Curtin University has today received $692,000 in funding support from the Royalties for Regions, Pilbara Cities Education Partnership Initiative program, towards the establishment of health-focused eLearning programs at an educational facility in Port Hedland.
This funding will enable the purchase and installation of AV teaching and simulated clinical training equipment and resources for the institution which is being built in partnership with Pilbara Institute.
Professor Clare Pollock, Curtin University’s Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Health Sciences, said by using the state-of-the-art information and telecommunications infrastructure, the venue will provide training and education in nursing and other health disciplines to the region.
“Students will benefit from high-quality interactions between teachers and students at host and partner sites using the latest eLearning technologies, reducing the need to travel to obtain tertiary level education,” Professor Pollock said.
“This funding helps to ensure that the knowledge gained locally from experienced Curtin lecturers will stay in the community and this is a significant step towards bridging the health gap in rural and remote areas.
“Curtin is committed to innovation and excellence in teaching and research. By offering these eLearning programs, we are implementing new and creative ways to access education and are working to the benefit of our students and the wider community.”
The Curtin eLearning nursing programs are expected to be available in the first half of 2013 in Port Hedland, with more health programs to follow.
