Queensland University of Technology
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Dr Geoff Mitchell is the Director of Learning Environments at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) where he is responsible for a range of information technology and audio visual support services, including the design and development of technology for QUT central learning spaces. As a member of the Universities Learning Environments Working Party, Geoff has focussed on initiatives that benefit the broader University community, seeking to maximise learning outcomes for all students. Geoff is also strongly interested in student lead design of new spaces. Since 2004, Geoff has been a partner in an international research project that has developed and implemented a model for benchmarking institutional e-learning maturity that has involved some 40 New Zealand, and United Kingdom higher education institutions. He has also recently completed an Australian Learning and Teaching Council grant that explore issues associated with retrofitting existing university learning spaces: with a view to enabling and discovering cost effective ways to facilitate student learning.
Speaking On:
Blended learning: Engaging rather than enraging students
Tony Inglis assumed the position of Executive Director Strategic Initiatives at La Trobe University in July 2011 to undertake specific strategic initiatives and projects for the Vice Chancellor. For the majority of the previous three and a half years Tony was Executive Director Infratructure and Operations responsible for the strategic management and development of the University’s diverse property and infrastructure portfolio and the University’s student residential colleges and accommodation. The University’s physical facilities and grounds encompass five campuses across Victoria and include Melbourne, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton and Mildura.
Having graduated with honours in mechanical engineering in 1983, Tony worked in the private sector in a diverse range of planning, engineering, project and general management roles in manufacturing, media and building services. Tony then progressed to directing major construction, development and workplace change projects and managing diverse national operation and supply chain functions at an executive level.
Before commencing employment with La Trobe University, Tony worked in the tertiary education and public sectors, as Project Director on major development projects and as General Manager of the UNSW operation in Singapore.
In addition to his Bachelor of Engineering, Tony has an Australian Institute of Company Directors Diploma and completed The General Manager Program at Harvard Business School, Boston in 2002.
Speaking On:
A strategic thinking process for design & planning
Annabelle Pegrum is the University Architect for the University of Canberra. She has wide-ranging experience as an architect, academic and public servant.
As a former Professorial Fellow of the University she was head of the design disciplines and, as University Architect, managed Campus Planning and Development. Prior to joining the University she was the Chief Executive of the National Capital Authority, the Commonwealth agency responsible for the planning and development of Canberra as the National Capital. Before that she held a number of executive positions with the ACT Government. In 1998 she was the Telstra ACT Business Woman of the Year.
Annabelle is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and received the 2005 ACT Chapter President’s award. She was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2001 and in 2007 was appointed as a Member in the Order of Australia.
Annabelle Pegrum is a Director of Pegrum Judd Pty Ltd – strategic policy, planning and design.
Speaking On:
A campus environment designed to enrich the student experience
Professor Mike Keppell – Charles Sturt University Professor Keppell is currently working in the roles of Director, The Flexible Learning Institute and Professor of Higher Education at Charles Sturt University. Prior to this, he worked at the Hong Kong Institute of Education as Associate Professor and Head of the Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology (LTTC) from 2003 – 2007. Before joining the Institute of Education, he was Head of the Biomedical Multimedia Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne from 1998 2002 and Head of the Interactive Multimedia Unit, Division of Distance and Continuing Education, Central Queensland University from 1994 1998. He has a background in teaching and learning, curriculum,evaluation and more specifically instructional design. His research focuses on learning spaces, blended learning, learning oriented assessment, authentic learning and transformative learning using design based research. He has edited two books: Instructional Design: CaseStudies in Communities of Practice and Physical and Virtual Learning Spaces in Higher Education: Concepts for the Modern Learning Environment. He is a life member of ascilite; http://www.ascilite.org.au
Speaking On:
Improving communication to meet infrastructure objectives
The campus as a place of learning – new learning spaces
Improving infrastructure through collaboration
Universities in the past have had a key focus on academic excellence. However, educators also realise that the physical environment in which students find themselves in has a major influence on their university experience.
The strong relationship between pedagogy, technology and space are extremely important in developing sustainable student centric facilities. The creation of a strong academic focus in partnership with an exciting learning space is essential to attracting and retaining students.
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