Studio based teaching in Information Technology

Not only is the content of this degree innovative, it also represents a radical shift in course design and pedagogy in the field of computer science education. At the core of the degree is a studio based approach to teaching and learning, modelled on the architectural studio, which encourages a community of learners to interact to solve problems. It is an immersive approach to learning where open problems are visited iteratively. The Studio subjects in each semester are designed to provide opportunities for the practical application of the knowledge and skills derived from the other Information Environments subjects.

In contrast to the lecture/tutorial style of delivery, this approach is learner centred with an emphasis on educational design that values learner interaction, problem solving and small group work with a focus on real contexts. The Studio subjects offer students an opportunity to solve real design problems in ways that mirror the work of professionals in the world of information technology: through team work, collaborative learning and the application of related knowledge to new contexts. Creativity and innovation by students is encouraged and sought after in this program, and rote learning and thoughtless regurgitation have no role.

Supporting this pedagogical approach is the program's commitment to the use of physical space as a resource to solve problems. The Studio subjects are held in purpose built spaces designed to encourage collaboration and team approaches to problem solving. While there is naturally a strong emphasis on access to technology in this degree, the design of the physical space varies significantly from the rigid line up of traditional computer labs. The Studio spaces are more fluid, allowing the formation and re-formation of different teams and different spaces according to the problems driving the student interactions.

This paper details the Studio approach to flexible learning in the University of Queensland's Bachelor of Information Environments program and reports on student learning experiences and outcomes after the first year of delivery.