Perspectives of Flexible Learning: Mapping the Shared Understanding and Conflicting Expectations of Students and Staff

Abstract

Tertiary institutions and researchers are grappling to better understand the pedagogical, organisational and technological imperatives for educational models which integrate digital information and communication technologies (ICTs). This paper reports on research in progress on the Student Satisfaction of Flexible Offerings (SSOFO) Project, which is investigating students' expectations and experiences of the flexibility associated with studying in the Faculty of Education at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). A survey of students and interviews with staff are being used to map students’ expectation and experience and staff’s perspectives of flexible learning. The findings of the survey, the interviews and the mapping exercise will be discussed with staff and students to develop credible recommendations. This paper presents key perspectives from the literature and outlines the project’s research approach, before focusing on the student survey findings and discussing the critical issues and possible actions which flow from these. The authors suggest that acknowledging and discussing the commonalities and gaps between the expectations and experience of students and the views of staff will be critical to the process of developing realistic recommendations for improving the faculty's teaching and learning practices.