Network of Australiasian Tertiary Associations: a space for discussion, collaboration and advocacy in tertiary education

This presentation explores the development of a network focused on enhancing network leadership in tertiary education associations. The Network of Australasian Tertiary Associations (NATA) is an Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT) project that aims at facilitating a sustainable collaborative network between established higher education associations. NATA provides a space for discussion, action and advocacy on key issues pertinent to the Australasian tertiary environment. Members of NATA comprise Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ascilite), Australasian Council on Open, Distance and e-learning (ACODE), The Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia, (HERDSA), The Council of Australian Directors of Academic Development, (CADAD), Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia (ODLAA), Australian Academic and Research Network (AARNet) and Netspot. Networks are important hubs for the development of new ideas and are discussion and dissemination spaces for individuals and communities. The project is now focused on progressing achieving the NATA's key objectives through three strategic activities. These comprise: ● Disseminating the ALTC Good Practice Reports through the development of asynchronous 'E' Resources, completed in partnership with report authors ● Conducting research into the network and network leadership through interviews, focus groups and surveys ● Supporting partner associations to engage in small-scale projects aligned with the key objectives of both the NATA and their association to provide value to the sector and strengthen communication and engagement of NATA partners. Through the creation of collaborative connected spaces for discourse and action, the NATA aspires to develop a model that will influence policy, research and learning and teaching in the Australasian tertiary environment.