Student diversity in an online program: a case study approach illustrating evolving learning design for inclusivity

This paper illustrates a case study approach to discovering and facilitating key elements for inclusive online pedagogy for the design and development of an online program within an Australian university. These elements include, but are not limited to: student engagement, online collaboration techniques and in-situ relevance to the workplace. Over the last decade, an award-winning online undergraduate program has contributed in addressing the shortfall of credentialed ICT workers in Australia through its open access entry (no formal tertiary entry requirements). This can be evidenced in part by the program’s exponential growth of over 80% since 2007 which is in stark contrast to the decline in enrolments for other ICT programs in Australia. The program has attracted many mature-aged students who study while being employed hence they bring diverse skill sets, work and life experiences and learning styles. This diversity continually challenges educators to establish strategies and adaptive learning designs