About the Unit for Academic Development

The increasing complex higher education environment, the impact of technology on learning, a diverse student population and policy imperatives are forcing universities more than ever to invest in academic development services. Gone are the days where lecturers could only focus on their disciplines. Knowledge of technology, curricula, learning facilitation, student learning, quality assurance, etc. demand from academic and lecturers to be multi skilled.

Prof Driekie Hay is leading the Unit for Academic Development at the Central University of Technology, Free State. Primary services rendered here are the professional development of academics for whom development opportunities are created regarding an array of learning and teaching priorities. The Library and Information Centre is attached to the unit and plays a major role in the development of information literacy. The division Curriculum Development is at the heart of CUTs programme planning where programmes are developed and implemented in an innovative way. True to the nature of a university of technology is the development of learning methods and delivery modes that utilize technology infrastructures. The Centre for E-Learning and Education Technology empowers lecturers to combine e-learning and outcomes-based education to ensure a holistic approach in teaching and learning at CUT. The Centre for Teaching and Learning takes care of the professional development of all academic staff. To achieve this both informal workshops and formal courses provided. The learner centres at Kimberley and Kroonstad are also supported through the Division of Dr Kallie de Beer.