Operational infrastructure for quality distance and online geospatial programs

Abstract

The Surveying and Land Information Discipline at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) has delivered full time and distance education programs in surveying and related areas for over 26 years. Academics at USQ have recently embarked on multimedia enhancement and online delivery of curricula to provide an even broader and more contemporary learning environment. These enhancements, when developed professionally, require a significant commitment of resources and expertise, and often necessitate a team approach to their design and development. Although there has been a proliferation of activity in the area of online delivery, little consideration has been given to the support infrastructure that is necessary to establish, deliver and maintain these offerings. This paper examines the operational infrastructure that is critical to distance education students receiving a comprehensive, timely and quality learning experience.