Sketching up new geographies: Open sourcing and curriculum development

Authors

  • William Boyd Southern Cross University
  • David Ellis Southern Cross University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.142

Abstract

The functionality of web 2.0 technologies has caused academics to rethink their development of teaching and learning methods and approaches. The editable, open access nature of web 2.0 encourages the innovative collaboration of ideas, the creation of equitable visual and tactile learning environments, and opportunity for academics to develop contemporary assessment tasks. In reviewing an example of a teaching tool based on Google SketchUp 3D Warehouse, we have had to consider social and cultural changes required by academics adopting and adapting such technology. In using open source and collaborative knowledge technology there is a risk of work – including the work of students and others – being seen to be plagiarised, and this coming into conflict with established rules of academic behaviour. We conclude that universities must not only be willing to invest in the educational infrastructure to avoid communication, ownership, and authority issues, but, more importantly, be prepared to examine cultural change regarding values and beliefs around ownership of knowledge and the roles of collaborative knowledge generation.

 

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Author Biographies

William Boyd, Southern Cross University

Professor of Geography, School of Environment, Science & Engineering

David Ellis, Southern Cross University

Lecturer in Technology Education, School of Education

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Published

2013-06-29

How to Cite

Boyd, W., & Ellis, D. (2013). Sketching up new geographies: Open sourcing and curriculum development. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 29(3). https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.142