2005 METTLE Climate Survey - perspectives of the Melbourne University community involved with technology in teaching and learning

Abstract

Discussions with 35 individual department heads, T&L(M&ET) committee members, faculty IT coordinators, teachers, support staff between August and October, 2005 reflect current perspectives on the use of technology in teaching at the University of Melbourne. These indicate that a lack of time and high workloads remain significant issues. There appears to be a move from more innovative activities due to perceived lack of recognition and reward. Staff have limited time or resolve to sort out avenues of support and distrust centralised services. The Blackboard LMS pilot implementation in 2005 has resulted in increased workload, with a general feeling of ambivalence or frustration with its educational functionality. A need for a holistic strategy for e-learning, and guidelines and new workplace models for running online courses is indicated.