Integrating Continuing Education courses and Engineering coursework units

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Research and Development in Higher Education Vol. 23: Flexible Learning for a Flexible Society

July, 2000, 755 pages
Published by
Lesley Richardson & John Lidstone
ISBN
0908557477
Abstract 

A widely accepted tenet in academia is that its practitioners are actively involved in teaching, professional practice and research. This broad spectrum of “expertise” should assist academics to provide a broad range of education options to students. This educational expertise can simultaneously be made available to practicing professionals in the form of continuing education programs. This synergism provides a cost-effective and flexible method of offering integrated courses to both students and professionals. If such an approach is to be successful however, the academic must be dedicated, have good management skills and have access to industry organisations that are able to provide direct or indirect funding support. The paper explores the use of integrated classes for undergraduates, postgraduates and professionals in the School of Civil Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia. It is concluded that such an approach can provide a flexible and cost- effective service to both students and professionals if industry and university management is supportive of academics and teaching programs.