Hiccups and hurdles: a "warts and all" look at the online revolution

Abstract

Within tertiary education, online learning tools are being used with greater frequency than ever before. Online education has been hailed as a method of providing flexible education to first year students with complex family, work and social commitments. However, little research has been conducted looking at the pragmatic and pedagogical issues educators face when developing an online learning curriculum. This nuts and bolts session explores the unique challenges faced by staff at James Cook University when developing the first year of an online health degree. The interactive session will then go on to explore the key ethical and pragmatic issues faced by educators in developing online curricular in today’s working environment.