Centre for eLearning
Dr Tony Herrington
Email: A.Herrington@curtin.edu.au
Telephone: 9266 4821
Fax: 9 9266 1734
Office of Teaching and Learning
Centre for eLearning
Flexible Learning Grant: Expression of Interest
Grant request:
Up to and including $10,000.00
Date:
7 July 2010
Applicant:
Dr Raj P Gopalan
School:
Electrical Engineering and Computing
Email:
r.gopalan@curtin.edu.au
Telephone:
9266 7938
Project title:
Adapting Gradiance On-Line Accelerated Learning System to Teaching Database
Systems at Curtin
Describe your project in 300 words or less:
The Gradiance On-Line Accelerated Learning (GOAL) system was developed by the well known author
and Stanford academic Professor Jeffrey Ullman (http://www.gradiance.com/index.html). It has been
in use at Stanford University and several other leading universities for about four years. It is now a
mature system that has proved to be effective in enhancing student learning.
The GOAL system uses the concept of "root questions" to encourage students to learn from any
mistakes they make. A root question is a multiple-choice question that has several right answers and
many wrong answers. The instructor has the option to offer a hint or advice every time the student
gets a wrong answer, and the student can be allowed to try each question until he/she gets it right. The
system comes with a question bank for all the topics covered in our unit. In addition, the system allows
the lecturer to add new questions to the question bank thus building a large databank of questions
over time.
It is proposed to adapt the GOAL system for teaching Database Systems 252 on a trial basis in semester
2, 2010. It will complement the normal teaching through lectures and tutorials and is planned to be
used for setting assignments worth about 25% of the final assessment. The assignment will be spread
over the whole semester with different parts due every three weeks. The focus of the system is on
helping the students to understand the key concepts and techniques very thoroughly. The assessment
component is essentially a way to reward the learning effort rather than simply testing the student’s
prior learning. The effectiveness of the tool will be assessed during the trial based on both student
feedback and the performance of students in achieving the learning outcomes.
Insert the study package number(s) and the number of students normally enrolled in the units
concerned:
04533 (Bentley 100; Miri: 20)
10080 (Bentley: 5)
Provide details of your project team e.g. instructional designer, course coordinator, content expert
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etc:
The instructional designer and unit coordinator will be Dr Raj Gopalan. Prof Ullman who developed the
system will be available for support on design or content if needed.
Details of milestones and key dates:
Design and Set up of laboratory exercises on Gradiance: 6 August 2010
Design and set up of assignments on Gradiance (spread over the semester aligned with the practical
work): Due every three weeks during semester
Evaluation of the trial: Request feedback through Blackboard in mid semester and at the end of
semester; evaluate responses on BB and eValuate at the end of semester.
What resources will you need (specify each item/value)?
Estimated cost of the project is US$XXXX. It is based on US$Y per student for an estimated maximum
enrolment of 125 including about 20 students at Miri.
How will the project improve the quality of teaching and learning in your area?
Gradiance assignments are designed so that the student is encouraged to learn from mistakes and, eventually, to get the
assignment completely correct. Students are provided explanations of errors they make assisting them to learn at their own
pace as they complete the assignments. Using Gradiance will also improve the diversity of assessments we offer as we mostly
rely on tests and exams at present.
How will you share the outcomes of your project/learning with other members of staff?
Evaluation of the project will be discussed at the department’s quality panel attended by all dept staff
at the end of semester 2, 2010.
How will this project influence the learning delivery strategy for the remainder of the course?
It would be possible to adapt the GOAL system to teaching a number of other units in Computing.
Please complete this form and email to Tony Herrington: A.Herrington@curtin.edu.au:
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Office of Teaching and Learning
Centre for eLearning
Institutional development of flexible learning program
Flexible Learning Grants
Curtin's Flexible Learning Policy encourages teaching areas to provide flexible learning opportunities
and develop learner-centred delivery methodologies that will meet the needs of a diverse student
population and enhance the quality of the student experience.
Funds have been allocated to assist course and unit coordinators engage in flexible learning projects
that will improve teaching and learning outcomes, particularly in large undergraduate units. Grants
are available during 2010 for projects that will:

improve the quality and provision of learning through the introduction of flexible
learning/teaching methodologies;

improve retention by enhancing the learning experience of first year students, in particular
part-time students, school leavers and mature age students;

improve the quality of teaching in large classes;

implement teaching and learning approaches that accommodate cultural diversity;

improve teaching and learning support for rural and remote students.
The small grants program aims to establish a framework within the University that will ensure an
effective, integrated and system-wide approach to flexible learning can be sustained (See Table 1
below).
Table 1: Curtin University's Flexible Learning Framework
Leadership
Leadership is provided in the development of innovative and flexible
approaches to learning that enhance the student experience. Skilled
and qualified staff lead innovation and motivate others. The
academic community shares responsibility for the implementation of
flexible learning.
Capacity building
Orientations, training and access to flexible learning communities are
readily available (applies to both staff and students). Staff use
professional learning to develop and share their skills and ideas.
Tools and resources
Access to flexible learning tools, resources, software and learning
spaces are readily available. Networks and systems are user-friendly
and encourage sharing and collaboration. Flexible learning resources
are stored and shared amongst the academic community.
Learning methodology
Curriculum design allows students to choose a preferred learning
methodology. New ideas are planned, trialled, supported and
evaluated. Professional learning teams proactively plan and discuss
new pedagogies. Outcomes inform practice.
Learning opportunities
A range of flexible learning opportunities challenge and support
students in their learning. Extensive use is made of reusable and
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scalable flexible learning resources. Flexible learning is embedded in
all curricula. Students provide input into future developments.
Support
A learning management system supports the delivery of flexible
learning. A Curtin-wide conceptual framework is used to plan and
evaluate flexible learning. Standards and expectations are clearly
articulated.
How to apply
Staff wishing to apply for a 2010 Flexible Learning Grant should complete the form and email it to:
A.Herrington@curtin.edu.au
Director, Centre for eLearning
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