Australian Academic Leaders’ Perceptions of the Teaching–Research–Industry–Learning Nexus in Information and Communications Technology Education

Abstract

Strengthening the teaching-research-industry-learning (TRIL) nexus in information, communications and technology (ICT) education has been proposed as a way of achieving improvements in student learning (Koppi & Naghdy, 2009). The research described in this paper builds on previous work to provide a broader understanding of the potential outcomes associated with the TRIL nexus in relation to ICT education. It presents the results of a survey, of Australian ICT academic leaders, designed to clarify the outcomes associated with the TRIL nexus, and to investigate how the synergies associated with it can be better exploited. The results show that the benefits of strong relationships between aspects of teaching, learning, research and industry are recognized and emphasized in Australian universities, but that further action is needed to strengthen relationships with the industry component of the TRIL nexus. Recommendations to help achieve this are made.