A forum bringing together Chares Darwin University (CDU) students, lecturers and industry representatives has resulted in constructive feedback in the method, delivery and content of the university’s higher education courses in Alice Springs.
Around 20 people attended the meeting initiated by CDU’s School of Law, Business and Arts, and was arranged to provide an accessible point of contact for Alice Springs students.
Dean of the Faculty and chair of the forum, Adrian Walter acknowledged the need for CDU to maintain face-to-face contact at the Alice Springs campus.
“While delivery of education through our technology is important, we recognise the real value of lecturers regularly attending to their students here in Alice Springs,” he said.
Professor of Management Gweneth Norris, senior lecturer Dr Rajeef Sharma and lecturers Vikki Baldwin and Maritana Richards also attended the forum.
Accountant, representative of local firm Howarth Australia and former CDU student Marc Loader said the importance of face-to-face delivery was crucial to the success of coursework in Alice Springs.
“Technology assists students in their studies, but must not replace the direct presence of lecturers,” he said.
Alice Springs campus administrator Dianne Underwood attended the meeting and said she strongly supported the efforts by the faculty.
“It’s crucial the university maintains strong communication with industry and staff here in Alice Springs and acknowledges the challenges and opportunities of delivering higher education in central Australia,” she said.
Mr Walter said he enjoyed engaging with the Alice Springs CDU community.
“We received some valuable feedback that will help inform future developments of our programs in Alice Springs,” he said.