UQ's Learning Innovation Building officially opens

The University of Queensland's new $18 million hub of technology-enhanced learning and education innovation has been officially opened in Brisbane.

The Learning Innovation Building, predominately funded by a $13 million grant from the Australian Government, was opened by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and Minister for Higher Education, Senator Kim Carr.

UQ President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj said the new building was catering for new and emerging developments in technology-enhanced learning.

“Within this building are facilities and experimental spaces that encourage collaborations that will advance student outcomes – outcomes that will ultimately benefit national productivity by fostering knowledgeable and skilled employees,” Professor Høj said.

The Learning Innovation Building houses centres and institutes including the Teaching Educational Development Institute (TEDI), the Centre for Innovation in Professional Learning (CIPL), the Centre for Educational Innovation and Technology (CEIT) and the Office of Undergraduate Education.

“Importantly, the Learning Innovation Building is the nerve centre for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

“UQ is part of a prestigious MOOCs consortium, edX, founded by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology and joined by high calibre institutions around the world.”

Professor Høj said the Learning Innovation Building was designed by accomplished UQ architecture alumnus, Richard Kirk, and was in keeping with the University’s goal of sustainability.

“It includes photovoltaic panels providing approximately 25 per cent of the building’s peak demand, high-efficiency lighting and automated blinds and louvre windows adjusting to sunlight, wind, temperature and humidity.

“It is a fitting home for technology-assisted learning that has the potential to invigorate collaborative problem-solving among people from diverse disciplines and industries.”

Media: Michael Duthie, UQ Communications, Michael.duthie@uq.edu.au or 07 33467691