Flexible learning environments
- Flexible Learning Environments- In a nutshell - 5 minute overview
A key element of the Teaching and Learning framework at the University of South Australia is the provision of flexible learning environments. Flexible Learning Environments include:
- the physical spaces and resources provided by the University (e.g print)
- the various tools and software that comprise the virtual teaching, learning and support environment available to students and staff, and
- the series of arrangements made by staff to foster, guide and structure learning.
The provision of flexible learning environments will always be a work in progress. However, what is central to this conception is an understanding that all these things can be directed towards providing students with:
- increased choice for students about where, when and (in part) what they study,
- opportunities to draw on personal experience – including that provided in workplace settings or community service – to inform their studies, and
- support for taking greater responsibility for managing their own learning and engagement with the University.
There is a continuing commitment to the online delivery of some aspect of all programs by 2010 to maximum number of students to participate effectively in learning, thus satisfying the Strategic intent of the University.
- University of South Australia flexible learning resources
- Additional flexible learning environment resources
University of South Australia flexible delivery resources
UniSAnet - University of South Australia's online learning platform
UniSAnet is the online learning environment of UniSA. It enables the creation and delivery of cutting-edge online teaching and learning to students regardless of space or time. For staff, UniSAnet provides straightforward and simple-to-use tools for the development of sophisticated online teaching and learning. For students, UniSAnet provides a consistent online learning environment which is accessible using a basic web-browser and Internet connection from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Training for staff in using UniSAnet is available online through Author help and delivered by Online advisers in Learning Connection.
Developing online teaching and learning skills
Academic development staff at Learning Connection consult with staff about online teaching and learning approaches in various contexts. Most developments happen as part of annual service agreements between the Divisions and the Learning and Teaching Unit. Examples of different approaches that UniSA teachers have taken to teaching and learning online with UniSAnet are available for UniSA staff.
Training for staff in the technical aspects of UniSAnet is available online through Author help and delivered by Online advisers in Learning Connection.
Digital resource management centre at the Library
The Digital Resource Service scans and catalogues printed materials for flexible online delivery to support the University's teaching and learning programs. The DRMC also provides a central record keeping function to prevent infringement of copyright laws.
Flexible information service - Your library @ your place
The Flexible Information Service is a service provided by the Library to support flexible learning at the University of South Australia. People eligible for this service include:
- external/mixed mode/online students of UniSA
- transnational offshore students
- UniSA students attending the Whyalla Campus
- internal student attending programs offered at Mount Gambier
- students with a disability
- remote and offshore
- University of South Australia staff engaged in the development and/or teaching of programs
- Open Universities Australia students
For a fee (due each study period) the Flexible Information Service provides:
- phone and online assistance in the use of the Library's resources and services
- postal delivery of loan items and
- documents electronic document delivery to your desktop.
Additional flexible learning environment resources
The following websites provide an interesting range of resources for flexible delivery currently being used in higher education institutions worldwide:
- Oblinger, D. (2006) Learning spaces. E-book available through Educause
- Articles about the design of informal learning spaces from the Estrella Mountain Community College, Avondale, Arizona.