Practices-based can make online perfect: studyage online

Developing an interactive practice based, online version of a post-graduate program already in traditional independent study distance format produces a number of pedagogical and development shifts. Not only will the need for effective online interactivity change the nature of the learning and assessment experiences, the fundamentals of the online environment demand inclusion of new, practice based content, from students and staff, to stand alongside traditional academic sources for independent learning. The “StudyAgeOnline” pilot project reported here demonstrates the educational design brief used for making this shift and the significant implications for academics, educational designers and contributing experts. Particular comments are made on the questions, challenges and tensions which can emerge when existing curricula are only a part of the new learning opportunities brought about by students contributing from their own practice based experience in an online learning environment.