Who are we?
How do we operate?
Resource design and development
Working with us
The Distance Learning Unit is responsible for the development and production of curriculum resources for students of distance education in Queensland.
Our staff has extensive experience and expertise in course design and writing, project management, desktop publishing, illustration, editing, copyright and production of online and audiovisual resources.
We develop courses and related materials to provide the best of educational opportunities to students accessing education via the Schools of Distance Education.
The Distance Learning Unit (DLU) works in partnership with the seven Schools of Distance Education in Queensland, with regular consultation and cooperative planning in the development of curriculum materials for distance learning.
The operational structure for Distance Learning materials development rests with the Strategy and Performance branch of Education Queensland. The DLU has responsibility for materials development, operational policy support, data gathering and liaison with the distance learning community, including schools and parent organisations.
We are key stakeholders in the two leading Distance Learning planning and development groups - the Strategic Planning Team and the Materials Development Forum.
The Strategic Planning Team includes the Director, DLU, all seven SDE principals and representatives of SODEA (Schools of Distance Education Alliance). The Team provides leadership in the ongoing planning of distance learning materials development, sets priorities and monitors the design of curriculum materials, always considering the specific needs of the SDEs and their clients.
The Materials Development Forum provides an opportunity for reporting and feedback on progress of current distance learning projects. Participants in the Forum include curriculum leaders and coordinators, DLU project managers and parent and community representatives, all actively engaging in the materials development agenda.
When a decision is made to develop new curriculum materials for distance learning, the process begins by meeting with the Schools of Distance Education to clarify subject objectives, desired learning outcomes and appropriate delivery mode/s for the particular subject area and student group.
Once these key aspects are agreed, thorough planning begins. Careful budgeting, scheduling and staffing follow.
Recent examples of new courses in development are senior subjects including Modern History, Ancient History, Pre-vocational Mathematics and Senior Biology. In each case a mix of delivery modes has been chosen as the most appropriate and accessible way of providing these learning resources to students. These include online materials which are delivered using Blackboard ®, the Department's flexible e-learning and online communities system for students and staff, and print materials which are supported by video and audio resources delivered on CD-ROM.
From time to time Distance Learning Unit projects require the expertise of skilled casual and contract staff. We keep a list of providers with talents and experience we may need to call upon. Learn more about working with us.
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© The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training and the Arts) 2004.