Digital Literacies and Pedagogies
Key areas of research in the DLP cluster include:
- Effective Instructional Strategies: focuses on identifying teaching methods that promote student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This includes exploring inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, collaborative learning, and other innovative approaches.
- Curriculum Design: examines the development and evaluation of digitally enhanced curricula, including the integration of interdisciplinary concepts, real-world applications, and hands-on experiences to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Teacher Professional Development: explores effective approaches to teacher training and professional development using technology. This includes investigating the impact of professional learning communities, mentoring programs, and workshops on teacher knowledge and instructional practices.
- Technology Enhanced Learning: examines the integration of technology in learning and educational environments, such as virtual simulations, online resources, and educational apps. It explores the impact of technology on student engagement, learning outcomes, and digital literacy skills.
- Informal Learning Environments: investigates the impact of informal settings, such as maker space centres, science centres, museums, and after-school programs, on student interest and engagement. It explores effective strategies for integrating formal and informal learning experiences.
Cluster Leaders
Bundaberg Makerspace
The CQUniversity Bundaberg Makerspace, established in 2020, serves as a constructivist learning environment equipped with advanced technologies.
Current Projects
Enhancing Academic Preparedness: A Comprehensive Trial of Individualised Digital Pedagogy for Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Readiness
This project evaluates the effectiveness of an Individualised Digital Pedagogy (IDP) designed to support first-year Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students from low socioeconomic and regional/remote backgrounds. Using a randomised controlled trial, the study compares IDP with traditional Academic Learning Centre support to improve performance on the LANTITE exam. The IDP incorporates adaptive learning tools, personalised feedback, and tutor guidance to target individual skill gaps. The trial aims to reduce equity barriers in teacher education by boosting literacy, numeracy, confidence, and student engagement. The project is funded with $199,883, including $179,883 from the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) and a $20,000 contribution from CQUniversity.
Key Personnel: Dr Robert Vanderburg, Dr Michelle Vanderburg, Associate Professor Rickie Fisher, Dr Linda Lorenza, Dr Nadia Mead
This project aims to develop and evaluate a digital instruction framework for mathematics education. It involves teachers implementing CK-12's platform alongside their current curriculum, enhancing instruction without changing it. Two groups of classes will experience the digital pedagogy, allowing for comparison. Pre- and post-tests, including mathematics diagnostics and an efficacy questionnaire, will measure improvements.
Key Personnel: Dr Robert Vanderburg, Dr Michelle Vanderburg
The CQUniversity Bundaberg Makerspace, established in 2020, serves as a constructivist learning environment equipped with advanced technologies, including drones, 3D printers, and robotics. Under Dr. Michelle Vanderburg's leadership, the space hosts workshops for students from Early Childhood to Year 12 and university students, with a particular focus on developing STEM skills, digital literacy skills, innovative thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Funded through multiple grants, the current research project investigates STEM-related beliefs, motivations, and experiences of students, teachers, and parents to enhance engagement with technology aligned with Australian curriculum standards.
Key Personnel: Dr Michelle Vanderburg, Michelle Gossner, Dr. Robert Vanderburg, Brandy Bayntun, Robert Hannay, Isaac Doan
Past Projects
Funded by an internal CQU CREATE grant, this project centred on a comprehensive literature review examining educational technology implementation in higher education. The study analysed various technologies, stakeholder perspectives, implementation frameworks, and assessment metrics used across higher education institutions to understand effective educational technology integration practices.
Chugh, R., Turnbull, D., Cowling, M.A., Vanderburg, R., & Vanderburg, M.A. (2023). Implementing educational technology in higher education institutions: A review of technologies, stakeholder perceptions, frameworks and metrics. Education and Information Technologies, 1-27.
Using drones to inspire adolescents to develop Agriculture Technology knowledge and skills
In 2022, Dr. Michelle A. Vanderburg (CQUniversity) partnered with Hannah Wiemers, a teacher at Isis District State High School, to deliver an agricultural drone project. Using funding from a Department of Environment and Science Engaging Scient Grant ($14,551), they collaborated with SheMaps and created a ten-week curriculum unit, teaching students about drone technology in agriculture. Thirty participants joined the project, with additional lessons for approximately 60 other students.
Wiemers, H., & Vanderburg, M. A. (2023). Agriculture and drones: Building student skills for future careers. Teacher Magazine, August, 2023.
In 2023-2024, the CQU Bundaberg Makerspace provided workshops for regional students to participate in interactive maker & tinkering activities to develop knowledge and skills on design ideas across a range of STEM technologies. Makerspace workshops for students in early childhood and primary years aimed toinspire participants to become interested in STEM, while workshops for secondary students included information about how to enrol in STEM-related university programs, as well as introduced them to local industry leaders for potential career advancement. In addition, students engaged in one day design challenge workshop hosted by CQUniversity’s Office of Social Innovation where participants developed solutions to student-identified social and environmental problems using the equipment in the makerspace. This project was funded with $61,503, including $46,024 from the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Maker Projects: Community STEM Engagement grant and a $15,479 contribution from CQUniversity.
This project examined Year 6-8 students' perspectives on digital safety and their ability to use technology for empowered learning. It focused on digital literacy, communication, relationships, wellbeing, and awareness of technology habits. The findings contributed to a comprehensive framework and professional learning package for staff and students, informing policies and practices.
This project explored a combined model for RHD supervision to address workload and support new faculty. The team of experienced supervisors from different schools promote interdisciplinary collaboration. Principal supervisors became associates for each other's students, offering expertise and support. The pilot included meetings, Zoom sessions, and an evaluation to refine the cohort model. Outcomes included implementation guidelines, improved projects, and increased candidate confidence.
Connect with Us
Join our community of creators! Stay in the loop about upcoming workshops, project ideas, and local maker news by emailing us at cqumakerspace@cqu.edu.au.
