Enhancing the learning outcome of university distance education: an Australian perspective

States that Central Queensland University (CQU) is one of seven universities authorized by the Australian government as a provider of distance education. Lack of affordable network infrastructure over vast areas of Australia currently requires that paper‐based study material be emphasized. At CQU, the Division of Distance and Continuing Education (DDCE) is responsible for the production and initial distribution of learning materials and student/lecturer paper‐based interface management, e.g. tracking of assignments and response timeliness, a quality issue. Study material content is the responsibility of the lecturer, with quality reviews being performed by the originating faculty departments. Integration of the Internet into unit delivery is being trialed in ad hoc ways by various lecturers, particularly in the Business Faculty. Forms a progress report of one such pilot programme in a post‐graduate information systems offering. With respect to the QIP, a revised unit assessment survey was conducted. Preliminary indications are that the innovative utilization of the Internet reported may be a significant substitute for traditional paper‐based delivery while providing a superior learning environment much preferred by students. Additionally, lecturers find it far more efficient to maintain the relevance of perishable material in courses, especially those which are information system or information technology‐based.