Raised and educated in London, England, Rick completed a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts from Bristol Polytechnic. Following graduation in 1984, he was employed for 7 years in the UK TV/film industry. In 1990, he emigrated to Australia and began working for UNSW. In 1998, Rick completed a Master of Higher Education degree (UNSW) and subsequently, initiated an ongoing research project that explores advantages of using digital technology within education. In 2009, Rick completed his PhD thesis (University of Sydney) titled; Drawing on The Virtual Collective: Exploring Online Collaborative Creativity in the Visual Arts.
In addition, Rick passionately continues to work on a series of Creative Outreach projects that aim to assist communities in less fortunate parts of the world – including Kenya, Uganda, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctor of Philosophy (2004 – 2009)
The University of Sydney, Australia
Thesis: Drawing on the Virtual Collective: Exploring Online Collaborative Creativity
- Master of Higher Education (1994 -1998)
The University of New South Wales, Australia
- Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Fine Arts (1981-1984)
Bristol Polytechnic, England (UK)
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
- British University Vietnam (BUV)
Professor (2022 – Current)
Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice President
- RMIT University (Vietnam)
Professor (2015 – 2022)
Executive Dean (Academic & Students) (2019 – 2022)
Vice-President (Academic) (2018-19)
Dean, School of Communication & Design (2015-2018)
- University of New South Wales (Australia)
Assoc. Lecturer to Assoc. Professor (1990 – 2015)
Head, College of Fine Arts Online
RESEARCH AREAS / FIELDS
- Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
- Online Learning & Teaching
- Graphic Design, Foundation Design Theories
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
- Polaine, A., & Bennett, R. (2010)
Creative Waves: Exploring Emerging Online Cultures, Social Networking and Creative Collaboration Through e-Learning to Offer Visual Campaigns for Local Kenyan Health Needs. In Collaborative Technologies and Applications for Interactive Information Design: Emerging Trends in User Experiences, Rummler, Scott & Ng, Kwong-Bor (Eds.), Hershey, PA: IGI Global. ISBN: 978-1-60566-727-7
- Martini, N., Harrison, J., & Bennett, R. (2010)
Creating Waves across geographical and disciplinary divides through online creative collaboration. In Interaction in Communication Technologies & Virtual Learning Environments, Ragusa, Angela, T. (Ed), Human Factors, IGI Global, pp 9-25.
ISBN: 978-1-60566-874-1
- Bennett, R. & Dziekan, V. (2005)
Online Collaboration in the Creative Process: Working With the Most Interactive Community of Designers We Have [N]ever Met.
Designs on E-Learning International Conference Proceedings: The University of the Arts, London, England, ISBN: 1-903455-09-X
RESEARCH & CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS / EXHIBITIONS
Barriers to Online Education for Higher Education in Vietnam – (Keynote Address)
2021 Auscham Education Conference Vietnam (Online)
Global Classrooms, Local Benefits
2014 International Conference on Global Education for Digital Natives – (Keynote Address)
Tamkang University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Creative Outreach Through Computing in Education
Global Learn Asia Pacific 2011 Conference – (Keynote Address)
The Sebel Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne, Australia.
The Banglos Project – Design Exhibition
Ayala Museum, Makati, Manila, Philippines.
DasManila – Design Exhibition
Royal Botanic Gardens
Sydney, Australia.
RESEARCH GRANTS
- McIntyre, S., Bennett, R., & Watson, K. (2009)
Australian Learning & Teaching Council (ALTC)
Learning to Teach Online: Developing high-quality video and text resources to help educators teach online. ($219,000)
- Bennett, R. & McIntyre, S. (2007)
UNSW Learning & Teaching Performance Fund
Planning, Infrastructure Provision and Establishment of the UNSW Academy of Online Art and Design Education ($68,000)
- Bennett, R. & Chan, L. (2004-06)
Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Grant
Formalising a System and Approach for an Effective Online Collaborative Design Process in Visual Communication. ($260,000)
AWARDS & HONOURS
- Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning (2006)
Carrick Institute (now ALTC)
‘For pioneering internationally recognised best practice in online education in the creative arts and design’
Australian University Quality Agency
‘For good practice in systematisation of online delivery and innovation in online collaborative education.’
Australasian Society of Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (Ascilite)
‘For innovation and exemplary use of technology in higher education’.
- ACUADS Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award (2004)
Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools (ACUADS)
- UNSW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2001)
‘For exemplary innovation in the use of technology in teaching