Dr Elspeth McKay

Position

Senior Lecturer

School / Work Unit

Business Information Technology

Contact Details

+(61 3) 9925 5978

elspeth.mckay@rmit.edu.au

Location

Building: 108
Level: 17
Room: 9

City Campus

Portfolio

Business

| Industry Engagement | Research Interests | Current Students (PhD in BIS) | PhD Thesis | Publications | Grants | Current Research Projects | University Awards | Consultancy Opportunities | Published Books | Effective- HCI |

"Default_ImageAltText"

Qualifications

PhD (Computer Science and Information Systems), Deakin Univ.
Graduate Certificate Applied Science (Instructional Design), Deakin Univ.
Graduate Diploma Education (Computer Studies), Hawthorn Institute of Education
Bachelor of Business with Distinction (Business Information Systems), RMIT Univ.

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

Industry Engagement

Advanced Repurposing Pilot System (ARPS) development team:

3-month industry secondment (March 20th to June 14th, 2007), to the Victorian State Government, Department of Human Services (DHS), Finance and Business Services:

One of the primary aims of the secondment of Dr McKay from the School of Business IT to DHS for Semester-1, 2007, was to progress an existing funded collaborative RMIT/industry Project. Government Skills Australia (GSA) provided the funds ($50,000) for RMIT to design and develop an online knowledge navigational tool (or learning/training aid) that could be repurposed by DHS, and other Victorian Government offices, and other business sector organisations.

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Information Technology (Current students):

Primary/Senior Supervisor:
  • Marlina Mohamad (Preliminary Topic) "Interactive Effects of Instructional Format and Cognitive Style Differences in Web-Mediated Learning Environments."
  • Mandi Axmann (Preliminary Topic) "Guided learning facilitation model for online, distance learning students in higher education at Open Universities Australia, with consideration to unit completion rates."
  • Jessnor Elmy (Preliminary Topic) "IT readiness - Smart school."
  • Cenie V. Malabanan (Preliminary Topic) "Effectiveness of HCI and cultural significance."
Second Supervisor:
  • Vince Bruno "Assisting Novice ICT Professionals to Perform Usability Analysis of Web Applications.”
  • Chris Law "Understanding Business Decision-Making in the Development of Environments, Standard Products and Services for use by People with Disabilities."
  • Siew Mee Barton "Cultural Differences in the Adoption of IT in Online Teaching & Learning."

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

Research Interests

Dr McKay FACS PCP is an assiduous researcher in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).Her interest to improve the human-dimension of HCI has led to work on cognitive performance measurement for assessing readiness for returning to study/retraining that breaks new ground. Her innovation with information communications technology (ICT) can also be seen in her readiness to invoke touch screen technologies into her projects, promoting access to information through ICT for members of the community currently experiencing access limitations. Her current research includes:

  • learning/training modules online and standalone PC application
  • vocational training/rehabilitation programmes (cultural and learning style variation)
  • multi-media interface development, including animation

Her interactive online courseware systems development involves academic partners in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Her work seems likely to advance the practical as well as the theoretical dimension to interactive online learning, while pushing the boundaries of existing paradigms for instructional science. Her extensive industry experience, combined with over a decade in higher education, provides an ideal context from which to offer advice on how to develop and maintain an appropriately skilled workforce.

Dr McKay was invited as a guest researcher to join an international research group led by Professor Toshio Okamoto, at the Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology, at The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan.

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

PhD Thesis

Instructional Strategies Integrating Cognitive Style Construct: A Meta-Knowledge Processing Model. Contextual components that facilitate spatial/logical task performance: An investigation of instructional strategies that facilitate the learning of complex abstract programming concepts through visual representation. Hard copy – 3 volumes : Deakin Univ., Geelong Campus, Warn Ponds, Vic 3217, Australia

Dr McKay's research breaks new ground for effective learning from multimedia with innovative approaches to visual instruction. She has identified that not all individuals cope effectively with graphical learning. Her work links instructional science, cognitive psychology, and human-computer interaction, and will be of interest to educators, electro-communications engineers, and computer scientists.

Dr McKay’s thesis is currently in preparation for the Australian Digital Thesis Program.

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

Published Books

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

Publications

Refereed Works

Monograph

  • McKay, E. (2008-in print) The human-dimension of human-computer interaction.The Future of Learning, Vol:2. Netherlands, IOS Press. p:250.

Refereed Book Chapter

  • McKay, E. (2008–in print) ICT Exacerbates the human side of the digital divides. Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology. M. Khosrow-Pour, Ed. UK: Vol.2, IGI Global. 2.
  • McKay, E. & Garner, B. J. and Okamoto (2007), T. Mapping the future of research in web-based education: Human-computer interaction taken to new horizons. A. Tatnall, T. Okamoto & A. Visscher (Eds.), Knowledge Management for Educational Innovation. Springer: 159-166.
  • McKay, E., & Martin, J (2007). Multidisciplinary collaboration to unravel expert knowledge: Designing for effective human-computer interaction. In M. J. Keppell (Ed.), Instructional Design: Case Studies in Communities of Practice. pp. 309-329. IGI Global, Hershey: NY. ISBN: 978-1-59904-322-7.
  • McKay, E. (2007). Fiji Implements Blended e-Learning as Appropriate Flexible Learning. In R. C. Sharma & S. Mishra (Eds.), Cases on Global e-Learning Practices: Successes and Pitfalls. UK: Idea Group, Inc. p:189-201.
  • McKay, E. (2006). Human-Computer Interaction Passes on the Wisdom: Intergenerational Knowledge Sharing. In K. Cagilitay (Ed.), Affective and Emotional Aspects of Human-Computer Interaction: Emphasis on Game-Based and Innovative Learning Approaches. ISBN: 1-58603-572-x: IOS Press. p:207-216.
  • McKay, E. (2005). Cognitive skill capabilities in web-based educational systems, in Interactive multimedia in educational systems, R.C.Sharma and M.Sanjaya, Editors, Idea Group, Inc.: New Delhi, 213-248.
  • McKay, E. (2005). ICT Exacerbates the Human Side of the Digital Divide. Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology. M. Khosrow-Pour, Ed. UK: Vol.2, Idea Group, Inc. 2: In print.
  • Martin, J., McKay, E., Hawkins, L., & Murthy, V. K. (2007). Design-personae: Matching students' learning profiles in web-based education. In E. McKay (Ed.), Enhancing learning through human-computer interaction. London: Idea Group Reference. P:110-131.

Refereed Journal Articles

  • McKay, E. (2007). Planning effective HCI to enhance accessibility, ISSN:1615-5289. Universal Access in the Information Society, Springer Berlin / Heidelberg. Retrieved 16/04/07 from [Link]
  • McKay, E. (2006). (Editorial). International Journal for Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning: Special Edition - The Effectiveness of Rich Internet Application for Education and Training. [Link], 16(3/4), 151-155.
  • McKay, E. (2005). 'Human-Computer Interaction Closes the Digital Divide: A Multicultural, Intergenerational ICT Case Study'. Information Age(October) - National Journal of the Australian Computer Society: IDG Communications, In print.
  • McKay, E., Thomas, T. and Martin, J. (2004) ‘Human-computer interaction gearing up for work’, Informing Science and Information Technology, vol. 1, Informing Science Institute: Santa Rosa, CA, USA, 1043-1052. [Link]
  • McKay, E., Thomas, T. and Martin, J. (2003). An Interactive Job Seeking System for Vocational Rehabilitation. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, UK I9(3): 396.
  • McKay, E. (2003). The Metamorphosis of E-Learning. Journal of Distance Education Association of New Zealand - Te Hunga Tatai i te Ako Pamamao 7 (1): 40-51.
  • McKay, E. (2002). Cognitive skill acquisition through a meta-knowledge processing model. Interactive Learning Environments, 10(3), 263-291.Swets & Zeitlinger ISSN: 1049-4820/02/1003-263, [Link]
  • McKay, E. (2002). Human-computer interaction: Effective multi-media presentations. Computer Education, (101), 2-10.
  • McKay, E. (2001). Human-computer interaction: Introducing the desktop publishing world. Computer Education, Nov (99), 5-15.
  • McKay, E. (2001). Human-computer interaction: GUI raises the anti on computer literacy. Computer Education, June (98), 12-22.
  • McKay, E. (2000). Measurement of cognitive performance in computer programming concept acquisition: Interactive effects of visual metaphors and the cognitive style construct. Journal of Applied Measurement, 1(3), 257-286.
  • McKay, E. (2000). Breaking down the mythology surrounding cognitive style and instruction format. Computer Education, June (95), 3-9.
  • McKay, E. (1999). Developing a multimedia presentation: Smoothing the way with instructional design principles. Computer Education, June (92), 18-26.
  • McKay, E. (1999). Exploring the effect of graphical metaphors on the performance of learning computer programming concepts in adult learners: A pilot study. Educational Psychology, 19(4), 471-487.
  • McKay, E. (1999). An investigation of text-based instructional materials enhanced with graphics. Educational Psychology, 19(3), 323-335.

Refereed Conference Papers

  • Richardson, J., McKay, E., Lenarcic J. & Craig, C. Ambient (2008-in print) information makes the grade: Developing an SMS course management tool. Paper to be presented at the 7th IASTED International Conference on Web-Based Education, to be held in Innsbruck, Austria, March 17th -19th, 2008.
  • Richardson, J., Lenarcic, J., McKay, E. & Craig, C. Pull with Pearson’s trigger word tool (2008-in print) to enable simplexity: Student empowerment via a text messaging system for mobile administration. Paper to be presented at the 7th IASTED International Conference on Web-Based Education, to be held in Innsbruck, Austria, March 17th -19th, 2008.
  • Law, C., & McKay, E. (2007, July 22-27) Taking Account of the Needs of Software Developers/Programmers in Universal Access Evaluations, C. Stephanidis (Ed.). Paper presented at the Universal Access HCI International (UAHCII 2007): Coping With Diversity in Universal Access, Beijing, PR China. Part 1, HCII 2007 LNCS 4554, pp:420-427, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg.
  • McKay, E., Axmann, M., Banjanin, N., & Howat, A. (2007). Towards web-mediated learning reinforcement: Rewards for online mentoring through effective human-computer interaction. Paper presented at the 6th IASTED International Conference on Web-Based Education. Held March 14-16, Chamonix, France, p:210-215, ISBN:978-0-88986-650-8, Retrieved 15/04/07 [Link].
  • Garner, B. J., & McKay, E. (2007). Learning reinforcement strategies for a changing workforce. Paper presented at the 6th IASTED International Conference on Web-Based Education. Held March 14-16, Chamonix, France. p:194-199, ISBN:978-0-88986-650-8, Retrieved 15/04/07 [Link].
  • Martin, J., & McKay, E. & Hawkins, L. (2006). The Human-Computer Interaction Spiral. Paper presented at the InSITE 2006 held June 25-28, Salford - Greater Manchester, England. p:183-196.
  • Martin, J., & McKay, E. & Shankar, J. (2006). Bias, Misinformation and Disinformation: Mental Health, Employment and Human-Computer Interaction Spiral. Paper presented at the InSITE 2006 held June 25-28, Salford - Greater Manchester, England. p:183-196, 200-218.
  • McKay, E. & Garner, B. J. (2006). Mapping the Future of Research in Web-Based Education: Human-Computer Interaction Taken to New Horizons. Paper for presentation at the Information Technology and Education Management (ITEM 2006): To be held July 23-26th, 2006, in Hamamatsu, Japan.
  • Martin, J., McKay, E., & Thomas, T. (2005). Recovery from Mental Illness: Lifestyle and Employment Options, in Harvesting Hope: Across the Lifespan, Contemporary the MHS in Mental Health Services. Paper presented at The MHS Conference, Sydney.
  • McKay, E. (In Press for 2005), Human-Computer Interaction Closes the Digital Divide: A multicultural, intergenerational ICT case study. South East Asia Regional Computer Confederation (SEARCC), held in Sydney, September 28 - 30, Australian Computer Society.
  • McKay, E., Martin, J. and Izard, J. (2005). Cognitive awareness in vocational training programmes: Targeting successful outcomes for young people and those wishing to undertake vocational training. Paper presented at the 11th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction. Vol:8 3rd International Conference on Universal Access in HCI: Exploring New Dimensions of Diversity. Held in Las Vegas, Nevada. July 22-27. HCI-International.org. Full Proceedings on CD: ISBN: 0-8058-5807-5. Viewed on January 15, 2005 at http://www.hci-international.org/
  • McKay, E. (2005). Maximizing human-computer interaction: Interactive effects of cognitive style and web-based education. Paper presented at the EISTA '05, The 3rd International Conference on Education and Information Systems: Technologies and Applications. F.Malpica, F.Welsch, A.Tremante (Editors). Vol:II pp.359-364. Held in Orlando, Florida. July 14-17. Viewed on 5/01/05 http://www.confinf.org/eista05/website/default.asp. CD ISBN:980-6560-25-6.
  • McKay, E. (2005). Human-computer interaction: Perils of ubiquitous information and communications technologies. Paper presented at the 9th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (WMSCI 2005). N.Callaos, W.Lesso, E.Hansen (Editors). Vol:I pp.420-424. Held in Orlando, Florida. July 10-13. Viewed 15/01/05 at http://www.iiisci.org/sci2005/website/default.asp CD:ISBN: 980-6560-29-9.
  • Izard, J. and McKay, E. (2004) Automated educational/academic skills screening: Using technology to avoid or minimise effects of more formal assessment, Australian Association for Research Education (AARE 2004): Positioning education research, Nov 28 - Dec 2, Melbourne, Australia.
  • McKay, E., Thomas, T. and Martin, J. (2004) Work search prototype design: Human-computer interaction for vocational rehabilitation, v.Uskov editor, International Association of Science and Technology for Development - Computers and Advanced Technology in Education (CATE 2004), 16-18 August, Kauai, Hawaii, USA, ACTA Press, Anaheim, pp. 167-172.
  • McKay, E. and Nishihori, Y. (2004) Towards closing the digital divide: A multicultural, intergenerational ict case study, International Conference on Computers in Education 2004. Melbourne, Australia (ICCE2004), Held Melbourne, Australia. http://www.icce2004.com E.McKay Editor: Common Ground Publishing, Melbourne. 179-189
  • McKay, E. and Izard, J. (2004) Automated educational skills evaluation: A systems design case study, International Conference on Computers in Education (ICCE2004), Held Melbourne, Australia. http://www.icce2004.com E.McKay Editor: Common Ground Publishing, Melbourne. 1051-1061
  • McKay, E. and Merrill, D., (2003), Cognitive skill and web-based educational systems. e-Learning Conference on Design and Development, 10-14 November, Melbourne, RMIT Foundation/Macromedia Inc/NMG.
  • McKay, E., Garner, B. J. and Okamoto, T. (2003), Management of Collaborative Web-Based Experiential Learning. Computers and Advanced Technology in Education, Held June 30 - July 2, 2003, Rhodes, Greece, IASTED. (In Print) 409-414
  • McKay, E., Garner, B. J. and Okamoto, T. (2002), Kinshuk, R. Lewis, K. Akahori, R. Kemp, T. Okamoto, L. Henderson and C.-H. Lee, Eds. Understanding the Ontological Requirements for Collaborative Web-Based Experiential Learning. International Conference on Computers in Education 2002, Auckland, NZ, IEEE Computer Society. 356-357.
  • McKay, E. (2002). Virtual Collaborative E-Learning Communities. Information Society and Education: Monitoring a Revolution. A. Mendez-Vilas, J. A. Mesa Gonzalez and I. S. De Zaldviar. Spain, Ministry of Education, Science and Technologh of the region of Extremadura, http://www.formatex.org/scope.htm: 582-831.
  • McKay, E. and Martin.J. (2002), Web-Work-Search System: Enhanced Accessibility. Australian Society for Educational Technology International Education & Technology Conference (ASET 2002), Melbourne, Australia. CD ISBN: 0 09581261 09581260.
  • McKay, E., & Martin, B. (2002, June 19-21). The scope of e-learning: Expanded horizons for life-long learning. In B. Boyd (Ed.), Conference Informing Science 2002 + IT Education, (pp. 1017-1029), Cork, Ireland Mercer Press/Marino Books.
  • McKay, E. (2002), C. Velvin and D. Wenmoth, Eds. The Metamorphosis of E-Learning. Biannual Conference of the Distance Education Association of New Zealand: Evolving Learning, Wellington, New Zealand, Distance Education Association of NZ Inc Te Hunga Tatal l te Ako Pamamao.
  • McKay, E., Okamoto, T., & Kayama, M. (2001, Nov.12-15). Ecological design technology in distance learning. In C.-H. Lee, S.Lajoie, R.Mizoguchi, Y. D. Yoo & B. d. Boulay (Eds.), International Conference on Computer in Education (ICCE/SchoolNet 2001): Enhancement of Quality Learning Through Information and Communication Technology, (pp.1763-1769) Seoul, Korea: Incheon National University of Education.
  • McKay, E. (2001, Aug.6-8). Collaborative learning through versatile representations in asynchronous learning transactions via the www. In T. Okamoto, R.Hartley, Kinshuk & J.P.Klus (Eds.), Collaborative context-mediated experiential learning through asynchronous learning networks (Panel-3, Chair Paper) Panelists: McKay,E., Garner,B.J., Okamoto,T. , Kommers,P. & Wiley.D.), IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (ICALT 2001): Issues, Achievements, and Challenges. , (pp.485-487) Madison, Wisconsin. USA: LTTF:IEEE.
  • McKay, E. (2000, Dec.4-6). Asynchronous learning process dynamics. In Kinshuk, C. Jesshope & T. Okamoto (Eds.), Asynchronous learning process dynamics, (Panel-1, Chair Paper, Panelists: McKay,E., Merrill,M.D., Garner,B.J., Okamoto,T., Steeples,C. & Beiers,H.), International Workshop on Advanced Learning Technologies (IWALT 2000): Advanced Learning Technology: Design and Development Issues, (pp.241-243) Palmerston North, New Zealand: IEEE Computer Society.
  • McKay, E. (2000, Nov.21-24). The thoughtful instructional system. In S. S.-C. Young, J. Greer, H. Maurer & Y. S. Chee (Eds.), Poster Session presented at the 8th International Conference on Computers in Education/International Conference on Computer-Assisted Instruction (ICCE/ICCAI 2000): New human abilities for the networked society, (pp.1654-1655) Taipei: National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan.
  • McKay, E. (2000, Nov.21-24). Towards a meta-knowledge agent: Creating the context for thoughtful instructional systems. In S. S.-C. Young, J. Greer, H. Maurer & Y. S. Chee (Eds.), Paper presented at the 8th International Conference on Computers in Education/International Conference on Computer-Assisted Instruction (ICCE/ICCAI 2000): New human abilities for the networked society, (pp.200-204) Taipei: National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan.
  • McKay, E., & Garner, B. J. (1999, Nov.4-7). The complexities of visual learning: Measuring cognitive skills performance. In G. Cumming, T. Okamoto & L. Gomez (Eds.), 7th International Conference on Computers in Education (ICCE’99): New human abilities for the networked society, (pp.208-215) Japan: IOS Press.
  • McKay, E. (1994, June 28-July 2). Developing an electronic lecture, Workshop presented at Asia Pacific Information Technology in Training and Education Conference (APITITE 94) , (pp.1038) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia: ACCE, ACS, ASCILITE, IFIP, SEARCC, ITTE, MCCE.
  • McKay, E. (1993, Nov.4-7). Developing electronic lectures. In J. Fisher (Ed.), Women in Computing: Networking for the 90's, (pp.45-54) VUT: Australia.

Refereed Working Papers

McKay, E. (1995). Developing electronic lectures: Working paper series 95/3 (pp.1-14). School of Business Information Technology, Melbourne, Australia: RMIT University.

Editorials

  • 2007. E. McKay (Editor.), Enhancing learning through human-computer interaction. London: Idea Group Reference: ISBN: 978-159904328-9. p:266.
  • 2004. Conference Proceedings: 12th International Conference on Computers in Education (ICCE2004): Acquiring and Constructing Knowledge Through Human-Computer Interaction: Creating new visions for the future of learning. Held November 30 – December 3 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Australia: Common Ground Publishing. ISBN 1 86335 573 1
  • 2003. Proceedings: e-learning Conference on Design and Development: Instructional Design: Applying First Principles of Instruction. (RMIT Foundation Visiting International Fellowship/Macromedia, Inc). Held 10 – 14 November at RMIT University. School of Business Information Technology, Australia. Published online: Informit library. ISBN 0 86459 284 1
  • 2002. Proceedings eLearning Conference on Design and Development: International Best Practice to Enhance Corporate Performance. (RMIT Foundation Visiting International Fellowship/Macromedia, Inc). Held 21 – 25 October at RMIT University. School of Business Information Technology, Australia. Published online: Informit library. ISBN 0 86459 216 7
  • 2002. (E.McKay and P.Kommers) Technological support for life-long e-learning. International Journal for Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning (IJCEE & LLL): Special Edition Editorial - Technological Support for New Educational Perspectives, Inderscience.com - editorial

Other Research Related Publications/Activities

Invited Co-editorship

  • McKay, E. & Kommers, P.A.M. (2005). International Journal for Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning (IJCEE & LLL): Special Edition Editorial – Efficiencies of Rich Internet Applications for Education and Training. http://www.inderscience.com/catalogue/c/ijceell/ijceelleditorial.html
  • McKay, E. & Kommers, P.A.M. (2002). Technological support for life-long e-learning. International Journal for Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning (IJCEE & LLL): Special Edition Editorial - Technological Support for New Educational Perspectives, Inderscience.com - editorial
  • McKay, E. (1997). Comprehensive Literature Survey, Technical Report: Instructional Design, Cognitive Psychology, Concept Learning, (pp.143) School of Business Information Technology, Melbourne, Australia: RMIT University.

Member of the Editorial Board

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education & Life-Long Learning (IJCEELL)

Invited Lectures, Seminars and Workshops

  • ARK Group Australia (2006), eLearning MasterClass (Enhancing eLearning initiatives to improve user uptake and organisational performance: Choosing appropriate eLearning architecture), held 20th-21st July, in Sydney, NSW.
  • ARK Group Australia, Post Conference Workshop (2005) (Harnessing the potential of eLearning: Evaluate User Ability – Customising your eLearning), held 27th October in Sydney, NSW.
  • McKay, E. (2002, Sept 27) Live Video Conference Link, Plenary Session: Interactivity of instructional format, cognitive style construct and cultural differences in web-mediated learning environments. in 28th Annual International Conference, South African Society for Education (SASE): Education in Africa for Africa: Thoughts and Experiences. South Africa, Technikon Pretoria, South Africa.
  • McKay, E. (2002, March 5-6). Expanded horizons for life-long learning through e-learning, Workshop: Experiential Learning Models and Software, Contemporary views on organisational learning and software quality issues, (pp.9) Faculty of Science and Technology, School of Computing and Mathematics: Deakin University, Geelong Campus, Australia.
  • McKay, E. (1998, Aug.2). Graphical metaphors: Are they really worth a thousand words? 10th Annual Instructional Technology Institute, Automating Instructional Design: Should We? Can We? Will We? (pp.13) ID 2 Research Group: Utah State University, USA.
  • McKay, E. (1998, May 11). Graphical metaphors: Are they really worth a thousand words? Doctoral Research Colloquium, Presenting the Learning Process Dynamics Model, (pp.47) Faculty of Science and Technology, School of Computing and Mathematics: Deakin University, Geelong Campus, Australia.
  • McKay, E. (1994, Aug 9). Invitation to present a workshop on developing electronic lectures, Producing an Electronic Lecture: A self-paced-manual, Celebrating Teaching, (pp.100) RMIT University: Coburg Campus, Melbourne, Australia.
  • McKay, E. (1992). A systematic design of instruction project in the education sector: (ASIT:5112-4). Melbourne, Victoria: Deakin University - Toorak Campus.

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

Grants

  • 2008 RMIT Learning and Teaching Investment Fund (LTIF):

Project Title: Just in Time Information Services: Mobile Technology Enables On-demand Access to Enhance Students’ Experiential Learning.

Project Team:

    • Dr Joan Richardson (Project Leader).
    • Associate Professor Jim McGovern (Technology application synergies with RMIT DLS).
    • Cameron Craig (Pearson Education Australia), (Design, development, Trigger application).
    • Dr Elspeth McKay (Human-dimensions of HCI).
    • Dr Hossein Zadeh (RMIT infrastructure integration).
    • John Lenarcic (IS and effective language usage).

Grant Budget: $53,744.59

  • 2008 RMIT Learning and Teaching Investment Fund (LTIF):

Project Title: Establishing a Multi-dimensional Quality Framework for Assessing Workplace Learning.

Project Team:

    • Friederika Kaider, Academic Development Group, Business Portfolio.
    • Dr Joan Richardson, School of Business IT.
    • Kathy Henschke School of Business IT.
    • Dr Elspeth McKay School of Business IT.
    • Assoc Prof Beverley Jackling School of Accounting and Law.

Grant Budget: $34,700.79

  • 2007 Business Faculty Industry Program (BFIP):

Grant Budget: $10,000 provided for Dr McKay’s teaching relief during industry secondment, Semester 1, 2007.

  • 2003 Reserve Listing : Australian Research Council Discovery – Project:

Project Title: Understanding the Ontological Complexity in Web-Based Collaborative Learning Networks.
Chief Investigators: Dr Elspeth McKay (RMIT University), Professor Toshio Okamoto and Dr Mizue Kayama (Electro-Communications University, Tokyo, Japan), Professor Brian J. Garner (Deakin University, Geelong Campus, Australia).
Grant Budget: Yr-1 $94,730, Yr-2 $74,185, Yr-3 $32,155.

  • 2003 RMIT Foundation Visiting International Fellowship / Macromedia, Inc:

Project Title: E-Learning Conference on Design and Development: Instructional Design – Applying First Principles of Instruction, held 10 – 14 November, 2003.
Visiting International Fellow: Professor Carole Bagley (Technology Group, Inc, and University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA).
Grant: $5,000 /Industry Sponsorship $5,000

Project Title: Automated Educational / Academic Skills Evaluation: for Young People Returning to Study or Vocational Training.
Project Team: Dr Elspeth McKay, Professor John Izard Professor John Izard, Judy Ring Judy Ring, Dianne Albiston
Grant: $24,7000/Industry Sponsorship (Touch Screen technology)

  • RMIT (VRI) Virtual Research Institute Small Grants Scheme 2003:

Project Title: Work Finder Pilot Project Enhanced Job Seeking Tools: Vocation Training.
Chief Investigators: Dr Elspeth McKay, Professor Trang Thomas AM, Professor Trang Thomas AM, and Dr Jenny Martin Dr Jenny Martin
Grant: $10,611

  • 2002 Researve Listing : Australian Research Council Discovery – Project:

Project Title: An Investigation into the Ontological Complexity in Web-Mediated Collaborative Learning Networks.
Chief Investigators: Dr. Elspeth McKay (RMIT University), Professor Brian J. Garner (Deakin University, Geelong Campus, Australia), Professor Toshio Okamoto (Electro-Communications University, Tokyo, Japan), Dr Mizue Kayama (Senshu University, Japan).
Grant Budget: Yr-1 $94,871, Yr-2 $79,035, Yr-3 $30,460.

  • 2002 RMIT Foundation Visiting International Fellowship / Macromedia, Inc:

Project Title: e-Learning Conference on Design and Development: International Best Practice to Enhance Corporate Performance, held 21 – 24 October, 2002.
Visiting International Fellow: Professor David M. Merrill (Utah State University, USA).
Grant: $5,000 /Industry Sponsorship $5,000

  • 1992 Teaching Fellowship Award – Philip Institute of Technology:

Project Title: Developing Electronic Lectures
Grant: $4,000

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

Current Research Projects

  • Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) Model

Project Aim: To evaluate the impact of the use of knowledge repositories on the human-dimensions of human-computer interaction through shared learning experiences, which involve interactive multi-media resources, including live sessions where people directly interact with a class, watch and listen to the facilitator and share files for reuse at another time.
Project Collaboration: RMIT, School of Business Information Technology, Deakin University, University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan.

  • Accessible Education and Life-Long Learning

Project Aim: To test appropriate blended learning resources for South Pacific Nations.
Project Collaboration: RMIT School of Business Information Technology, University of Queensland, Brigham Young University – Hawaii, USA.

  • Global e-Museum System

Project Aim: To create a working model for pc standalone and web-enabled collaborative learning.
Project Collaboration: RMIT School of Business Information Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.

  • Skill development Through Alternative Educational Technologies

Project Aim: To investigate effects of the Cognitive Style Construct (CSC) on game-playing, among students of the same culture, from 2 different educational settings.
Project Collaboration: RMIT School of Business Information Technology, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore.

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

University Awards

  • 2005 Faculty Discovery Grant Seed Funding, School of Business Research Dev. Unit
  • 2004 Faculty Discovery Grant Seed Funding, School of Business Research Dev. Unit
  • 2003 RMIT Foundation International Visiting Fellowship/Macromedia, Inc
  • 2003 Faculty Discovery Grant Seed Funding, School of Business Research Dev. Unit
  • 2002 RMIT Foundation International Visiting Fellowship/Macromedia, Inc.
  • 2002 Faculty Discovery Grant Seed Funding, School of Business Research Dev. Unit
  • 2002 Faculty Linkage Grant Seed Funding, School of Business Research Dev. Unit
  • 2001 RMIT School of Business Information Technology Small Research Project Grant
  • 2000 - 2002 Faculty Publication Awards, School of Business Research Dev. Unit
  • 2000 RMIT Quality Award, Teaching and Learning, 2nd place
  • 1994 Commonwealth Staff Development Fund
  • 1992 Teaching Fellowship: Lectures Going Electronic
  • 1989 Jamison Alliott Prize, for highest overall performance in the B Bus (BIS)
  • 1989 Cadbury Schweppes Prize, for overall excellence - third year - B Bus (BIS)

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………

Consultancy Opportunities

Human-Computer Interaction : e-Learning

At RMIT Business IT we have the know how for linking corporate information and human potential together by modelling increased profitability through improved processes.

Knowledge management is regarded by senior executives as a vital component of corporate success. However implementing effective strategies to ensure corporate practice is appropriate and keeping pace requires a specialist. Dr McKay’s PhD thesis involved instructional design and human-computer interaction, bringing together important systems designing elements for accessing information and communications technologies (ICT). Her extensive industry experience, combined with over a decade in higher education, continues to provide her with an ideal context from which to offer the industry sector advice on how to develop and maintain an appropriately skilled workforce.

ICT has been found to be one of the most potent tools for promoting equity and access to education, and a great resource in bridging the gap of the so-called digital divide. ICT has affected almost all of our life activities, the more prominent effects can be witnessed in the knowledge management industry. Be it business, defense, or space exploration, ICT acts as the front and back end. To be kept informed of the latest has become essential for survival. Educational enterprises also greatly benefit from the advantages and tools offered by ICT. Owing to the special nature of distance education, ICT is indispensable for effective learning. Some of the countries in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea and Thailand etc have taken effective initiatives towards creating innovative e-learning environments. Consequently, the awareness for enhanced HCI strategies has assumed greater significance; computers have entered all arenas of life. Already we can see lap-top computers that are being adopted for basic operations in homes for things like: eMail, scanning and controlling house-hold appliances.

[↑ top]

……………………………………………………