3D virtual worlds: Innovation or reinventing the traditional? Paper presented at the Social Innovations Conference, 20th June, 2008, Adelaide.

Wood, D. (2008). Second Life Workshop presentations at the South Pacific User Services Conference, Adelaide, Dec 1st-5th 2008

Peer Review Instrument workshop at the ATN Assessment Conference, Adelaide, November 2008.

Wood, D. (2008). Accessibility in 3D virtual worlds. Invited presentation at the Second Life Health conference, 1st October 2008-12-06

Wood, D. (2008). Student engagement in immersive 3D virtual learning environments: Pitfalls and promises, paper presented at the UniSA, Div EASS Teaching and Learning Colloquium, November 2008.

Wood, D. and Scutter, S. (2007). A comparative study of student motivations, learning styles and attitudes to research in the allied health and communications disciplines, The Cultural Studies Association of Australasia (CSAA) Annual Conference 2007, Sustaining Culture, 6th-8th December 2007, Adelaide.

Wood, D. (2007). Real life access to Second Life worlds: The potential, the problems and the possibilities for a barrier-free future, paper presented at the Ordinary Lives: Narratives of Disability Symposium, 16th-17th December, Adelaide.

Wood, D. (2006). Promoting and supporting sustainability of virtual communities through accessible design practice: the Australian report card, The Cultural Studies Association of Australasia (CSAA) Annual Conference 2006, UnAustralia, 6th-8th December 2006, Canberra.

 

Media Presentations

2010

Interview with Dr Denise Wood about Web 2.0 and 3D Virtual Worlds, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network newsletter, 19th July, 2010: http://www.accan.org.au/blog.php?category=general

Virtual Worlds Award, University of South Australia Magazine, Winter 2010, p. 21: http://www.unisa.edu.au/news/unisamagazine/issues/2010Winter.pdf

TIO honours former Council member, TIO Talks: Telecommunications Ombudsman, No. 2, 2010, p. 7: http://www.tio.com.au/publications/TIO_talk_issues/47/TIOTalks47.pdf

Citations celebrate student learning at UniSA, Campus Daily, 6th July 2010: http://www.campusdaily.com.au/read_university_news.php?id=2610

UniSA Media Release, Citations celebrate student learning at UniSA, 6th July 2010: http://www.unisa.edu.au/news/2010/060710A.asp

ALTC Media Release, ALTC announces 2010 Citation awards (6th July, 2010): http://www.altc.edu.au/July2010-2010-Citation-award-winners-announced

Interview with Peter Greco, 5RPH Radio 26th June 2010, discussing NBN Telstra agreement and implications for broadband access for people with disabilities.

Innovative community engagement program wins Premier’s Award (Minister for Volunteers Annual Report 2009-2010, pp. 21-22): http://www.ofv.sa.gov.au/pdfs/MinistersReport_Annual_Report_2010.pdf

Prestigious prize for disability and telecommunications gets "second life" (ACS News)

ALTC–funded research wins prestigious new award (ALTC media release)

Researcher receives award for using social media to support the education of people with disabilities (Media Access Australia article)

Telstra prize highlights the benefits of modern communications for people with disability (Telstra media release).

When user needs drive real innovation (Telstra Exchange)

Opening virtual doors (UniSA News, June 2010)

Interview with Peter Greco, 5RPH Radio 24th April 2010, discussion about the Comms2010 Summit and announcements by Senator the Hon. Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy regarding NBN, proposed ACMA consumer protection measures, and plans to improve access to the National Relay Service

Interview with Peter Greco, 5RPH Radio 27th February 2010, technology round up of accessibility solutions and events, http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/3dvle/media/rph_ll2_2702_2010.mp3

Channel 7 News interview about the benefits of social networking for people with disabilities

Webinar conducted by Professor Norman Coombs, Easy Access to Software and Information (EASI), Second Life and Opportunities of a 3D Platform, 25th January 2010http://easi.cc/clinic.htm

2009

Interview with Peter Greco, 5RPH Radio 28th November 2009, discussing outcomes from theRound Table on Government 2.0held at Parliament House on the 26th November.

Article by Lowell Cremorne, Interview – Denise Wood, University of South Australia, The Metaverse Journal, November 2, 2009,http://www.metaversejournal.com/2009/11/02/interview-denise-wood-university-of-south-australia/

Article in Technology Guide, Real Experience in an Unreal World, Education Review, October 2009, p. v1.http://www.apnedmedia.com.au/email/lores-ict-sept09.pdf

Interview with Peter Greco, 5RPH Radio 26th September 2009, discussing the role of the Australian Consumer Action Network and community consultation process, http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/3dvle/media/rph_ll2_290809.mp3

UniSA News article September 2009, Improving communities, enhancing student learning, http://www.unisa.edu.au/unisanews/2009/September/feature.asp

nterview with Peter Greco, 5RPH Radio 29th August 2009, discussing student engagement and experiential learning (Community Webs project and Health Support Coalition student projects), http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/3dvle/media/rph_ll2_250709.mp3

Interview with Peter Godfrey, Radio Adelaide 101.5 FM, 17th August 2009 about our research into providing accessibility solutions in 3D virtual worlds for students with disabilities

The Independent Weeklyarticle in 'Spectrum’ section about our research into accessibility solutions in 3D virtual environments for people with disabilities', viewable online at http://www.indaily.com.au/?iid=28172 (page 18 of 42).

Interview with Peter Greco, 5RPH Radio 25th July 2009, report on the IEEE-IBM Accessing the Future Conference, Boston.

Interview with Peter Greco, RPH radio, 27th June 2009, report on the Helen Keller event in Second Life, http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/3dvle/media/rph_ll1_270609.mp3

Virtual Ability. SBS World News special on 30th May 2009.

Interview with Andrew Male, ABC North and West SA Late Afternoon show, 28th May 2009 discussing launch of the National Rail Museum, Tea and Sugar Train interactive exhibit – a collaborative project involving UniSA media arts students and Carnegie Mellon University.

Interview with Channel 31, 2nd July 2009, discussing collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University and the launch of the Tea and Sugar Train exhibit at the National Rail Museum.

National Rail Museum Annual Report 2008-2009, Launch of the Teach and Sugar Train Exhibit, pp. 9-10: http://www.natrailmuseum.org.au/.../NRM_ANNUAL_REPORT_200809.pdf

Article in UniSA news by Michele Nardelli about the ALTC funded 3D virtual learning project 'Breathing Life into Next Gen Learning', viewable online at: http://www.unisa.edu.au/unisanews/2008/September/mainstory.asp

It's a Buyer's Market as Crunch Hits Virtual Realty, Sun Herald, December 28th, 2008, journalist Edmund Tardos.

Virtually Real. Outlook article published in City Messenger and Eastern Courier Outlook, May 2008, journalist Louise Russell.

Pre-2008 media coverage

EASI Webinar interview (19th November 2002) with Norm Coombs (EASI), Denise Wood and Bruce Maguire (Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission) about Web accessibility policy in Australia.

Article in Mazda Foundation Annual Report (1993-4) about OptCom grant to support multimedia training for young adults with disabilities, pp3-4: http://www.mazdafoundation.org.au/pdf/reportcomm9394.pdf  

 


Expertise for Media Contact

I am able to provide media comment in the following areas of expertise:

Discipline: Communication; Popular Culture; Screen Literacy; New Media

  • Web 2.0 and 3D virtual worlds
  • Web accessibility in higher education
  • Online teaching and learning
  • Digital Divide

Community Service

Organisation Name:   Australian Communications Consumer Advocacy Network
Section:   Standing Advisory Committee on Disability Issues
Type of Organisation:   Community organisation
Organisation URL:   http://www.accan.org.au/
Level of involvement:   Steering Committee Member
Year from:   2009
Year to:   2011

Organisation Name:   SACE Board of South Australia (SACE)
Section:   Media Studies
Type of Organisation:   Government Board or committee
Organisation URL:   http://www.ssabsa.sa.edu.au/sace.htm
Level of involvement:   Curriculum Leader
Year from:   2009
Year to:   2012

Organisation Name:   HERDSA
Section:   Higher Education Research and Development Journal
Type of Organisation:   Professional organisation
Organisation URL:   http://www.herdsa.org.au/
Level of involvement:   Associate Editor
Year from:   2009

Organisation Name:   Department of Premier and Cabinet
Section:   Thinkers in Residence Committee
Type of Organisation:   Professional organisation
Organisation URL:   http://www.thinkers.sa.gov.au/home.html
Level of involvement:    Committee member
Year from:   2008
Year to:   2009

Organisation Name:   ASCILITE
Section:   Conferences
Type of Organisation:   Professional organisation
Organisation URL:   http://www.ascilite.org.au/
Level of involvement:   Peer Reviewer
Year from:   2008

Organisation Name:   Australian Technology Network
Section:   Conferences
Type of Organisation:   Professional organisation
Organisation URL:   http://www.atn.edu.au/atnconference/index.htm
Level of involvement:   Peer Reviewer
Year from:   2008

Organisation Name:   Common Ground Publishing
Section:   Conferences and Journals
Type of Organisation:   Professional organisation
Organisation URL:   http://www.commongroundpublishing.com/conferences/
Level of involvement:   Peer Reviewer
Year from:   2007
Year to:   2009

Organisation Name:   IGI Global Publishing
Section:   Teaching through Multi-User Virtual Environments: Applying Dynamic Elements to the Modern Classroom
Type of Organisation:   Professional organisation
Organisation URL:   http://www.igi-global.com/
Level of involvement:   Editorial Committee Member
Year from:   2009
Year to:   2010

Organisation Name:   Radio 5RPH
Type of Organisation:   Community organisation
Organisation URL:   http://www.rphadelaide.org.au/
Level of involvement:   Guest segment each month discussing accessibility
Year from:   2009

Organisation Name:   EASI (Easy Access to Software and Information)
Type of Organisation:   Community organisation
Organisation URL:   http://easi.cc/
Year from:   2002
Comments:   EASI is a community organisation set up in the United States which provides online training in barrier-free Web design. Denise assists with online instruction on a voluntary basis.

Organisation Name:   ChildNet - Children's Parliament Web Site
Type of Organisation:   Community organisation
Organisation URL:   http://www.childnet-int.org/default.aspx
Level of involvement:   Mentor and co-designer
Year from:   2001
Year to:   2002
Comments:   Mentor to students from Hong Kong who set up a virtual Children's Parliament to promote Children's Rights via the Web. The Web site is a winner in the 2002 ChildNet awards.


Research Degree Supervisor

Denise has expertise and is able to supervise research relating to 3D virtual environments, Web 2.0, online teaching and learning, evaluation of online materials and accessibility in information technology.




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