GUC Nursing Classroom with the new electronic screen and specialised webcam and speakers installed.
GUC supported University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Bachelor of Nursing students took time out from their class today to help Mitsui E&P representative Freya Contos unveil a plaque in recognition of the much-welcomed IT sponsorship of Mitsui E&P and Beach Energy.
The sponsorship has enabled IT upgrades to take place in two GUC classrooms, including the nursing classroom. The upgrades will greatly enhance the quality of presentation both within the classroom and when students who live further afield need to webcam into tutorials. Quality presentation is particularly important for nursing students as the GUC nursing classroom is not only used for tutorials, but also for complex clinical instruction.
GUC Director Natalie Nelmes said it was often challenging for a not for profit organisation such as the GUC to afford to keep up to date with advancing technology, and the sponsorship from Mitsui E&P and Beach Energy has been a godsend.
“These two classrooms are used for up to 15 tutorials a week, with approximately 120 students attending,” Ms Nelmes said.
“The IT upgrades will make a big difference to students and tutors in class, as well as providing a more enhanced learning experience for those more remote students when they can’t attend tutorials in person.
“It is so gratifying to see large industry players like Mitsui E&P and Beach Energy really valuing education and the social fabric of the communities in which they operate.
Mitsui E&P CEO Ken Yamamura said education, skills development, training and employment are important focus areas for Mitsui E&P’s partnerships and sponsorships.
“We made a commitment to the communities in which we operate, to contribute to regional and community development, especially in training, education, skills development, employment and sustainable community initiatives – and so we are very pleased to support GUC with the purchase of new smartboards,” Mr Yamamura said.
“The Geraldton Universities Centre ensures the community has access to a university education close to home – they can study, do their placements and clinical training, participate in lectures and tutorials, all here in the Mid West.
“This is good for regional development, as those graduates will likely remain in the region, gain employment here, and continue contributing to the growth of the Mid West.”
