Inaugural Innovation in Higher Education Lecture

Professor Daniel Hastings from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) delivered the inaugural Innovation in Higher Education Lecture to Monash staff and members of the University Council on 5 October 2011. 

Professor Hastings, an aeronautical scientist and former Chief Scientist to the US Air Force, drew a distinguished audience to the new Monash Law Chambers and delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled Educational Change in Academic Institutions: Learning the lessons of change at MIT.

As current Dean of Undergraduate Education at MIT, Professor Hastings has been a driving force for innovation in pedagogy and curriculum design. He has also been instrumental in the implementation of educational technology such as MIT's groundbreaking Open CourseWare model.

As Monash embarks on significant education reform, Professor Adam Shoemaker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) said it was timely to hear Professor Hastings' insights into the challenges of revolutionising academic practices.

"Monash shares MIT's dedication to providing its students with an education experience that combines rigorous academic study and the excitement of discovery. Therefore, we are delighted that a senior academic leader in one of the world's top 5 universities has taken the time to share his thoughts and experiences with us," Professor Shoemaker said.

"In particular, Professor Hastings' insights into the power of e-learning, the crucial role played by alumni in curriculum development and the potent challenges of exercising reform across an institution were the key messages of his presentation."

Download Professor Hastings' presentation (ppt 11mb) (pdf 5mb). Copyright Daniel Hastings at MIT.

Listen to Professor Hastings' lecture (mp3 111mb).  Copyright Daniel Hastings at MIT.