Harnessing International Collaboration and Cooperation for Research and Capacity Development in Universities

Abstract

Distance Education Hub is a new initiative of the University of New England that aims to provide leadership in developing and implementing models for distance education. The University of New England (UNE) is one of the oldest distance education institutions in Australia, and has a strong international reputation in this area. UNE is located in a regional location and its nearest metropolitan city is 6 hours drive both north and south. 80% of the student cohort study at a distance. Serving the region and supporting communities is a core mission of the University in addressing knowledge gaps and in building healthy and economically viable communities. Education can assist in addressing these aims. UNE has the capacity to respond to goals of addressing labour shortages and connecting communities to enhance social inclusion and sustainability of rural and regional settings. UNE already demonstrates how regional communities can be engaged in learning in a virtual, synchronous and asynchronous world through its courses and regional access centres.