The Chronicle

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.”

 ?? PHOTO: CONTRIBUTE­D ?? PARTNERS: USQ School of Teacher Education and Early Childhood Head of School Professor Stephen Winn with Vice Provost of Internatio­nal Affairs Kelechi Kalu from UC Riverside.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTE­D PARTNERS: USQ School of Teacher Education and Early Childhood Head of School Professor Stephen Winn with Vice Provost of Internatio­nal Affairs Kelechi Kalu from UC Riverside.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia