A pdf version of the paper is now available (375kb). Or you can download the zipped version (275kb) If you are vision-impaired, use the AccessAdobe conversion service
Matthew Warren & Shona Warren
The Internet allows for information to be accessed anywhere in the world in a variety of languages. This information can take the form of distance learning material, multimedia files etc. The Internet is an extremely cost effective method for universities to be able to offer courses to a national and global education market. Computer-mediated communication is becoming an ever-increasing way of facilitating learning for students who are unable to attend a traditional on-campus university. This is of particular importance to a culturally diverse country such as Australia where circumstances may stop individuals physically attending a University. But the widespread access of the Internet across Australia allows everyone to participate in the 'net', whether to send emails or become an off campus student. But the majority of those materials offered are only in English.
But the biggest problem that all Universities offering on-line course face is that they assume that the students using the technologies have a good understanding of English. This is an area which I will discuss within the paper because it means that the new technologies may actually disadvantage students instead of assisting them.
The paper will discuss the current disadvantage in the use of technology and the steps that can be taken to overcome these problems such as developing materials in other languages and ensuring that the materials are accessible to all students.
The paper will conclude by looking at the role that Australian Universities have in serving a Multicultural Australia and potential that new technologies offer if the correct steps are taken.
You can download a zipped pdf (size: 281 kb) version of the conference paper.
Matthew Warren & Shona Warren
Deakin University Geelong, Victoria Australia