Five University of Southern Queensland (USQ) academics have received Carrick Competitive Grants after the latest round of funding was announced recently.

Dr Penny de Byl, Guy Williams, Associate Professor Bruce Millett, Bernadette Lynch and Dr Jacquie McDonald were all part of successful proposals submitted to the Carrick Institute, who fund projects that demonstrate innovation in learning and teaching.

Computing senior lecturer Dr de Byl was one of only 15 people Australia wide to be awarded one of the prestigious grants, which she will use to further develop the use of Web3D technologies in universities.

'Web3D refers to the development of 3D graphics and their application on the internet,' Dr de Byl said.

'This is a unique project, where with the help of a strong team behind me we will examine Web3D technologies and how they can be used in strengthening existing online content at universities,' Dr de Byl said.

The project was awarded $215,368 and will be undertaken with assistance from Central Queensland University (CQU).

'CQU is our partner institute and the project will involve students and staff from both universities,' Dr de Byl said.

'Different approaches will be used to select and support academics from diverse disciplines as they design, create and evaluate elements built with Web3D technologies.

'Teams from both institutions will provide technical and education specialists to support the construction of up to 10 Web3D exemplars.'

While research has been conducted into the usability of Web3D technologies in learning and teaching in the past, there has never been a project that has looked at the issues of 3D e-Learning research, development and deployment on this scale.

'This is a world first on this scale and is a pilot of sorts,' Dr de Byl said.

'We want to develop methodologies and tools for other people so that they can use them.'

The project is a further extension of work currently being undertaken at USQ to develop Web3D technology.

'There is a group of us at the University who are developing lots of different programs using Web3D technology.

'The same people behind this development will be involved in the new project.'

Dr de Byl aims to start the project in Semester 2, 2007.