Retired uni professional reflects on the digital evolution of Deakin’s learning

Step onto one of Deakin University’s bustling campuses today, and you’ll be greeted by a sea of sleek tech. From interactive lecture theatres to 360-degree learning spaces and collaborative digital learning tools, we’re state-of-the-art. But back in 1983, when Amanda Stokes first walked through Deakin’s doors as a trainee, the atmosphere was vastly different. 

‘There were typewriters clacking, carbon paper on every desk, and not a computer in sight,’ Amanda said. 

Starting her career in Human Resources, she used an electric typewriter she half-jokingly called ‘a vicious piece of machinery with a return on it that could take a finger off’. 

‘There were typewriters clacking, carbon paper on every desk, and not a computer in sight,’ Amanda said.

A front-row seat to change

Amanda soon found her home in the Production Unit, where she helped build the course materials thousands of Deakin students would rely on. She watched the tools evolve, from typewriters and bromide paper to Macintosh computers and PDFs. 

She recalls the arrival of the Wang 2200 and the Compugraphic typesetting system, followed by the not-so-loved WordMARC processor. 

‘It was a step back in technology,’ she laughed, ‘thankfully, it didn’t last long. Then Macs came in and changed everything.’ 

She turned her contract role into a permanent position thanks to a job ad pinned on a noticeboard in Building JB and never looked back. 

‘I think back to the times when my father used to take family members out to the Waurn Ponds or Waterfront campuses just to show them where his daughter worked,’ Amanda recalled fondly.

Making learning inclusive

Over her 27 years with the Production Unit (which became Learning Services and later the Knowledge Media Division), Amanda played a quiet but vital role in making education more accessible. 

She fondly remembers one student who could only read blue text on buff paper. 

‘Once we confirmed the exact shade, I reformatted everything including tables, spacing, the lot. We had it printed and bound just for her. She was thrilled. It was the first time she had a book just like everyone else.’ 

‘[The student] was thrilled. It was the first time she had a book just like everyone else.’

Memories that linger

Among Amanda’s most cherished memories are those that connect her work to her family. 

‘I think back to the times when my father used to take family members out to the Waurn Ponds or Waterfront campuses just to show them where his daughter worked,’ she said. ‘He always enjoyed attending Open Day, especially visiting Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials. As a former engineer, he loved anything mechanical. I think his soul still wanders the NA building, gazing at the equipment.’ 

And then there’s the bittersweet memory of her mother, speaking to her during the 2006 restructure of the Knowledge Media Division. 

‘She told me, “You’ve done enough, Amanda. It’s time to go.” Well Mum, 18 years later, I can finally say: I’m going now. It’s time.’ 

‘Technology changed everything, but some things never do’

When Deakin transitioned course materials online in 2013, Amanda moved to the Security team, helping manage keys and access systems across the university, yet another behind-the-scenes role vital to the university’s daily operations. 

She stayed there until her retirement in 2025, ending a career defined by quiet dedication, deep care, and adaptability in the face of constant change. 

‘The technology changed everything,’ she says. ‘But what never changed was the reason behind it all: helping students learn, feel included and succeed.’ 

Were you a student during Deakin’s transition from print to digital? We’d love to hear your story. Share a memory today.