NEW PREMISES AND A NEW ERA FOR ICTE-UQ

In July 2008 ICTE-UQ will move into four and a half floors of the GPN4 building, a six-floor multi-million dollar purpose built premises and a new era facilitating multi-media and digital language learning, state of the art teaching and learning spaces and student services. With ICTE-UQ constrained by building capacity levels in current premises the move will also provide much needed room to grow.

Construction of GPN4 has been underway since November 2006 and is moving quickly towards completion with work now well underway on the interior fitout, finishing of exterior touches and landscaping.

Building Features

Building design of the new premises is strongly focused on the creation of enhanced opportunities for collaborative and interactive learning for participants across all programs including English language training, English Teacher Training & Professional Development and Continuing Education through innovative student break out areas, individual and group study resources and integrated digital classrooms.

Key features of the GPN4 premises for ICTE-UQ include:

• 47 state of the art digital classrooms with integrated console operated audio visual equipment including PC, DVD, electronic data-projection and audio systems
• custom designed collaborative learning classrooms configured for computer based group work activities
• access to wireless internet throughout
• 30 ‘stand-up’ terminals for student email access
• 200 seat auditorium with dual visualisers and data projectors, DVD players and surround sound system
• designated Teacher Training break-out rooms.

GPN4 will also be home to an expanded ICTE-UQ Learning Centre providing students and program participants with borrowing access to extensive TESOL resource materials including books, magazines, journals, newspapers, CDs and DVDs. Three interconnected individual multi-media laboratories with 18 computers in each located within the Learning Centre will also allow students and ICTE-UQ classes to use the laboratories in conjunction with the Centre’s materials creating a multi-media study and resource learning environment.

Two of the custom designed multi-media laboratories will also be equipped with the Sanko Lab 300 Language Teaching Solution System to stimulate new methods of teacher-driven, PC-based language learning interactions utilising digital media to measure and enhance learner performance.

The architectural design of the GPN4 premises will also serve to create some unique social activities for students. The inverted ‘V’ of open space formed where the two wings of GPN4 join at a central core create a large covered break-out space to facilitate outdoor events. The 200 seat auditorium as well as theatre style multi-function room with access to roof-top balcony and commercial re-heat facilities will also revolutionise student orientations, guest lectures, student-run activities and program farewell functions.

A Green Theme
In response to a range of environmental issues, the building will contain a number of smart technologies that control lighting and air-conditioning to reduce power consumption. Automated exterior blind systems will also assist in lowering the air-conditioning and electricity demands of the building by rotating throughout the day to shield the interior from the sun’s rays.

The building’s mains water consumption will also be significantly lower than for similar-sized premises due to the installation of water saving devices and an underground 240,000 litre water tank to store captured roof water for non-potable and irrigation needs.

Move and Premises Launch

With the move of ICTE-UQ to the new GPN4 premises scheduled for early July 2008 ICTE-UQ is looking forward to opening the doors to our students and to a new operational future. A formal launch of the new ICTE-UQ premises will be held not long after the move to celebrate the Institute’s occupation of its new location. Watch this space for more updates…