In due course, these devices have added new features, including voice recognition, greater bandwidth capabilities, and more sophisticated, readable displays. Dr. Jackson uses his tablet computer to interface with the USQ knowledge base wherever he may be. His tablet computer also interacts with the pervasive computing devices on the USQ campuses and other settings.

An Internationally-Recognized Resource and a Source of Revenues. Professor Jackson often hosts visitors from other institutions and has traveled extensively demonstrating this model. Variations on the USQ model (infrastructure, processes, and content/pedagogy) are being deployed by other universities in Asia, Europe, and North America. Some learning enterprises have entered into direct licensing agreements with USQ and their infrastructure providers.

USQ’s communities of practice have developed substantial repositories of e-knowledge content resources and related pedagogical insights, which are available for fee through several disciplinary repositories and marketplaces. This is a significant revenue stream for USQ. In addition, USQ has been able to improve its margins on learning through the efficiency and effectiveness enhancements made possible by its infrastructure, processes, and best practices.

Resources of Interest

Taylor, James C. 2001. Fifth Generation Distance Education. Australian Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Higher Education Division, Higher Education Series, Report No. 40, June.
www.dest.gov.au/highered/hes/ hes40/hes40.pdf