Using Educational Technology to equitably develop nationally essential generic skills

Authors and presenters

• Allison James, Australian Maritime College, CoSE

• Carey Mather, School of Nursing, CoHM

• Tracy Douglas, School of Health Sciences, CoHM

Abstract

The University Accord (2024) recognises that Australia’s economy needs more tertiary educated graduates, comprising the right mix of employer-sought portable, generic skills. Graduates need digital, collaborative and communicative literacy along with the capacity to solve complex problems. This preparation for work readiness represents a balanced combination of versatile, transferable skills along with competencies such as critical thinking and teamwork, essential across various industries and job roles.

Our presentation demonstrates authentic tasks in teaching and assessment enhancing graduate success. Through examples, we demonstrate how to effectively incorporate collaboration and digitised communication, concurrently scaffolding the ability to problem-solve. We explore how to develop critical and innovative thinking utilising project based learning and authentic assessment strategies. Through these methods, we improve students’ teamwork, technological proficiency and support systematic development of problem-solving capabilities. By engaging in real-world tasks, students will be better prepared to meet the demands of modern workplaces.

Students studying health or maritime disciplines need to engage in disciplinary knowledge, connecting their understanding to skills and critical thinking required in their future workplaces. The maritime industry ranges across ship and shore-based services, blue and white collar, professional, technical and defence personnel: presenting a rich complexity of networking opportunities. Health graduates work interprofessionally in a digital world to deliver effective health care.

Our Interdisciplinary peer learning and enhanced teaching quality, along with our combined academic and student learning experiences illustrate how using educational technology can make a difference.

Reference

Department of Education. (2024). Australian Universities Accord Final Report. Australian Department of Education. https://www.education.gov.au/australian-universities-accord