A $7 million centre, the INSPIRE Centre, designed to lead research and practice in the use of technology, has been launched at the University of Canberra.

 

The centre will deliver professional education and applied research in information and communications technology (ICT), and is a partnership between the ACT Government and the University of Canberra.

 

University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker said the centre would help the University develop as a recognised leader in the field of ICT in education.

 

“INSPIRE provides opportunities for stakeholders to engage with cutting edge ICT spaces and facilities, and will help students and teachers learn how to get the most out of new and evolving technologies,” Professor Parker said.

 

Led by director Professor Robert Fitzgerald, INSPIRE is currently working with the University’s Faculty of Education on pre-service teacher education and the Centre for Teaching and Learning on new learning environments applying design-based approaches to learning.

 

INSPIRE includes a Technology Enabled Active Learning (TEAL) space, studio spaces, multi-media pods, an outdoor terrace and a unique video wall using Hiperwall software, which was recently installed and is the first of its kind in the Australasian region.

 

The centre was funded through the Federal Government’s Capital Development Pool Program ($5 million) and the ACT Government ($2 million).

 

Events already hosted at INSPIRE include the 2011 Don Aitkin Public Lecture, the ACT Teacher Mentor program, 2012 Global Service Design Jam and the ACT Government’s Virtual Youth Cabinet.

 

Next month INSPIRE will host the Augmented Reality camp for academics, teachers and students interested in making education more engaging and active, and GovJam, a two-day event held as part of APS Innovation Week for people in the public service to learn and apply their skills and experience in designing better service delivery.