Signal processing education in Australia - some innovations

Abstract

The growing importance of DSP applications in the Australian economy and the resultant increasing demand for specialists are leading to expansion and review of provision for DSP education. In two case studies this paper presents examples of educational initiatives which help to meet this increased demand, but which lie outside the mainstream higher education route for qualified engineers. One example describes a flexible continuing education program by which graduates may upskill and the other describes curriculum reform in the training of para-professional and technician engineers. Both initiatives have to address various problems which arise from Australia's large geographical area, small population, and both federal and state political structures.