From bulky computers to motion-capture, for over 50 years technology has been shaping life at Deakin.
By Boronia Lyddieth.
Since our first days, Deakin has always been an early adopter of the latest in technology, whether that is to create the best learning environments, push the boundaries of research or just ensure the smooth running of the University.
But while each new decade of tech advances was groundbreaking in its time, today it’s fun to look back at the chunky, clunky and corny gadgets we once thought were super cool.
Enjoy this walk through the archives of tech at Deakin – we even have a mystery we’re hoping someone might help us solve…
Since our first days, Deakin has always been an early adopter of the latest in technology.
The AV materials section at the Waurn Ponds Library in 1978. Source: Deakin Archives.
Microfische reader at Waurn Ponds Library in 1978. Source: Deakin Archives.
Computing students at Waurn Ponds campus in 1983. Source: Deakin Archives.
Senior lecturer Tony Hughes demonstrating how to use a new music synthesiser to some of his students. Source: Deakin Archives.
Tony Cavanagh (standing) was in charge of Deakin’s off-campus library, providing distance education students with course materials in 1988. Source: Deakin Archives.
A Deakin researcher at work in a biology lab in 1989. Is that a floppy disc drive we spy? Source: Deakin Archives.
Computing students using an early version of AUTOCAD software in 1991. Source: Deakin Archives.
Aquaculture studies at Warrnambool in 1997. Source: Deakin Archives.
A prototype microwave developed by Professor Wyn Tran for use in industrial manufacturing. Mars confectionary and Kodak were among many to use the technology commercially. Source: Deakin Archives.
We… don’t know what’s going on here (except an excellent knit jumper as chunky as the computers). If you have any clues we’d love to hear from you! Source: Deakin Archives.
The team behind the Virtual Reality (VR) pop-up museum experience of a Ford ute for Geelong Design Week 2020, including researchers from Deakin’s CADET VR Lab and the University of Bamberg. Source: Deakin Asset Bank.
The future of nursing and midwifery training. In 2021 Deakin received a $2m boost through the Victorian Government’s Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF) that helped set up the latest in education technology, like this Nursing and Midwifery Simulation Centre. Source: Deakin Asset Bank.
A sports science researcher monitors body movement using capture technology. Source: Deakin Asset Bank.
A seminar in Deakin’s Virtual Production Studio. Source: Deakin Asset Bank.
Students operate a robot at Deakin’s RIoT (Robotics and Internet of Things) lab. Source: Deakin Asset Bank.
In 2023, Deakin unveiled the Genesis Simulator. The first of its kind in Australia has a 5m tall 360-degree screen that creates an immersive and realistic experience to assess how environmental and vehicular conditions affect driving. Source: Deakin Asset Bank.
If you graduated in the 1970s or just yesterday, you’ll always be a part of Deakin, even after completing your studies. There’s no better time than our anniversary to reconnect with fellow alumni!
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