DEVELOPMENT OF A SUSTAINABLE ONLINE ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER GARDEN FOR LEARNING IN HEALTH SCIENCES

Isabelle Lys; Rachel Crawford; Peter Weyand

Authors

Isabelle Lys Australian Catholic University http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4738-960X
Rachel Crawford Weemala Indigenous Higher Education Coordinator, Australian Catholic University
Peter Weyand eLearning technologist and developer, Learning and Teaching Centre, Australian Catholic University

Keywords:

Sustainability, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, medicinal, health, virtual, interactive map, garden

Abstract

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) heritage trails are becoming increasingly important in Australia as they can translate intergenerational knowledge, culture and experiential learning for everyone (Muecke & Eadie, 2020). There is a need for virtual tours of gardens and online maps such as those utilised by the national botanical gardens in Victoria so access to natural resources is easier for both education purposes and public enjoyment (Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria, n.d.). At Australian Catholic University (ACU) we plan to digitise the ATSI Brisbane campus garden and create a sustainable and accessible learning environment for everyone by co-creating an online video and interactive ATSI heritage garden map at ACU with students. The project will involve recruitment of students to assist in creation of photos and videos, consultation with local community and Weemala Indigenous Higher Education Unit at ACU. The project celebrates collaborative ATSI knowings in science and sustainability that can be shared nationally and globally for community engagement, and in teaching of health sciences disciplines such as biomedical science, nutrition and nursing. REFERENCES Muecke, S. & Eadie, J. (2020). Ways of life: Knowledge transfer and Aboriginal heritage trails. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 52(11), 1201-1213. Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria (n.d.). https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/#main

Author Biography

Isabelle Lys, Australian Catholic University

From 2007 to 2010, Dr Lys commenced her first lectureship in Health and Life Sciences at Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand. From 2010 to 2014, she commenced as a Senior Lecturer in Exercise and Sport Science at Charles Darwin University, Australia, prior to commencing her current academic position within School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University. She is passionate about learning and teaching practices for students and staff in health and biosciences, and have a wide range of interests in research into both sciences and science education disciplines.