Tech partnership will benefit regional towns
THE University of Southern Queensland has a new partner in its commitment to using innovative technological initiatives to support and encourage development in regional communities.
The university has entered into a collaboration agreement with the University of California, Riverside’s School of Medicine in the US to explore opportunities to use ICT to enhance communities in both countries.
It will build on existing work by Professor Stephen Winn and UC Riverside’s Dr Gerald Maguire (Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education) surrounding the use of technology to make up a shortfall in healthcare and educational opportunities in regional communities, compared to their metropolitan counterparts.
Prof Winn travelled to California for the signing last week where he met with UC Riverside leaders including Provost/Executive Vice-Chancellor Cynthia K. Larive, Vice Provost of International Affairs Kelechi Kalu and School of Medicine Dean Deborah Deas.
As part of the memorandum of cooperation, USQ and UC Riverside will share ideas, participate in research and academic collaborations, and exchange faculty members, research fellows and students.
“It centres on the concept of schools as communities, working with schools and teachers to affect positive changes in children and supporting parents, particularly when it comes to health and well-being,” Prof Winn said.
“We’re using technology like synchronised video conferencing as a point of connection – to bring our shared expertise to those who need it.”
Prof Winn said they’ll continue to develop and enhance videoconferencing connections between California and Queensland that will focus education and health issues.
“Schools in towns such as Quilpie or Kingaroy would have the opportunity to receive world-leading expertise on topics such as well-being, resilience, neuroscience, diet, functional foods and teacher, student, parent and carer engagement linking to schools as ‘communities’ for positive affect,” he said.
“Likewise, USQ’s work in fields such as Maker Space, online learning and engagement, and functional foods can be transmitted to inland Californian communities – we have a great deal of knowledge to share.”