Reducing the workload and increasing the efficiency in tertiary education

M Izzard
Educational technology consultant
Hong Kong SAR, China

G Maxwell, K Leung and R Kwan
Caritas Francis Hsu College/Caritas Bianchi College of Careers
Hong Kong SAR, China

This paper explores how technology can be used to provide efficient, accurate, real-time administration of both the institutional management system (IMS) and the learning management system (LMS) in tertiary institutions. A custom-designed and integrated program that is easy to use and accessible to all members of an institution’s community. opens up the possibility of moving away from the traditional model of a personality dominated ‘expert’ teaching system to a more open and accountable system of academic disclosure and accountability. Using technology, it is possible to coordinate all the facets of a college’s/university’s operations, so that communication becomes the norm, not the exception. The appropriate use of custom-designed integrated databases provides a model of administration well-suited to higher education at a time when it includes a broader range of students and there is an increased need for fiscal responsibility. The flow-on effect of such a system can create new pedagogical conditions for both students and staff.

The main concern of this paper is to explore a possible model for integrating the administration of an institution situated on different sites and incorporating all students and departments in real-time communication. The aim of the system is to reduce substantially the workload and burden of teaching staff through improved, streamlined planning, assessment and administration procedures, and provide the basis for the inclusion of innovative and creative teaching practices suitable for the 21st century.