Director
Professor Mike Keppell
BHMS (Ed)(Qld); B.Ed (PG) (Qld); M.Ed (Calgary); Ph.D (Calgary)
Ph: +61 2 605 19480
Fax: +61 2 605 19424
Email Mike
Bio
Professor Keppell is currently working in the roles of Director, The Flexible Learning Institute and Professor of Higher Education at Charles Sturt University. Prior to this, he worked at the Hong Kong Institute of Education as Associate Professor and Head of the Centre for Learning, Teaching and Technology (LTTC) from 2003 –2007.
Before joining the Institute of Education, he was Head of the Biomedical Multimedia Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne from 1998-2002 and Head of the Interactive Multimedia Unit, Division of Distance and Continuing Education, Central Queensland University from 1994-1998. He has a background in teaching and learning, curriculum, evaluation and more specifically instructional design.
Teaching and Research Interests
Professor Keppell's expertise lies in his ability to combine the operational and development tasks of educational technology with the academic study of curriculum, instructional design and evaluation. He has worked as an instructional designer on hundreds of technology-enhanced initiatives in areas as diverse as coal-mining, medicine, science, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, psychology, multimedia, human movement studies and education. His research focuses on blended learning, learning oriented assessment, authentic learning and transformative learning using design based research. He recently edited a book titled Instructional Design: Case Studies in Communities of Practice which was published in 2007 with authors from eight different countries.
Publications
Book Chapters
Keppell, M.J. (submitted). Integrating authentic tasks into teacher education that encourage communication across cultures. In B. Ertl (Ed): E-collaboration knowledge construction: Learning from computer-supported and virtual environments. IDEA Group Reference, Hershey.
Rennie, F. & Keppell, M.J. Online communities. What research has to say about practice. Association for Learning Technology. Wikipedia.
Salmon, G. & Keppell, M.J. Tutoring online. What research has to say about practice. Association for Learning Technology. Wikipedia.
Keppell, M.J. (in press). Distinguished contributing author. In L. Tomei, Lexicon of Online and Distance Education. Rowman & Littlefield Education.
Bennett, S., Parrish, D., Lefoe, G., O’Reilly, M., Keppell, M. Philip, R. (2008). A needs analysis framework for the design of digital repositories in higher education. In L. Lockyer, S. Bennett, S. Agostinho, & B. Harper (Eds). Handbook of Research on Learning Design and Learning Objects: Issues, Applications, and Technologies. Information Science Reference, Hershey. ISBN 978-1-59904-861-1.
Keppell, M. J., Gunn, J., Hegarty, K., O’Connor, V., Kerse, N., Kan, K., Brearley-Messer, L. & Bione, H. (2008). Multimedia learning designs: Using authentic learning interactions in Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences. Chapter 2.5. (pp. 398-418). In Syed Mahbubur Rahman (Ed.). Multimedia Technologies: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications. Information Science Reference, Hershey. ISBN 978-1-59904-953-3. (Reprinted by Publisher).
Keppell, M.J. (2008). Authentic cases and educational triggers for supporting problem-based learning in teacher-education. (pp. 2568-2580). In Lawrence A. Tomei (Ed.) (2008). Online and distance learning: concepts, methodologies, tools, and applications (Vol 1-6). Information Science Publishing, Hershey. ISBN 978-1-59904-953-9. (Reprinted by Publisher).
Refereed and Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Ma, K.F., O’Toole, J., & Keppell, M. J. (2008). An investigation of user attitudes to the use of media triggered problem-based learning. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 24(3), 311-325.
Books in Progress
This book entitled, Physical and Virtual Learning Spaces in Higher education: Concepts for the Modern Learning Environment, currently under development with IGI Global, attempts to explore the concept of learning spaces within the higher education context. It will document real-world experiences of innovators in higher education who have redesigned spaces for learning and teaching. These innovators will include professors, educational designers, academic developers, librarians, educational innovators and learning and teaching professionals who conceptualise space and attempt to redesign learning spaces for the benefit of learning. The book will document personal experiences of innovators working in higher education.
More information
Conference Papers
Refereed and Peer Reviewed Conference Papers
Ma, K.F., O’Toole, J. M., & Keppell, M. J. (2007). An investigation of user attitudes to the use of media triggered problem-based learning. Proceedings of the 24th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Tertiary Education (pp. 603-610). Singapore: Nanyang Technological University: December 2-5, 2007.
Nonrefereed Conference Papers / Manuscripts
Keppell, M. Demystifying flexible and blended learning in CSU curricula. Pre-conference Workshop. 08 CSUED Conference: Educational Interactions and Curricula, 18-20 November, Wagga Wagga.
Keppell, M. & Tulloch, M. Enhancing flexible and blended learning in CSU curricula. 08 CSUED Conference: Educational Interactions and Curricula, 18-20 November, Wagga Wagga.
Gunn, C., Connole, G., Creaner, L. & Keppell, M. Are early adopters and institutional e-learning initiatives on opposite sides of a digital divide? Panel Session Association for Learning Technology (ALT) ALT-C 2008. 9-11 September 2008, Leeds, England. (abstract).
Chen, S., Wang, Y., Mok, M., & Keppell, M. (2008). The impact of safe environment and sports opportunities on the gait and posture pattern of individuals with visual impairment. 2008 Olympics Congress, Guangzhou. (abstract).
Invited Talks, Seminars, Workshops
Major Invited Presentations
2008 Keppell, M.J. (November, 2008). The integration of authentic cases and project-based-learning. Center for Educational Technology, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 5-13 November. (Invited Seminar Series). This three-hour seminar was presented three times.
2008 Keppell, M.J. (November, 2008). Learning-oriented assessment. Center for Educational Technology, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 5-13 November. (Invited Seminar Series). This three-hour seminar was presented two times.
2008 Keppell, M.J. (November, 2008). What works and why: Blended learning. Center for Educational Technology, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 5-13 November. (Invited Seminar Series). One-hour seminar.
2008 Keppell, M.J. (November, 2008). What works and why: Innovations in blended learning. Center for Educational Technology, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 5-13 November. (Invited Seminar Series). One-hour seminar.
2008 Keppell, M.J. (November, 2008). What works and why: Wikis, blogs and podcasting. Center for Educational Technology, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 5-13 November. (Invited Seminar Series). One-hour seminar.
2008 Keppell, M.J. (November, 2008). What works and why: Assessment for blended learning. Center for Educational Technology, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 5-13 November. (Invited Seminar Series). One-hour seminar.
2008 Keppell, M.J. (November, 2008). Authentic cases. Center for Educational Technology, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, 5-13 November. (Invited Seminar Series). One-hour seminar.
2008 Keppell, M.J. (August, 2008). Strategies for promoting engagement in distance education. E-Inclusion for a Knowledge Economy: 26th National Information Technology Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 20 & 21, 2008. (Invited Keynote Presentation)
2008 Keppell, M.J. (August, 2008). Chairperson for one session. 26th National Information Technology Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 20 & 21, 2008. (Invited Chairperson)
2008 Keppell, M.J. (August, 2008). Strategies for promoting engagement in distance education. University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 22, 2008. (Invited Presentation)
2008 Keppell, M.J. (August, 2008). Strategies for promoting engagement in distance education. Institute of Information Technology, Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 22, 2008. (Invited Presentation)
2008 Keppell, M.J. (August, 2008). Blended learning: Considering affordances for learning. University of New England. (Invited Presentation)
2008 Keppell, M.J. (June, 2008). Engaging learners in transformative learning: Educational principles and strategies for eLearning. Embracing Innovative eLearning Technologies Conference. Crowne Plaza, Darling Harbour, Sydney. ARK Group. (Invited Keynote Presentation)
2008 Keppell, M.J. (June, 2008). Chairperson for Day 1 & 2 of ARKS Conference. Embracing Innovative eLearning Technologies Conference. Crowne Plaza, Darling Harbour, Sydney. ARK Group. (Provided overview of presentations for day, synthesized presentations of each day, introduced speakers and generated questions and discussion).
Other Presentations
2008 Keppell, M.J. (August, 2008). Transformative learning: Teaching fellows’ and educational designers’ perceptions of redesigning subjects/courses using blended learning. Murray School of Education Research Seminar, Thurgoona, Charles Sturt University (invited session).
2008 Keppell, M.J. (August, 2008). Learning-oriented assessment. Murray School of Education Teaching & Learning Seminar, Thurgoona, Charles Sturt University (invited session).
2008 Keppell, M.J. (June, 2008). Blended learning: Considering affordances for learning. Tertiary Teaching Colloquium, 12th June, Bathurst, Charles Sturt University (invited session).
2008 Keppell, M.J. (June, 2008). Blended learning: The future of higher education. Centre for Enhancing Learning & Teaching (CELT) Learning and Teaching Seminar Series. Thurgoona, Charles Sturt University (invited session).
2008 Keppell, M.J. (May, 2008). Overview of the Flexible Learning Institute & Education for Practice Institute. Foundations in University Learning and Teaching, 21 May, Wagga Wagga, Charles Sturt University (invited session).
2008 Keppell, M.J. (May, 2008). Overview of the Flexible Learning Institute. Professorial Forum, 30th May, Canberra, Charles Sturt University (invited session).
2008 Keppell, M.J. (March, 2008). Overview of the Flexible Learning Institute. Leadership in Learning and Teaching 2008, 6-7 March, Bathurst, Charles Sturt University (invited session). Heads of School Forum.
2008 Keppell, M.J. (March, 2008). International Perspective – Sessional Staffing in Universities. Leadership in Learning and Teaching 2008, 6-7 March, Bathurst, Charles Sturt University (invited session). Heads of School Forum.
2008 Keppell, M.J. (February, 2008). The Flexible Learning Institute. School of Business and IT, Albury. (invited session).
2008 Keppell, M.J. (February, 2008). Sustainability of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Faculty of Business, Colloquium Session on Teaching and Learning, Wagga Wagga. (invited session).
2008 Keppell, M.J. (February, 2008). The Flexible Learning Institute. School of Business and IT, Albury. (invited session).
Research Projects
Transformative Learning: Teaching Fellow Perceptions of Redesigning Subjects/Courses using Blended Learning
This
research project is focused on the transformative role of blended learning to improve teaching and learning in subjects and courses throughout CSU. It will focus on the role and perceptions of the teaching fellows to initiate this transformative change using blended learning.
More information
Spaces for knowledge generation: a framework for designing student learning environments for the future
This project has been funded via an Australian Learning and Teaching Council Priority Projects Grant andaims to address the need to create learning spaces that are based on strong design principles, informed by student needs, with the aim of producing forward-looking, flexible and sustainable learning spaces.
More information
Professional Activities
Professor Keppell is currently the President of the Australasian Society of Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE). He is also a member of the Association for Learning Technology (ALT), Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia (ODLAA), the Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE) and the Association for Qualitative Research (AQR).
Editorial Board / Reviewer
Association for Learning Technology (ALT-J) Editorial board – 2006 - onwards
Australasian Journal of Educational Technology (AJET) - 2002 – onwards.
Australasian Journal of Educational Technology (AJET) – 2006 – AJET Management Committee.
External Reviewer for Research Grants Council, Hong Kong. Competitive Earmarked Research Grant for 2007-2008.
International Journal of Web Based Communities (IJWBC) – Special Issue – “Mobility: Adding Flexibility to web-based Communities” (Invited Reviewer -2007).
Refereeing
Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice. University of Wollongong. Invited referee – 2004-2008
Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education National Conference (Ascilite) - 2000-08
ED-Media: World Conference on Hypermedia, Multimedia and Telecommunications (2003-2008).