Collaborative resource development for energy efficiency education
Background: There is a growing volume of open source ‘education material’ on energy efficiency now available however the Australian government has identified a need to increase the use of such materials in undergraduate engineering education. Furthermore, there is a reported need to rapidly equip...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Conference Paper |
| Published: |
2013
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| Online Access: | https://aaee.net.au/conferences/ http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/80465 |
| Summary: | Background: There is a growing volume of open source ‘education material’ on energy efficiency now available however the Australian government has identified a need to increase the use of such materials in
undergraduate engineering education. Furthermore, there is a reported need to rapidly equip
engineering graduates with the capabilities in conducting energy efficiency assessments, to improve energy performance across major sectors of the economy. In January 2013, building on several years of preparatory action-research initiatives, the former Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate
Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIICCSRTE) offered $600,000 to develop resources for energy efficiency related graduate attributes, targeting Engineers Australia college disciplines, accreditation requirements and opportunities to address such requirements. Purpose: This paper discusses a $430,000 successful bid by a university consortium led by QUT and including
RMIT, UA, UOW, and VU, to design and pilot several innovative, targeted open-source resources for
curriculum renewal related to energy efficiency assessments, in Australian engineering programs
(2013-2014), including ‘flat-pack’, ‘media-bites’, ‘virtual reality’ and ‘deep dive’ case study initiatives. Design/ Method:
The paper draws on literature review and lessons learned by the consortium partners in resource
development over the last several years to discuss methods for selecting key graduate attributes and providing targeted resources, supporting materials, and innovative delivery options to assist universities deliver knowledge and skills to develop such attributes. This includes strategic industry and key stakeholders engagement. The paper also discusses processes for piloting, validating, peer
reviewing, and refining these resources using a rigorous and repeatable approach to engaging with academic and industry colleagues.
Results: The paper provides an example of innovation in resource development through an engagement
strategy that takes advantage of existing networks, initiatives, and funding arrangements, while
informing program accreditation requirements, to produce a cost-effective plan for rapid integration of
energy efficiency within education. By the conference, stakeholder workshops will be complete.
Resources will be in the process of being drafted, building on findings from the stakeholder
engagement workshops. Reporting on this project “in progress” provides a significant opportunity to
share lessons learned and take on board feedback and input.
CONCLUSIONS
This paper provides a useful reference document for others considering significant resource
development in a consortium approach, summarising benefits and challenges. The paper also
provides a basis for documenting the second half of the project, which comprises piloting resources
and producing a ‘good practice guide’ for energy efficiency related curriculum renewal. |
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