UniServe Science - CAUT NTDG

UniServe Science, The University of Sydney
Enhancing Australian Science and Mathematics education

CAUT Grants in Geology 1994

Imagery for Learning Practical Identification of Minerals and Rocks

This project will produce ten hours of instructional videotapes on the laboratory and field identification of minerals and rocks, an essential activity in training geoscientists. Identification of specimens is difficult to teach and learn with current methods. The videotape will improve teaching and learning of these important observation skills at undergraduate level because in effect every student will look through the instructors microscope or handlers and see exactly what is intended. Thus, learning can occur without the instructor. The videotapes will be available to geology departments in all Australian universities.

Host institution: The University of Western Australia

Leader: Dr Charter Innes Mathison

Partner: A/Prof S A Wilde

Contact address: Dept of Geology, The University of Western Australia, NEDLANDS WA 6009

TEL: (09) 380 2675

FAX: (09) 380 1037

E-Mail: jthicket@geofiz.geol.uwa.edu.au

Application of multimedia technology and graphic animation to teaching thermodynamic concepts

Thermodynamics is a discipline which traditionally is poorly received by students. However, a sound knowledge of thermodynamics is essential to Mechanical Engineers, Chemical Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Chemists, Physicists, Mineral Scientists and Metallurgists. This proposal seeks to take advantage of the recent advances in multimedia technology for personal computers to demonstrate/illustrate some of the difficult conceptual concepts encountered by Science and Engineering students in thermodynamics.

Host institution: University of Western Australia

Leader: Dr Robert Donald Trengove

Contact address: Department of Chemistry, University of Western Australia, Stirling Highway, NEDLANDS WA 6009

TEL: (09) 380 3163

FAX: (09) 380 1005

E-Mail: trengove@uniuse.uwa.edu.au

Improving Learning and Assessment Associated with Problem Solving

This project will produce a computer based assignment package which is self paced and provides 24 hour access via modem and E-MAIL. The package will comprise 600 formatted questions and answers and will be capable of generating a profile for each student for evaluation by the teacher.

Host institution: The University of Wollongong

Leader: Dr Roger A Lewis

Contact address: Dept of Physics, The University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, WOLLONGONG NSW 2522

TEL: (042) 213 518

FAX: (042) 213 151

E-Mail: r.lewis@uow.edu.au

Survival Skills for First Year Students in Physical Science and Engineering

The massive increase in university numbers in recent years has resulted in a student intake with a broad range of abilities and diverse backgrounds. These changes, together with other factors, have contributed to a decrease in overall performance of students in science and engineering, especially in first year. During first semester 1993 we piloted a new "survival skills" unit specifically designed to assist first year students in science and Engineering courses develop knowledge and skills necessary for successful tertiary study. The unit includes topics such as problem solving, error analysis, scientific graphing, computer awareness, laboratory and report writing, self- directed learning and positive impact on human and financial resources. This project seeks support to expand and evaluate this unit and develop appropriate student and staff materials for use Australia-wide.

Host institution: Curtin University of Technology

Leader: Dr Robert Domenic Loss

Partner: Dr M Zadnik

Contact address: Dept of Applied Physics, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U 1987, PERTH WA 6001

TEL: (09) 351 7747

FAX: (09) 351 3277

E-Mail: rlossrd@cc.curtin.edu.au

Collaborative Learning Through Computer Conferencing

Collaborative learning and peer group interaction by computer conferencing and e-mail will be implemented for selected units in Science and Technology Policy and in Law. The learning design enhancements sought for selected Law units relate to small group cooperation in creating ideas, retrieving resources and assembling documents, whilst for Science and Technology Policy units the need is for graduate courseware seminars in which individuals present their own papers for a structured process of critical review and discussion by the whole class. Broader outcomes include operational procedures for efficient and effective induction of students and staff into computer conferencing, tangible examples of techniques and outcomes for demonstration to other Programs, and user education resources in the form of manuals, disk files and video clips, to extend the use of computer mediated communications into other fields of study.

Host institution: Murdoch University

Leader: Dr Roger J Atkinson

Partners:Ms Carolyn Wilson, Mr Archie Zariski

Contact address: External Studies, Murdoch University, MURDOCH WA 6150

TEL: (09) 360 2240

FAX: (09) 310 4929

E-Mail: atkinson@csuvax1.murdoch.edu.au

Student Empowerment: The Development of Research and Laboratory Competencies

Successful student involvement in this program will enhance students' research skills, increase their involvement in and ownership of their learning process and develop both individual and teamwork skills. To achieve this end, students will undertake a series of three carefully selected practical problems of graded complexity requiring students to undertake an investigation of the current research literature and the subsequent design and implementation of experimental protocol.

Host institution: University of Western Sydney

Leader: Dr Elizabeth Margaret Deane

Partner: Dr Margaret Seto-Poon

Contact address: Faculty of Science and Technology, Westmead Campu, University of Western Sydney, PO Box 10, KINGSWOOD NSW 2047

TEL: (02) 685 9532

FAX: (02) 685 9525

Interactive multimedia package for students to construct deep understanding of fundamental concepts in science and engineering

The purpose of this project is to develop a state-of-the- art learning package which will enable students at the beginning of their course to construct effective foundation concepts in electricity. Because they are not intuitive and because students have strongly held concepts of their own for electrical phenomena those concepts are poorly understood by many students. Strategies for change leading to deep understanding (to replace algorithmic learning) have been developed here and are suitable for multimedia delivery so that students will be able to use them prior to or concurrently with their studies. This will be a prototype for further packages in subjects where abstract concepts have been developed.

Host institution: University of Technology, Sydney

Leader: Dr Mark Cosgrove

Partners:W G Hooper, S Alexander

Contact address: Faculty of Education, University of Technology, Sydney PO Box 222, LINDFIELD NSW 2070

TEL: (02) 330 5282

FAX: (02) 330 5556

Computer managed learning: Development of a modern, flexible system, and its integration into the teaching strategy of a large first-year subject

Undergraduate science students need regular study and feedback to gain facility with concepts and calculations, and Computer Managed Learning (CML) is very successful in providing the needed incentive and feedback in large undergraduate classes. However, extant CML systems do not utilise the full power of computing technology of the 1990's. This project is concerned with development of a modern CML system and its integration into a large first- year science subject. The CML system will: (a) provide standard CML features with provision for upgrading; (b) utilise state of the art computing technology adaptable to any delivery platform over a network; and (c) incorporate user-friendly desktop publishing techniques for authoring and editing.

Host institution: University of Queensland

Leader: Dr Robert Leland Blakeley

Partners:J de Jersey, S E Hamilton, C Zimitat

Contact address: Department of Biochemistry, University of Queensland, BRISBANE QLD 4072

TEL: (07) 365 4612

FAX: (07) 365 4699

E-Mail blakeley@biosci.uq.edu.au

Innovative and flexible self-guided learning programs

Tertiary studies towards BSc degrees invariably involve timetabled lectures and laboratory experiments, and little flexibility exists particularly in the Junior and Intermediate years. Since 1992, the BSc degree at the University of Sydney permits students of merit to count up to 20 units of special study programs towards the 70 units required for the degree. These highly innovative and flexible programs are unique in university science degrees, and are specially designed to train the top scientists and technologists needed as the country enters the 21st century. In 1992 a pilot program in physics is being trialed, and extensive consultations with talented students have been conducted on possible program options. This project is to develop special study programs at Sydney and to report on possibilities for national implementation.

Host institution: University of Sydney

Leader: Assoc. Prof Damon Donald Ridley

Partners:T W Hambley, D H Napper, R A Russell

Contact address: Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, SYDNEY NSW 2006

TEL: (02) 692 2180

FAX: (02) 692 3329

E-Mail: RIDLEY_D@summer.chem.su.oz.au

VITUL: Video introductions to undergraduate laboratories

The aim of the project is to develop a series of video clips to introduce the experiments in foundational physics laboratories. Enhancement of student centred learning through an integrated multi-mode presentation is the key objective. A more appropriate and efficient use of resources is an expected by-product. The video medium is proven, widely available and directly adaptable to sophisticated delivery systems so the video masters will facilitate future courseware development. The project is already under way. Videoplayers/monitors are in place. Four video clips have been made. A student trial and survey are in progress with encouraging initial results. The pilot series has demonstrated the feasibility of the project and allows accurate costing of the project. A modest amount of funding is therefore sought to bring to fruition a practical, well defined, and demonstrated university teaching project.

Host institution: University of Wollongong

Leader: Dr Roger Adrian Lewis

Address: Department of Physics, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, WOLLONGONG NSW 2522

TEL: (042) 21 3518

FAX: (042) 21 3151

E-Mail r.lewis@uow.edu.au

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Last Update: Thursday, 07-Feb-2002 15:56:40 EST
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