Centre makes digital dreams a reality

Higher education in the Northern Territory is being revolutionised with the launch of a digital media centre at Charles Darwin University.

The Innovative Media Production Studio (IMPS) will use the latest in interactive digital technology to enhance online learning experiences for CDU students.

IMPS team leader Alison Lockley said her team aimed to make online learning engaging and interactive by creating learning aids, such as games and web apps.

She said about 75 per cent of CDU students studied partially or fully online.

“CDU has placed itself a leader of online learning because so many of its students study remotely or internationally, and it’s only going to grow,” Ms Lockley said.

“The online space is becoming more and more important and CDU wants to tread firmly in that area.”

Ms Lockley said her team would also assist lecturers across the faculties in repurposing user-friendly digital learning tools for their individual needs.

She said the vibrant IMPS space was designed to inspire creativity. The space also features cutting edge facilities, including a green screen room, sound recording booth and a mixing room. 

The IMPS fit-out has been nominated for an award in the 2014 NT Architecture Awards.

IMPS received two awards in innovation at the international Blackboard Catalyst Awards earlier this year.

The IMPS team includes 3D animation and multimedia designer Dan Hartney, web programmer and designer Jeff Ballweg, and Massive Open Online Course coordinator Karin Pfister.