Avondale University is migrating their practicum management, reporting and review processes across to the MD Portal, with aims to be ready for first Semester 2026. The project was initiated by Pr Neil Thompson at Avondale University, with funding for the project being provided by the SPD Digital Transformation committee.
From 2026, students completing practicum subjects will use MD to nominate their preferences for practicum location, upload their compliance certificates and receive updates on approvals from Avondale and Location supervisors.
The experience has the added benefit of helping students become familiar with the Portal before they commence work in the field as an employee.
"This will greatly simplify the administration, security and ease of access for the students and their data, help us stay up-to-date with compliance, and bring everything together in one place. The bonus is that it helps us further prepare students for future denominational employment." says Pr Thompson.
"Avondale has always played a massive part in preparing students for pastoral ministry within the church and school envonment," says Pr Russ WIllcocks, project lead at AdTec. "This just adds to that value!"
Discovery and design took place in April 2025, and the build phase commenced in May. It is hoped that testing will start by September, with the first Practicums registered in the system to start in Semester 1, 2026.
