Academic literature on the topic 'Medicine Study and teaching (Higher) Australia Case studies'

Students from three undergraduate programs at James Cook University, Queensland, Australia, studying combined first-year anatomy and physiology courses, showed different academic achievement in physiology. Physiotherapy students were more active and social when completing learning tasks and achieved significantly higher grades in physiology compared with students enrolled in Sport and Exercise Science and Occupational Therapy programs. To promote academic engagement and achievement by all three groups, discussion questions, case studies, and study guides were included. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using these modified resources to promote active learning, enhance academic social interactions, and provide a supportive learning environment. The occupational therapy students showed increased academic achievement (from 57.9 to 66.5%) following implementation of the new resources, but there was no change in the already high-performing physiotherapy students (73.1%) and, more concerningly, the sport and exercise science students (from 54.6 to 56.7%). Fewer sport and exercise science students had prior learning in chemistry (30.4% of participants) and also spent little time outside class studying (8 h/wk), compared with the physiotherapy cohort (70.0% chemistry; 13 h/wk studying). Findings of this research demonstrate that creating a supportive and active learning environment are important factors in promoting the learning of physiology for some cohorts. Background knowledge, academic self-regulatory skills, and the experience of teaching staff are factors that must be considered when endeavoring to increase student academic achievement. Future studies should examine the effect of students’ academic self-regulation and the use of remedial chemistry classes when learning physiology.

ObjectivesPeople with serious life-limiting disease benefit from advance care planning, but require active identification. This study applied the Gold Standards Framework Proactive Identification Guidance (GSF-PIG) to a general hospital population to describe high-risk patients and explore prognostic performance for 12-month mortality.MethodsProspective cohort study conducted in a metropolitan teaching hospital in Australia. Hospital inpatients on a single day aged 18 years and older were eligible, excluding maternity and neonatal, mental health and day treatment patients. Data sources included medical record and structured questions for medical and nursing staff. High-risk was predefined as positive response to the surprise question (SQ) plus two or more SPICT indicators of general deterioration. Descriptive variables included demographics, frailty and functional measures, treating team, advance care planning documentation and hospital utilisation. Primary outcome for prognostic performance was 12-month mortality.ResultsWe identified 540 eligible inpatients on the study day and 513 had complete data (mean age 60, 54% male, 30% living alone, 19% elective admissions). Of these, 191 (37%) were high-risk; they were older, frailer, more dependent and had been in hospital longer than low-risk participants. Within 12 months, 92 participants (18%) died (72/191(38%) high-risk versus 20/322(6%) low-risk, P<0.001), providing sensitivity 78%, specificity 72%, positive predictive value 38% and negative predictive value 94%. SQ alone provided higher sensitivity, adding advanced disease indicators improved specificity.ConclusionsThe GSF-PIG approach identified a large minority of hospital inpatients who might benefit from advance care planning. Future studies are needed to investigate the feasibility, cost and impact of screening in hospitals.

Students are excited by the possibilities presented through digital technologies and their applicability across a broad range of industries. Digital literacy has been identified as a foundational 21st Century skill by the Australian Government (2020, p. 4), which is ‘essential for individuals to participate effectively in today’s society’. The need for strong transferable skills has accelerated during the pandemic as many industries have migrated to digital contexts. Digital literacy is a transferable skill sought after by employers, alongside other emerging transferable skills required for 21st Century success, including critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving (FYA 2017, p. 8). In this paper, we will provide a case study of authentic assessment in an innovative digital literacy course at an Australian university, designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds to build transferable skills for degree study and future careers. Authentic assessment provides opportunities for meaningful learning as students complete assessments aligned with their aspirations and career interests: ‘Authenticity automatically gives relevance to the learning journey; relevance encourages engagement and enthusiasm, which should bring about meaningful learning’ (ACEL 2016). The scaffolded course design focuses on embedding professional practice through authentic assessment. Recent student projects include: an infographic of wellbeing techniques for children designed for educational contexts, an informative website to support refugees, a share-economy inspired app for deep cleaning, an infographic on sustainable architecture, a blog on brand development, and a review of robot programming for IT students. We will provide strategies for authentic assessment through technology-enhanced learning, which will offer insight and inspiration for educators interested in adopting these approaches. Choice is a key element of course design, allowing students to demonstrate key concepts through the creation of unique and meaningful projects. First, students demonstrate threshold concepts, then they follow industry practice to pitch and produce an individual digital project. Course design is grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and enabling pedagogy (Stokes 2017). UDL techniques, including multiple modes of representation, action and expression, and engagement, support the learning of all students (CAST 2011). Enabling pedagogical approaches work to support the development of confidence, capability and agency, while valuing the strengths individual students bring (Stokes 2021). Students aiming for diverse fields have followed their interests to create digital projects aligned with their career aspirations, from game development to health apps, business sites to educational modules, critical digital reviews to music videos, animations to augmented and virtual reality content. Production work is negotiated with tutors, who provide guidance and mentorship, following a production company ethos. Students adhere to industry standards for copyright and ethical practice in assessments, while building their professional portfolio and skills for future success. The combination of digital literacy and authentic assessments motivates students to follow their passions and create digital products they care about. This approach has resulted in outstanding student evaluations and learning outcomes, above average retention, and institutional recognition through a Digital Learning citation. Importantly, this approach supports students to build professional skills and knowledge for emerging industries and future career opportunities. References ACEL. (2016). Authentic learning: what, why and how? e-Teaching, 10. http://www.acel.org.au/acel/ACEL_docs/Publications/e-Teaching/2016/e-Teaching_2016_10.pdf Australian Government. (2020). Foundation Skills for Your Future Program: Digital Literacy Skills Framework, Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia. Australian Technology Network. (2020). ATN joint statement on authentic assessment, Australian Technology Network. https://www.atn.edu.au/news-and-events/latest-news/atn-joint-statement-on-authentic-assessment CAST. (2011). Universal Design for Learning Guidelines Version 2.0. Massachusetts: Wakefield. Foundation for Young Australians (2017). The new work smarts. https://www.fya.org.au/report/the-new-work-smarts Stokes, J. (2017). Inclusion and engagement by design: Creating a digital literacy course to inspire diverse learners in an​ Australian university enabling program. International Studies in Widening Participation, 4(2), 65–78. https://novaojs.newcastle.edu.au/ceehe/index.php/iswp/article/download/85/103 ​ Stokes, J. (2021). Those skills to take on the world: developing capitals through university enabling programs. The International Journal of Learning in Higher Education, 28 (2), 133-146. DOI: 10.18848/2327-7955/CGP/v28i02/133-146

The Covid-19 pandemic had a dangerous impact on early-childhood education, lost learning in almost all aspects of child development. The house-to-house learning, with the name Moving Home Learning Program (MHLP), is an attractive offer as an emergency remote teaching solution. This study aims to describe the application of MHLP designed by early-childhood education institutions during the learning process at home. This study used a qualitative approach with data collection using interviews, observation, and documentation. The respondents involved in the interview were a kindergarten principal and four teachers. The research data were analyzed using the data content analysis. The Findings show that the MHLP has proven to be sufficiently in line with the learning needs of early childhood during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although, the application of the MHLP learning model has limitations such as the distance from the house that is far away, the number of meetings that are only once a week, the number of food and toy sellers passing by, disturbing children's concentration, and the risk of damage to goods at home. The implication of this research can be the basis for evaluating MHLP as an adaptive strategy that requires the attention of related parties, including policy makers, school principals, and teachers for the development of new, more effective online learning models. Keywords: Moving Home Learning Program (MHLP), Children Remote Teaching References:Abdollahi, E., Haworth-Brockman, M., Keynan, Y., Langley, M. J., & Oghadas, S. M. (2020). Simulating the effect of school closure during COVID-19 outbreaks in Ontario , Canada. BMC Medicine, 1–8. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-020-01705-8 Arends, R. I., & Kilcher, A. (2010). Teaching for Student Learning: Becoming an Accomplished Teacher (1st ed.). Routledge. Arysandhi, K. N., & Meitriana, M. A. (2014). Studi Komparatif Motivasi Belajar Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran IPS antara Moving Class dengan Kelas Menetap di SMPN 1 Kerambitan dan SMPN 2 Tabanan Tahun Pelajaran 2013/2014. Ekuitas-Jurnal Pendidikan Ekonomi, 2(1), 30–39. Bawa, P. (2020). Learning in the age of SARS-COV-2 : A quantitative study of learners ’ performance in the age of emergency remote teaching. Computers and Education Open, 1(October), 100016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeo.2020.100016 Bialek, S., Gierke, R., Hughes, M., McNamara, L., Pilishvili, T., & Skoff, T. (2020). Morbidity and mortality weekly report (mmwr) - Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Children — United States, February 12–April 2, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69, 2–6. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/pui-form.pdf. Boardman, M. (2003). Changing Times: Changing Challenges for Early Childhood Leaders. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 28(2), 20–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/183693910302800205 Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development (1st ed.). Harvard University Press. Chen, Y. T. (2020). An investigation of young children’s science and aesthetic learning through a science aesthetic thematic curriculum: A mixed-methods study. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 45(2), 127–141. https://doi.org/10.1177/1836939120918503 Choi, N., & Jung, H. (2020). Temperament and Home Environment Characteristics as Predictors of Young Children ’ s Learning Motivation. Early Childhood Education Journal, 1994. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-020-01019-7 Counselman, K. P., & Jones, E. (2001). Distance learning in early childhood teacher education: The experience of Pacific Oaks College. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 22(4), 225–230. https://doi.org/10.1080/1090102010220402 Daniel, S. J. (2020). Education and the COVID-19 pandemic. PROSPECTS, 6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11125-020-09464-3 Dick, W., Carey, L., & Carey, J. O. (2015). The Systematic Design of Instruction (8th ed.). Pearson. Diningrat, S. W. M., Nindya, M. A., & Salwa. (2020). Cakrawala Pendidikan ,. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 39(3), 705–719. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v39i3.32304 Dong, C., Cao, S., & Li, H. (2020). Young children’s online learning during COVID-19 pandemic: Chinese parents’ beliefs and attitudes. Children and Youth Services Review, 118(June), 105440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105440 Dong, Y., Dong, Y., Mo, X., Hu, Y., Qi, X., Jiang, F., Jiang, Z., Jiang, Z., Tong, S., Tong, S., & Tong, S. (2020). Epidemiology of COVID-19 among children in China. Pediatrics, 145(6). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-0702 Eliza, D. (2013). Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Kontekstual Learning (CTL) Berbasis Centra di Taman Kanak-Kanak. Pedagogi: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, XIII(2), 93–106. Fadlilah, azizah nurul. (2021). Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini Strategi Menghidupkan Motivasi Belajar Anak Usia Dini Selama Pandemi COVID-19 melalui Publikasi Abstrak. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 5(1), 373–384. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v5i1.548 Fenech, M. (2013). Quality early childhood education for my child or for all children?: Parents as activists for equitable, high-quality early childhood education in Australia. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 38(4), 92–98. https://doi.org/10.1177/183693911303800413 Gibson, M. (2013). “I want to educate school-age children”: Producing early childhood teacher professional identities. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 14(2), 127–137. https://doi.org/10.2304/ciec.2013.14.2.127 Hamzah, N. (2016). Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran BCCT Bagi Anak Usia Dini ; Study Pelaksanaan BCCT Di Tk Islam Mujahidin Pontianak. At-Turats: Jurnal Pemikiran Pendidikan Islama, 10(2), 119–131. Hasan, M. S., & Saputri, D. E. (2020). Pembelajaran PAI Berbasis Moving Class di SMP Negeri 1 Gudo Jombang. Attaqwa: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Islam, 16(September), 113–125. Hew, K. F., Jia, C., Gonda, D. E., & Bai, S. (2020). Transitioning to the “new normal” of learning in unpredictable times: pedagogical practices and learning performance in fully online flipped classrooms. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-020-00234-x Hodges, C. B., Moore, S., Lockee, B., Trust, T., & Bond, A. (2020). The Difference Between Emergency Remote Teaching and Online Learning. Educase Review. Hussein, E., Daoud, S., Alrabaiah, H., & Badawi, R. (2020). Children and Youth Services Review Exploring undergraduate students ’ attitudes towards emergency online learning during COVID-19 : A case from the UAE. Children and Youth Services Review, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105699 Işıkoğlu, N., Ero, A., Atan, A., & Aytekin, S. (2021). A qualitative case study about overuse of digital play at home. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-01442-y A Kilgallon, P., Maloney, C., & Lock, G. (2008). Early childhood teachers coping with educational change. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 33(1), 23–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/183693910803300105 Kim, J. (2020). Learning and Teaching Online During Covid ‑ 19 : Experiences of Student Teachers in an Early Childhood Education Practicum. International Journal of Early Childhood, 52(2), 145–158. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-020-00272-6 Kurniati, E., Kusumanita, D., Alfaeni, N., & Andriani, F. (2021). Analisis Peran Orang Tua dalam Mendampingi Anak di Masa Abstrak. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 5(1), 241–256. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v5i1.541 Lopes, H., & Mckay, V. (2020). pandemics : The COVID ‑ 19 experience. International Review of Education, 0123456789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-020-09843-0 Macartney, K., Quinn, H. E., Pillsbury, A. J., Koirala, A., Deng, L., Winkler, N., Katelaris, A. L., & Sullivan, M. V. N. O. (2020). Articles Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Australian educational settings : a prospective cohort study. Lancet Child Adolesc Health 2020, 4642(20), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30251-0 Marina, Indrawati, H., & Suarman. (2019). Application of Moving Class Learning Models and Teacher Pedagogical Competence on Learning Motivation and Student Learning Discipline. Journal of Educational Sciences, 3(1), 72–83. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.31258/jes.3.1.p.72-83 McLean, K., Edwards, S., & Mantilla, A. (2020). A review of community playgroup participation. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 45(2), 155–169. https://doi.org/10.1177/1836939120918484 Muhdi, Nurkolis, & Yuliejantiningsih, Y. (2020). The Implementation of Online Learning in Early Childhood Education During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 14(2), 248–261. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.21009/JPUD.142.04 Panovska-griffiths, J., Kerr, C. C., Stuart, R. M., Mistry, D., Klein, D. J., Viner, R. M., & Bonell, C. (2020). Articles Determining the optimal strategy for reopening schools , the impact of test and trace interventions , and the risk of occurrence of a second COVID-19 epidemic wave in the UK : a modelling study. The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, 4642(20), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(20)30250-9 Piquero, A. R., Riddell, J. R., Bishopp, S. A., Narvey, C., Reid, J. A., & Piquero, N. L. (2020). Staying Home , Staying Safe ? A Short-Term Analysis of COVID-19 on Dallas Domestic Violence. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 601–635. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-020-09531-7 Pramling, I., Judith, S., Elin, T. W., & Ødegaard, E. (2020). The Coronavirus Pandemic and Lessons Learned in Preschools in Norway , Sweden and the United States : OMEP Policy Forum. International Journal of Early Childhood, 0123456789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-020-00267-3 Pribadi, H., & Harjati, P. (2013). Analisis Pembelajaran Fisika dalam Sistem Moving Class di SMP Negeri 1 Pekalongan Lampung Timur Tahun Pelajaran 2012/2013. JPF, 32–41. Project Tommorow & Blackboard. (2017). Trends in Digital Learning: Building teachers’ capacity and competency to create new learning experiences for students. https://tomorrow.org/speakup/speak-up-2016-trends-digital-learning-june-2017.html Rahiem, M. D. H. (2020). The Emergency Remote Learning Experience of University Students in Indonesia amidst the COVID-19 Crisis. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(6), 1–26. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5618-2486%0AAbstract. Ramdhani, M. T. (2016). Model Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Pendidikan Agama Islam dengan Sistem Moving Class dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi dan Prestasi Belajar Siswa SMP IT Sahabat Alam. Anterior Jurnal, 15(2), 212–221. Reigeluth, C. M., Beatty, B. J., & Myers, R. D. (2017). Instructional-Design Theories and Models (R. D. Myers (Ed.); IV). Routledge. Sangsawang, T. (2020). Indonesian Journal of Science & Technology An Instructional Design for Online Learning in Vocational Education according to a Self-Regulated Learning Framework for Problem Solving during the CoViD-19 Crisis. 5. Schmerse, D., Anders, Y., Wieduwilt, N., & Tietze, W. (2018). Differential effects of home and preschool learning environments on early language development. British Educational Research Journal, 44(2), 338–357. https://doi.org/10.1002/berj.3332 Schreier, M. (2013). Qualitative Content Analysis (First Edit). SAGE Publications. Shisley, S. (2020). Emergency Remote Learning Compared to Online Learning. Learning Solution. https://learningsolutionsmag.com/articles/emergency-remote-learning-compared-to-online-learning Son, S., & Morrison, F. J. (2010). The Nature and Impact of Changes in Home Learning Environment on Development of Language and Academic Skills in Preschool Children. 46(5), 1103–1118. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0020065 Stephen, C., Ellis, J., & Martlew, J. (2010). Taking active learning into the primary school: A matter of new practices? International Journal of Early Years Education, 18(4), 315–329. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2010.531916 Sudrajat, C. J., Agustin, M., Kurniati, L., & Karsa, D. (2021). Strategi Kepala TK dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Pendidikan pada Masa Pandemi Covid 19 Abstrak. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 5(1), 508–520. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v5i1.582 Sumindar, A., & Wahyu, L. (2012). Model Pembelajaran Moving Class Mata Pelajaran Seni Budaya dan Implikasinya terhadap Kemandirian Siswa (Kajian Kasus) di SMA Karangturi Semarang. Catharsis: Journal of Arts Education, 1(2), 21. Supriatna, R., Hafidhuddin, D., & Syafri, U. A. (2018). Model Pembelajaran Beyond Center and Circle Time (BCCT) Berbasis Q.S Lukman Ayat 12-19. Tawazun: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 11(2), 1–11. Syarah, E. S. (2020). Understanding Teacher ’ s Perspectives in Media Literacy Education as an Empowerment Instrument of Blended Learning in Early Childhood Classroom. Jurnal Pendidikan Usia Dini, 14(2), 202–214. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.21009/JPUD.142.01 Tang, Y., & Hew, K. F. (2020). Does mobile instant messaging facilitate social presence in online communication? A two-stage study of higher education students. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-020-00188-0 Thompson, M. (2019). Early Childhood Pedagogy in a Socio ‑ cultural Medley in Ghana : Case Studies in Kindergarten. International Journal of Early Childhood, 51(2), 177–192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-019-00242-7 Togher, M., & Fenech, M. (2020). Ongoing quality improvement in the context of the National Quality Framework: Exploring the perspectives of educators in ‘Working Towards’ services. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 45(3), 241–253. https://doi.org/10.1177/1836939120936003 UNESCO. (2020). UNESCO’s support: Educational response to COVID-19. Unesco. https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse/support Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press. Wiresti, R. D. (2021). Analisis Dampak Work From Home pada Anak Usia Dini di Masa Pandemi Covid-19. Jurnal Obsesi : Jurnal Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini, 5(1), 641–653. https://doi.org/10.31004/obsesi.v5i1.563 Wiwatowski, M., Page, J., & Young, S. (2020). Examining early childhood teachers’ attitudes and responses to superhero play. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 45(2), 170–182. https://doi.org/10.1177/1836939120918486 Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications Design and Methods (Eliza Wells (Ed.); Sixth Edit). SAGE Publications. Yoshikawa, H., Wuermli, A. J., Britto, P. R., Dreyer, B., Leckman, J. F., Lye, S. J., Ponguta, L. A., Richter, L. M., & Stein, A. (2020). Effects of the Global Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic on Early Childhood Development: Short- and Long-Term Risks and Mitigating Program and Policy Actions. The Journal of Pediatrics, 223(1), 188–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.05.020 Zhu, X., & Liu, J. (2020). Education in and After Covid-19 : Immediate Responses and Long-Term Visions. Postdigital Science and Education. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s42438-020-00126-3

Islamic studies is an in-demand discipline area in Australia, including both classical Islamic studies and contemporary Islamic studies. While the field of classical Islamic studies has evolved over the centuries alongside the needs of the societies it serves, it has, nevertheless, remained within a well-established Islamic framework. This type of knowledge is sought by many, especially Muslims. Contemporary Islamic studies also plays a critical role in understanding Islam and Muslims in the contemporary context. The higher education sector in Australia contributes to this knowledge base via the Islamic studies courses it offers. This article discusses the positioning of the higher education sector in fulfilling Islamic educational needs, especially in the presence of other non-accredited education institutions such as mosques and madrasas. Despite the presence of other educational institutions, the higher educational sector appeals to a large pool of students, as evidenced by the number of Islamic studies courses offered by fourteen Australian universities. The teaching of classical Islamic studies in the higher education sector is not without its challenges. These challenges can be overcome and have been overcome to a large degree by the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC), Charles Sturt University (CSU). CISAC was used as a case study, as it is the largest Islamic studies department offering the greatest number of classical Islamic studies focused courses with the highest number of Islamic studies students in Australia. This article, overall, demonstrates that there is an ongoing need for Islamic studies to be taught, both in a classical and contemporary capacity, in the higher education sector.

“Education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living. John DeweyThe current study examines the impact of John Dewey’s democratic educational principles on the recent educational reforms in New South Wales, Australia, using data collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, with open-ended questions, as part of case studies designed for this purpose. The participants in this study are all Australian educators (n=60), undertaking full-time and part-time academic posts, involving learning and teaching activities at universities and other higher educational institutions/providers in Sydney, Australia. As part of the case studies, the individual, personal, and professional teaching and learning journeys of the educators are sketched in details in relation to John Dewey’s four (4) key democratic educational reformative principles. Finally, this research study concludes by providing a realistic response to the following question: Given the current liberal and relatively democratic educational system in New South Wales, are the Australian educators truly given the opportunity to create a positive and constructive future vision for Australia, in general, and the Australian graduates, in particular. The current study further provides a realistic and clear-cut description of the hurdles facing the current educational system in New South Wales, Australia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers from higher education faced challenges on how to adequately adjust their teaching from a face-to-face to an online format to train future teachers properly. The study aimed to illustrate participants' experiences regarding their training during virtual courses in an international Asian HE institution. The applied methodology was qualitative, with a case study as a research design, intending to understand participants' experiences and adjust the training model for virtual classes in a particular Asian context. The participants were MA and Ph.D. in education students enrolled in the Instructional Models class, delivered online. Data collection consisted of (a) a focus-group discussion (with five participants) lasting for one hour and a half; (b) document analysis (15 students' journals); (c) video records for five micro-teaching; (d) one study group that lasted for 60 minutes organized to reflect on the 14 micro-teaching lessons. After thematic coding of data, the results revealed participants' empowering experiences during training, with challenges and success in conducting micro-teachings for virtual classes. The participants recommended including more micro-teaching sessions to master the teaching strategies demonstrated and introducing basic training in using technology for those who did not have technological skills. With empowering but still challenging teaching experiences, for further studies, the recommendation is to apply the training model in an online context, for both pre-service and in-service teachers, from different levels of education.

Abstract There are several ways of preserving water covering technical, legal and cultural aspects. More recently, Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) has become one of the popular means of water-saving. A few studies on RWH system at place of worship have been undertaken; however, there has not been any detailed study in Australia. This research aims to explore how Islamic scripture can be used to promote water conservation among the Muslim community, specifically, this examines the feasibility of a RWH system at St Marys Islamic Centre, New South Wales, Australia where a RWH system is proposed to supplement mains water for regular uses such as washing, gardening, and socio-religious functions. Based on local daily rainfall data, a water balance model has been developed to estimate reliability of a RWH system at the proposed location. The preliminary result shows that for a 10 kL tank size, the average reliability of the proposed RWH system is 69% for 400 people. However, if the tank size increases, reliability also increases and therefore, higher tank size is needed at the proposed site. Finally, this result will be useful to understand the effects of Islamic motivation and RWH on water preservation. It is also expected that the outcomes of this research will promote water conservation in places of worship and community centres across Australia and other countries.

The profile of university students has changed in recent years. The use of the Internet and social networks has fostered immediacy in everyday life. Added to this is the fact that in recent years the number of students known as “sisi” generation has increased, that is, students who study and work at the same time. For this student profile, not only is a master class enough, but, given the effort they make to be able to train -in person or online (e-learning)- we must, at least, take into account different techniques or tools that can help encourage participation, motivate students and facilitate the acquisition and assimilation of the knowledge exposed in the training sessions. In this line, we present a teaching case in which gamification tools applicable to education were used in order to report an experience that makes the use of this type of programs or gamification techniques to be valued and taken as a reference when teaching. in a context of higher education both in the face-to-face environment and in the online environment. In the present study, the experience of applying gamification tools or techniques, both in face-to-face studies and in online studies, has been satisfactory for the students and, as they indicate, has helped them in their learning. In line with other authors, our didactic case corroborates the results of the improvement in the understanding and learning of students in higher education.

To address the need for greater flexibility in access to higher education, an online graduate course in physiology using case studies was developed and offered in summer 2012. Topics in both animal and human physiology were organized as modules that contained a case study with questions, a prerecorded online lecture, and three research journal articles. We followed best practices for teaching and learning in distance education, including the preparation of materials before the course starting date, a discussion board for responding to pre- and postcase discussion questions, and prompt reply to student queries. For exams, students generated their own questions based on new cases and developed their own case study for the final project. Although only 20% of students had previously taken an online course, all students stated that they would recommend this course to others. Postcase assessment indicated that students found the cases interesting, informative, and presented at the appropriate level. Most students said that the online course took them more time but that they learned more content and used the primary literature more than in a traditional class. Our results indicate that a well-organized physiology course using a case study format is a very effective model for online learning.