UNE and Pearson up the stakes in online learning
Armidale, November 14, 2011: The University of
New England has joined forces with Pearson, the world's largest
learning company, in a significant boost to the university's
aspiration to be the nation's highest quality provider of online
courses.
The deal, which is the first of its kind in Australia, is aimed
at increasing the number and quality of UNE's online offerings,
increasing student numbers and making significant inroads into the
increasingly competitive online market.
UNE Vice-Chancellor Jim Barber said UNE is excited about being
part of this bold and innovative arrangement with Pearson.
"UNE has a history of excellence in providing Distance Education
and by working with Pearson, a global company with a great
understanding of distance and online education services, we believe
we can continue that proud tradition," Professor Barber said.
"The deal aims to deliver an improved learning experience for
students, an increased ability for UNE to meet the growing demand
in online learning and a transformative response to the
Commonwealth Government's reform initiatives.
"Under the arrangement Pearson will convert a number of UNE
courses to their Learning Management System LearningStudio, and
provide an enhanced online educational experience. They will also
broaden our market reach," Professor Barber said.
"Importantly, UNE staff will continue to write all course
material, teach all courses and retain all academic control,"
Professor Barber said
UNE Chancellor Richard Torbay said with the combination of high
quality offerings in an online environment and improved market
access, he was confident UNE will have the tools to grow and
succeed into the future.
Pearson Australia's Chief Executive Officer David Barnett, said
his company is delighted to be involved in this groundbreaking
partnership.
"This is an exciting opportunity for both Pearson and UNE and is
a great example of the immense power of technology to improve the
learning experience.
"Pearson is known for offering best in class learning products
and for over 15 years, we have also been creating many of the most
successful online learning programs in the world. By utilising
Pearson LearningStudio, UNE will be able to create an innovative
online program that will provide a high quality student
experience.
"The Pearson team is extremely proud to be part of this landmark
deal and we look forward to playing a key role in the growth and
development of UNE," Mr Barnett said.
A number of courses will be offered under this arrangement
across 2012.
Professor Barber said to assist in the online learning push UNE
has appointed renowned e-learning expert Dr Michael Crock, as the
new Pro-Vice Chancellor for Educational Innovation and
Technology
"This newly created position will provide strategic leadership
and effective use of educational technologies. The expertise Dr
Crock brings to this role will give UNE a competitive advantage
over its on-line learning competitors.
Dr Crock is currently at Open Universities Australia and will
commence in his new role at UNE in February.
"Dr Crock's appointment and the deal with Pearson underline the
fact UNE is positioning itself as a leader in online learning,"
Professor Barber said.
-ends-
Contacts:
University of New England:Catherine Goldie 0409 215 640
Pearson:Ryan O'Hare, ryan.ohare@pearson.com or
Fiona Morgan, Fiona.morgan@pearson.com
About University of New England:
Since 1955, teaching off-campus students by distance education
has been an important part of theUniversityofNew England's
activities. UNE is now Australia's longest continuous provider of
distance education and with more than 15,000 external students, is
one of Australia's major providers of awards to off-campus
students. UNE is widely regarded as a reputational leader in
distance education inAustralia.
For more information about UNE go to www.une.edu.au
About Pearson:
Pearson is the world's leading learning company. From pre-school
to vocational, university and professional studies, its curriculum
materials, multimedia learning tools and testing programs help to
educate more than 100 million people worldwide.
For more information go to www.pearson.com and for
information on Pearson Platforms & Services go to www.pearsonplatforms.info