Enabling Indigenous Education Success beyond Regional Borders

Abstract

Geographical and social isolation have often been linked to the ‘success’, or rather ‘non-success’, of Indigenous Australian students. What if their geographic location and social situation were seen as supportive mechanisms? What if their culture, local community and extended family networks were seen as strengths in their learning journeys? What if their home and community environments were understood as platforms for learning? The Tertiary Entry Program (TEP), offered by the Office of Indigenous Engagement at CQUniversity, was a face-to-face on campus enabling/bridging program offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Central Queensland. It is now an external, flexible, on-line learning program offered to Indigenous Australians in urban areas, regional and remote communities and in correctional centres. It is no longer governed by the regional borders of the region in which it was developed, and enables Indigenous Australians throughout Australia to develop confidence, affirm their identity and take pride in being who they are as Indigenous peoples. The program builds the knowledge and skills to achieve within a university environment and allows Indigenous students to achieve their goals regardless of their geographic and social location. This presentation will not only demonstrate how Indigenous learners are using digital technology to study from within their communities, but are progressing successfully from their enabling program through to graduation.

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