VIRTUAL MADRID FOCUS ON PEDAGOGY
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, tertiary education globally has experienced a substantial shift to incorporate digital learning experiences beyond traditional face to face classroom settings. Online education provides students with access to tertiary courses which do not rely on campus delivery and as such, can present expanded study opportunities for people living in regional or remote locations in Western Australia. However, online education curriculums often overlook face to face learning benefits such as developing critical soft skills through in person social interactions. Examples include establishing student camaraderie, career network building and employment leading industry collaborations or internships; all of which are commonplace in populous face to face tertiary institutions. In Western Australia, some universities are currently tackling this issue by building additional bespoke campuses in select regional areas. These approaches still rely on populous locations and do not attempt to support student access to tertiary education beyond such centres. This paper spearheads a comprehensive research project which investigates current tertiary curriculum approaches in regional and remote locations in Western Australia. This research utilises design thinking techniques and co-design methodology to incorporate unique student perspectives and their desired learning formats. Gained insights result in a pilot study that will assist in developing experimental and innovative tertiary education deliveries for Western Australian students beyond metropolitan areas.
Erica Mason is a Lecturer in Graphic Design and the Academic Chair for Design Thinking and Service Innovation at Murdoch University. As a designer, Dr Erica Mason investigates how design can be utilised as a critical tool to enhance societal systems, economic policies, natural environments, and the holistic connections between them. She believes design is a powerful force capable of improving the world without creating further problems for the future. Her research focuses on discovering new ways to innovate through this lens, and the outcomes of her work are embedded into her design curriculum.
Eko Pam is a researcher and designer with expertise in sustainable design practices, particularly for retail spaces. Holding a PhD in Spatial Design, her work bridges theory and application, emphasizing sustainability in both academia and professional design. Eko’s research spans design thinking, service design, and spatial design, with contributions to publications, exhibitions, and conferences. Her interdisciplinary focus and collaborative projects highlight her commitment to integrating innovative, sustainable approaches into the built environment and design education.