Flexible coursework delivery to Australian postgraduates: How effective is the teaching and learning?

Abstract

The educational implications of non-traditional delivery methods at postgraduate level are not yet well understood. A major question is whether advantages of access and flexibility are accompanied by trade-offs in learning experiences and outcomes. In this paper we address the effectiveness of delivery methods currently used in postgraduate coursework programs in Australia. We draw heavily on a national study of flexible delivery methods in postgraduate education, conducted in 1995. Following a nation-wide survey, we investigated the effects of delivery technologies on learning and teaching in seven postgraduate courses. Information was collected, mostly by taped interview, from staff and st..