[HERDSA]: News on Wed 23rd June 2010

Tue Jun 22 20:34:53 EST 2010

Dear List Members

This week we have

	HERDSA Conference 2010 Latest News

	Update on the 3rd Biennial Threshold Concepts Symposium “Exploring
transformative dimensions of threshold concepts” 
	Sydney, Australia, July 1 - 2, 2010.	

	EDUCATION 2011-2021: GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES OF BLENDED
AND 	DISTANCE LEARNING SUMMIT-Call for Submissions and Papers

	Transforming Assessment Webinar Series Update

	POSITION VACANT UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

	Invitation to engage in Benchmarking Partnerships for Graduate
Employability		

	3D Immersive Virtual Worlds in Higher Education - An Australian and
New Zealand Scoping Study 

	Appointment at AUQA

1) HERDSA Conference 2010 Latest News

HERDSA Conference standard registration closing in 9 days

Standard registrations for the 2010 HERDSA conference close on 1 July –
that’s just 8 sleeps from now.  If you haven’t registered yet, please visit
the registration page at:
http://conference.herdsa.org.au/2010/registration.html

Come and join more than 330 colleagues from all over the world for an
outstanding conference program.  Two plenary sessions from internationally
and nationally recognised speakers each day bring delegates together at the
beginning and end of a rich variety of showcases, posters and full papers.
The social program includes the pre-conference welcome reception, the
conference dinner at the stunning Etihad Stadium overlooking the Melbourne
Docklands, morning and afternoon teas each day and lunch breaks that include
formal and informal opportunities to network, socialise and discuss the
reshaping of higher education.  Among a host of exciting offerings, the
Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) journal editors are
offering a session on getting published in this A-rated journal and members
of the HERDSA Executive are running a pre-conference workshop on turning
your conference paper into a journal article.

The full program can be viewed here:
http://conference.herdsa.org.au/2010/program.html

Looking forward to seeing you at HERDSA 2010.

Marcia Devlin
HERDSA 2010 Conference Chair and Convener

2) FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE

Update on the 3rd Biennial Threshold Concepts Symposium “Exploring
transformative dimensions of threshold concepts” 
Sydney, Australia, July 1 - 2, 2010.

We are pleased to announce that the program for the Symposium is now
available at: 
http://www.thresholdconcepts2010.unsw.edu.au/program.html

We are also able to provide some detail about the keynote address:

Keynote Speaker

Prof David Perkins
Threshold Experiences: Moving Concepts from Object to Instrument to Action

In various ways and at various times, learners seem to "get stuck."
Threshold concepts constitute one important factor and demand special care
in teaching and learning. But what kind of special care? Thresholds also
figure in the transition from a concept focally addressed to a concept in an
instrumental deliberative role to a concept supportive of real-time action.
Contemporary dual-processing models of cognition illuminate the nature of
these challenges. Newly encountered ideas in general, and threshold concepts
in particular, may need the assistance of threshold experiences to cultivate
the active and proactive use of knowledge that we would like to see.

Featured sessions will also be given by:

Professor Ray Land 
University of Strathclyde

Professor Erik Meyer
University of Durham
with 

Dr Mick Flanagan 
University College London

The full registration which includes the Symposium Dinner (Thursday, 1 July)
and Afternoon Drinks (Friday, 2 July) is $660 inclusive of GST.
Registrations can be made online:
http://www.thresholdconcepts2010.unsw.edu.au/registration.html

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2010 Threshold Concepts Symposium in
Sydney, Australia.

Please do forward this information to any colleagues, organisations, and
mailing lists who may find it of interest.

General enquiries to thresholdconcepts2010 at unsw.edu.au

3) EDUCATION 2011-2021: GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES OF BLENDED AND
DISTANCE LEARNING SUMMIT

15 - 18 Feb 2011. 

Summit website http://www.dehub.edu.au/summit2011/index.html

Call for papers and submissions

DEHub and ODLAA will host the Education 2011-2021: Global challenges and
perspectives of blended and distance learning Summit at the Dockside Venue,
Darling Harbour, Sydney, from 15-18 February, 2011

High profile keynote speakers:

	Mohamed Ally

	Gráinne Conole

	Diana Laurillard

	Sugata Mitra (tbc)

	David Wiley

Australian Keynote Panel - Michael Crock, Bruce King, Colin Latchem and Yoni
Ryan 

The Summit presents an opportunity for Australian and international
researchers, practitioners, students, industry experts and government to
come together to debate global research, practice and professional issues.

DEHub and ODLAA aim to bring together colleagues globally who are engaged in
pedagogical research to work together collaboratively to address key issues
in the field. DEHub takes a broad view that collaboration involves
connecting, sharing and co-building of knowledge in a variety of global
contexts amongst and with a range of researchers and practitioners. The
Education 2011-2021: Summit presents an opportunity for this connecting,
sharing and co-building of knowledge.

We encourage colleagues to participate by contributing full papers, research
notes, posters, workshops and plenary sessions to the Summit with a focus on
the three themes that underpin the DEHub objectives. 

Theme 1: Research and Development;

Theme 2: Community and Open Learning; and

Theme 3: Learning and Teaching.

Within these themes we wish to highlight possible topic areas for focus and
consideration on the themes page of the web site

The deadline for the submission of full papers is 27 August 2010. 

Posters, Workshops, Research notes and plenary panel proposals by the 25
September 2010.

Papers may be submitted to http://dehub.edu.au/papers/SubmitAbstract.php

For further information contact us at summit at dehub.edu.au

Also consider subscribing to our RSS feeds to receive Summit updates and
reminders. 

We look forward to receiving your proposal and hope you will be able to join
us in Sydney in February 2011.

Professor Belinda Tynan
Director, DEHub
University of New England
Armidale, NSW 2350 

4) Transforming Assessment Webinar Series Update

	 Wednesday 23 June 2010 "Assessing learner contributions to online
discussions"
	Wednesday 4 August 2010 "Augmented Reality: Seeing Learning Through
a New Light"
	 The recording of the session "The assessment of Capstone courses"
held on 8 June is now available.

See details below.

1. Reminder for session Wednesday 23 June 2010

"Assessing learner contributions to online writing and discussions"

Presenter: Bobby Elliott (Scottish Qualifications Authority, UK)

This webinar looks at the assessment of online writing in general and the
assessment of online discussion boards in particular. It reports on a review
of the current literature relating to the assessment of online discussions,
and critically evaluates the rubrics currently used to grade student
contributions. It concludes by suggesting best practice in the construction
of such rubrics. 
Audience members are encouraged to participate and contribute their
experiences.

When:
Wednesday, 23 June 2010 at 16:30 Australian Central Standard time.
See your equivalent local time:
http://timeanddate.com/s/1qn8
A recording of the session will be published after the event.

Where:
Online via your web browser. Hosted by the University of Adelaide, Australia
using the Wimba virtual classroom. 
To join the webinar go to:
http://192.160.71.198/launcher.cgi?room=transformingassessment (and run the
set-up wizard).

RSVP:
So that we can gauge expected numbers please RSVP via email to: 
info at transformingassessment.com
Please use the subject line:
"RSVP for B.E. webinar <date>"

2. Future session: Wednesday 4 August 2010

"Augmented Reality: Seeing Learning Through a New Light"

Presenter: Professor Bruce Thomas (Wearable Computer Lab, University of
South Australia, Australia)

Professor Bruce Thomas, the developer of first outdoor mobile AR game
'ARQuake', will explore how augmented reality is and can impact on the
learning process. Examples will be given to demonstrate the concept.
Augmented reality (AR) is used to describe the direct or indirect view of a
real-world environment in which elements are augmented by computer-generated
images.

Audience members are encouraged to participate and contribute.

When:
Wednesday, 4 Aug 2010 at 16:30 Australian Central Standard time.
See your equivalent local time:
http://timeanddate.com/s/1rtk
A recording of the session will be published after the event.

Where:
Online via your web browser. Hosted by the University of Adelaide, Australia
using the Wimba virtual classroom. 
To join the webinar go to:
http://192.160.71.198/launcher.cgi?room=transformingassessment (and run the
set-up wizard).

RSVP:
So that we can gauge expected numbers please RSVP via email to: 
info at transformingassessment.com
Please use the subject line:
"RSVP for B.T. webinar <date>"

3. Recording of 8 June session now available.

"The assessment of Capstone courses"

To view and download the session in a number of formats please go to
http://www.transformingassessment.com/events_past.php

4. Further information:

These webinars are part of a series of free events being held in 2010.
Invited expert speakers have agreed to deliver on a range of e-assessment
topics throughout the year covering examples from around the world
showcasing e-assessment and the use of technologies in education such as
social networking systems, virtual worlds (second life, open sim etc),
serious games, sims, blogs, wikis, e-portfolios, LMS (Moodle, blackboard
etc), voting (phone/clickers), virtual labs, remote labs and augmented
reality. 
Further information on this and future events, recordings of past events,
further project information and participation/technical help on using the
Wimba system can be found on our website at
http://www.transformingassessment.com

5) POSITION VACANT UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

RESEARCH MANAGER – WORKPLACE RESEARCH CENTRE 
WORKPLACE RESEARCH CENTRE / FACULTY OF ECONOMICS & BUSINESS 
REFERENCE NO. 1045/0410

	2 year contract with possible 2 year extension
	Key management position
	Competitive remuneration package on offer

The University of Sydney is Australia's premier University with an
outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. 

The Workplace Research Centre (WRC) is self-funded through our commercial
activities that include the provision of high quality research, training and
conferences on all aspects of work and working life. Based in the Faculty of
Economics and Business, WRC is one of Australia's leading authorities on the
changing nature of work. 

The Centre's charter is to "inform, advise and educate". Over its 21 year
history we have provided empirically derived policy advice to employers,
governments, unions and NGOs. We have actively raised the standard of public
debate on issues such as working time, the realities of labour standards and
the future of skills policy in Australia and generated new ideas about the
world of work. Our strength is in our talented team of researchers, trainers
and event organisers who have a passion for understanding working life.  

The Research Manager is a crucial role in the ongoing operation of the
Centre. As the Research Manager you will be managing a team of 14
multi-disciplined researchers and will ensure that the commercial research
projects of the Centre are completed on time, on budget and at a quality
expected of clients. You will manage and coordinate the resources required
for multiple concurrent research projects, ensure fair and efficient
management of personnel issues within the research team and, in partnership
with the Director, drive business development for the Centre. 

You must have extensive project management skills including budget
management experience as well as excellent people management and
interpersonal skills in order to work with a diverse highly skilled research
team. It is essential that you are able to manage business development
including sourcing funds from multiple industry sectors and ensuring high
quality tenders are developed and submitted. You will also have exceptional
communication, analytical and drafting skills with the ability to write
clearly and concisely. A completed PhD is an essential requirement. This is
a management role and it is not expected that the Research Manager will
conduct research but instead coordinate the research of the centre, manage
the researchers, and source new projects.

You will be working in one of Australia’s leading research teams with people
who are dedicated to providing quality research. You will gain highly
sought-after business development, project management and people management
experience within a collegial environment. Furthermore, this role will see
you interacting with clients from various sectors and numerous industries.

The position is a full-time fixed term 2 year contract, subject to the
completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees, with the
possibility of a further offer of employment for a period of 2 years.
Membership of a University approved superannuation scheme is a condition of
employment for new appointees.

Remuneration package: a competitive remuneration package is available
(consisting of a level C base salary range $98,131- $113,151, leave loading
and up to 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation). 

All applications must be submitted via The University of Sydney careers
website.  Visit sydney.edu.au/positions and search the reference number
1045/0410 for more information and to apply.

CLOSING DATE: 15 July 2010

The University is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to equity,
diversity and social inclusion. Applications from equity target groups and
women are encouraged. 

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

6) Invitation to engage in Benchmarking Partnerships for Graduate
Employability

As part of an ALTC Fellowship, several Australian universities are currently
preparing to engage in benchmarking undergraduate courses (such as
Accounting, Communications and Law) with a focus on graduate employability.
The benchmarking will take place within agreed confidentiality boundaries in
November, 2010, and will draw on mutually agreed indicators, including the
newly developed Graduate Employability Indicators (online surveys capturing
employer, graduate and academic staff perspectives on the importance and
demonstration of new graduates’ achievement of the ‘capabilities that count’
for early professional success). Participation is likely to assist in
developing thinking in relation to assurance of learning, implementing
threshold standards for the new quality agency (TEQSA) and university
graduate attribute agendas. 
Course (programme) leaders are strong encouraged to participate.

For more information, see <http://tiny.cc/boliver> http://tiny.cc/boliver or
email Professor Beverley Oliver (b.oliver at curtin.edu.au

7) 3D Immersive Virtual Worlds in Higher Education - An Australian and New
Zealand Scoping Study 

We are looking for educators from Australian and New Zealand higher
education institutions who have used or have considered using 3D immersive
virtual worlds (such as Second Life and Active Worlds) in their teaching to
complete an online questionnaire, as part of a project titled, "A systematic
review and environmental analysis of the use of 3D immersive virtual worlds
in Australian and New Zealand higher education institutions", which is
currently being undertaken under the auspices of the DE Hub research
consortium (http://www.dehub.edu.au). The members of the project team are
Barney Dalgarno, Mark J.W. Lee and Lauren Carlson of the School of
Education, Charles Sturt University, and Belinda Tynan and Sue Gregory of DE
Hub, University of New England. 

The purpose of this research is to identify and review current and planned
applications of 3D immersive virtual worlds in higher education institutions
across Australia and New Zealand, with the aim of developing an
understanding of how these new online platforms are being used for learning
and teaching.

If you wish to participate in this study, you can complete the questionnaire
through the link provided below.  Should you choose to provide your email
address when you complete the questionnaire, you will be placed in a draw to
win your choice of an 8GB iPod Touch or $250AUD paid as Linden Dollars for
use in Second Life, as a token of our appreciation. Selected respondents may
also be given the opportunity to work with the project team to write up
their use/experiences of 3D immersive virtual worlds as case
studies/exemplars, for publication in the final report of the study.

If possible, we would like to have all responses to the questionnaire before
Monday, 28 June 2010. 

More information about the project has been provided on an online
information statement at the beginning of the questionnaire. 

The questionnaire is available at the following URL:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8JHG25K

As part of the reporting procedure, we are also putting together an
annotated bibliography of all Australian or New Zealand publications about
the use of virtual worlds in higher education. If you have published an
article and would like to be included in the report, please email your
publication to sue.gregory at une.edu.au

For further information, comments or questions, please contact: 

Lauren Carlson
Email: lcarlson at csu.edu.au
Phone: (02) 6933 2664

8) Appointment at AUQA

AUQA is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Iring Wasser from Germany
as an Audit Director with the Agency.

Roger Landbeck
List Moderator