On-campus or online : learning resources and communities of practice make the difference

This paper outlines a pedagogical approach to course learning materials for students who attend tutorials on-campus and online. Reflecting upon these two modes of study, it describes a model developed for the Bachelor of Communication course at Western Sydney University. This approach sought to develop efficacy in academic staff by providing clear guidelines for engagement in learning, comprehensive and consistent pre-recorded lecture materials and virtual tutorial support. By developing the potential of virtual and in-classroom experiences this integrated design fosters shared ‘communities of practice’ for teaching staff as much as students.