What digital lessons has COVID taught us at ECU?

This article was originally posted on the ECU intranet.

A more dynamic, collaborative and “less fixed” digital future awaits ECU on the back of COVID-19, according to the University’s Director and CIO, Digital and Campus Services Vito Forte.

“This challenge has shown us a glimpse of a future where we will rethink the way we use our space, giving less consideration to physical boundaries and restrictions, and focus more on the tools we use to engage, collaborate and communicate,” Vito told ECU@Large.

“I foresee more work on improving our digital agnostic position, with a shift toward a ‘where you are is where you learn, teach, or work’ approach.

“This kind of approach would see ECU leverage the best of both on and off campus experiences; providing world class-facilities to enable high quality teaching and learning as well as social interaction and engagement, complemented by the technological infrastructure to deliver a high-quality online experience.”

Vito said the rapid pace of shifting to remote working and online teaching had put his team through their paces.

“Digital and Campus Services staff have worked diligently over the past few months since the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis were first felt here at ECU,” he said.

“I am so proud of the commitment my team has shown in supporting staff and students in keeping our campuses operating safely and working with other areas to transition an entire university community to remote working, teaching and learning.

“Several teams within DCS have been working to explore opportunities for virtual assistance (ie chat bots) to streamline enquiries and provide instant real-time answers to commonly asked questions from staff and students.

“The team is also working to virtualise access to software for staff and students, providing easier and faster access across multiple devices and irrespective of location.”