Our People
Denise Wood
My
connections with UniSA extend back to the 1980s when I completed my
first degree in Social Work at UniSA’s antecedent institution, the SA
Institute of Technology. While I only worked as a practicing social
worker for a few months before launching into a new career path in
multimedia and education, the communication and counselling skills
gained from that first degree have proved invaluable in my role as
Program Director of the Bachelor of Arts (Multimedia Studies) program in
the School of Communication, Information and New Media at UniSA.
My career in multimedia and education evolved from my research work at
the Regency Park Centre for the Young Disabled during the 1980s. As
Director of Research and Development, I was involved in a range of
research activities funded by what was then known as the Channel 10
Medical Research Foundation. But what really attracted my interest and
energy, was the potential that computer technology and multimedia
offered young adults with disabilities. This led me to undertake a Post
Graduate Diploma in the Instructional Uses of Computers offered by yet
another UniSA antecedent institution, the SA College of Advanced
Education, followed by completion of a PhD in Education at Flinders
University focusing on the use of multimedia in education.
In 1994 I established a small multimedia company providing contract
opportunities for young adults with physical disabilities who had
completed studies in multimedia and were keen to work in this industry.
This educational background, together with industry experience in the
field of multimedia, led me to apply for the position of Senior
Multimedia Producer at the Flexible Learning Centre in 1998. In 2000 I
was appointed to the role of Professional Developer focusing in online
teaching and learning, and then in 2002, I was appointed to my current
role as Senior Lecturer and Program Director in the School of
Communication, Information and New Media. Since that time I have pursued
further studies to value add to my role as teacher and Program Director,
completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Flexible Learning, and a Master of
Educational Technology at the University of Southern Queensland.
Little did I know that my diverse background in social work, research,
education and multimedia would eventually lead me to a role demanding
precisely that mix of skill and experience. While the role of Program
Director is challenging, and at times extremely demanding, I would not
have it any other way. I enjoy the mix of academic counselling, teaching
and leadership that goes with the role of Program Director, and I am
fortunate to work with a team of talented academics who have both vision
and enthusiasm for the program. This year has been an exciting one, as
for the first time, we have offered a program incorporating both
multimedia and film and video. I have just been reappointed for another
term as Program Director, and I look forward to the opportunities that
lie ahead for our rapidly evolving program.
Denise Wood is Program Director, School of Communication, Information
and New Media.