Background
IML merger
In August 2000, the Institute for Interactive Multimedia (IIM) and the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) formed one unit - the Institute for Interactive Media and Learning (IML).
The merger occurred as a result of a University decision that it was an appropriate time in the development of both units for them to co- operate more completely. It was felt that more could be achieved by merging the learning and teaching and interactive media units.
IIM background
Establishment
In 1992, the Vice-Chancellor of UTS formed the 'Task Force on the Development of Integrated Multimedia Facilities at UTS'. In their report back to the Vice Chancellor in 1994, the Task Force identified four areas in which technology might have an impact on the UTS Mission:
- improvements in student learning
- recognition of the impact on the curriculum of changes
in current professional practice
- improvements in the productivity of teaching and
university administration
- opening a fertile new area of interdisciplinary research spanning almost all existing faculties
The Task Force recommended that the University form an Institute for Interactive Multimedia, within which interactive multimedia (IM) development would occur. thus the new Institute was established, with Shirley Alexander as Director.
Early focus
IIM's work in the early years focused on:
- developing internal media resources on CD-ROM and
Internet (see our Projects Gallery)
- managing new initiatives for teaching online
- designing, developing and evaluating UTS web sites
- establishing a range of postgraduate courses in interactive multimedia
CLT background
Establishment
CLT was established in 1988 as an academic staff development unit. Its purpose was to assist the University in providing higher education for professional practice, that anticipated and responded to community needs and the effects of rapid social and technological change.
CLT's work promoted a University ethos and practise that improved teaching and enhanced learning opportunities for students, and that provided staff with an opportunity to realise their own potential in all aspects of their academic work.
Early focus
CLT's early work focused on:
- creating an environment that assisted student learning
and academic staff development in teaching
- providing support to faculties in achieving their
strategic initiatives, particularly those related to
teaching and learning, course design, assessment, flexible
learning and work-based learning
- providing support and advice for evaluation processes
and the use of evaluation for improving teaching and
learning
- helping to create, develop and implement policies
affecting teaching and learning at UTS
- contributing to the advancement of knowledge in
teaching and learning in higher education
- sharing academic development and research expertise within the university and with other institutions and organisations