Premium Content
Subscriber only
CELEBRATIONS appear to be in order for University of Southern Queensland’s cohort after four of its educators became the subject of national honours.
Senior Lecturers Dr Ashley Jones and Melissa Fanshawe, Dr Kerstin Braun and Associate Professor Noeleen McNamara were this month recognised for their efforts in the sector.
The group was honoured at the recent Australian Awards for University Teaching program, with each educator earning a 2020 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.
The awards acknowledge significant contributions teachers have made on improving the quality of student learning in higher education. Senior Lecturer Dr Ashley Jones was recognised for his outstanding contribution.
Premium Content
Subscriber only
DESPITE its history as a child’s toy, Lego bricks now double as an educational tool, following the launch of a special new brick that incorporates braille into its design.
The Lego Braille Bricks will give children who are blind or have low vision the chance to develop tactile skills and learn the braille writing system.
Based in Springfield, Melissa Fanshawe is a senior University of Southern Queensland researcher who specialises in inclusive eduction.
Even before her son Oliver was born with a rare eye condition, Ms Fanshawe has been an passionate advocate for students having access to braille.
Lego Braille Bricks come to Australia, helping kids with vision impairment to learn by touch
By national disability affairs reporter Nas Campanella and the Specialist Reporting Team s Celina Edmonds
Posted
TueTuesday 2
FebFebruary 2021 at 6:42pm
Harlen Petersen, five, is excited to be using the Lego Braille Bricks that will now be available to Australian schools.
(
Share
Print text only
Cancel
As Harlen Petersen makes his way down a corridor, his white cane stretched out in front of him, he lets out a yell of joy knowing he is about to test-drive some new Lego.
Key points:
They are a tool to help children with vision impairment learn maths and literacy