Australian universities

Australian universities and the internet.

Australian universities have adopted the internet with an obsessive thoroughness, but I'm not talking Google or its evil cousin, Wikipedia. Via vast, secure websites, the modern student enters a virtual university where every function from enrolment, through study and on to graduation is conducted via web documents connected via a staggering spider web of hyperlinks.

The journey begins with Online enrolment, a task that can be straightforward or an exercise in self control. Everything the university wants the student to know from financial accounts to the next IT outrage comes via the internet.

Then the study. Each course website contains course outlines, lecture notes, discussion boards, required readings, assignments and more. Lectures may be available as pod casts enabling the student to relax and be bored at home ... or the local pub. Assignments are submitted online with results and feedback returned the same way.

Does this work?

Yes it does. Students do need to be comfortable with computers and the internet, an unstated assumption by modern universities. The experience can be intimidating and frustrating, however, universities are aware of this, genuine support is available and familiarity comes quickly.

Richard S.