The evolution of online teaching and learning in engineering at deakin university

This paper presents a brief history of the use of on-line technologies in the support of teaching and learning in the School of Engineering and Technology at Deakin University, Victoria, Australia. It addresses the following issues; flexible engineering programs at Deakin University; computer-based learning in the School of Engineering and Technology; from individual efforts to formal, centralized control of the World Wide Web (Web); the costs of information technology; experiences with grant funded development projects; managing the development of on-line material; student access and equity; and staff development and cultural change. A sustainable on-line content development model is proposed to carry the School’s on-line initiatives in support of teaching and learning activities into the future. This model incorporates the following points; the content to be delivered to students is as important as the delivery mechanism; the delivery system should adapt to the education process, not the other way around; the Web provides support for incremental development of on-line teaching tools that can be enhanced and expanded as needed; for consistency, quality and economy, central control needs to be exercised over the form and appearance of on-line material; leasing is a practical strategy for dealing with technology obsolescence and unknown IT budgets; automation of the generation of pages containing routine/static information; tools are required that simplify and minimize the additional workload placed on academic staff; staff development and exemplars of existing projects are essential items in equipping and enthusing academic staff to participate in on-line teaching and learning.