Regional University Access
A Case Study from the South West
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v12i1.481Keywords:
online learning, support resources, regional univeristyAbstract
Access to appropriate training is a key to developing human resource is and enhancing quality of life in regional areas. Yet like many other service providers, universities are faced with the high costs of delivering services in regions with a small and scattered client pool. Thus, the challenge: how can universities serve regional communities and promote regional development while remaining cost effective and sustainable? Distance education technologies appear to offer a solution yet they may fail to respond to the underground needs of regional students.
In late 2000, Edith Cowan University commissioned a study to consider the challenge of regional service delivery, in the context of Warren-Blackwood region of South West Australia. This isolated, in land region has been undergoing economic displacement in the wake of timber industry restructuring; Improved training access has been identified as a regional development priority (Warren-Blackwood Action Plan, 2000) this paper presents the results of the study examining the demand for, and delivery of, university services in the Warren Blackwood region.
Surveys, focus groups and interviews with students and former students highlighted key trends, such as the pre university (year 10) exodus of youth from the region and the tendency for regionally based students to be mature aged. The paper identifies challenges, both logistical and psychological facing people who undertake long distance university studies (whether as distance-ed or commuting students). Finally, the paper suggests low-cost ways to facilitate the learning experience of students based in regional areas, by understanding the culture of learning and providing access to basic support resource is, regardless of the technological sophistication of course delivery.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Robyn Eversole
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors contributing to The Australian and Internation Journal of Rural Education agree to publish their articles under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 license, allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format, and to remix, transform, and build upon the material, for any purpose, even commercially, under the condition that appropriate credit is given, that a link to the license is provided, and that you indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
Authors retain copyright of their work, with first publication rights granted to The Australian and Internation Journal of Rural Education.
Manuscripts submitted for publication should not have been published or submitted for publication elsewhere. It is the responsibility of authors to secure release of any copyright materials included in their manuscripts, and to provide written evidence of this to the editors.
Papers are accepted on the understanding that they are subject to editorial revision. The Editorial Committee cannot guarantee that all contributions will be published nor give definite dates of publication. However, contributors will be advised if their papers are not accepted or if there will be a long publication delay.