SIGNAL-PROCESSING EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA - SOME INNOVATIONS

The growing importance of DSP applications in the Australian economy a nd the resultant increasing demand for specialists are leading to expa nsion and review of provision for DSP education. In two case studies t his paper presents examples of educational initiatives which help to m eet this increased demand, but which lie outside the mainstream higher education route for qualified engineers. One example describes a flex ible continuing education program by which graduates may upskill and t he other describes curriculum reform in the training of para-professio nal 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. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.