Teaching and learning offshore: A framework for sustainable development

Abstract

Developing quality offshore programs presents some different challenges for both academics and associated professional support to those encountered in a traditional learning environment. The authors (an academic, an instructional designer and a librarian) examined some of the issues relevant to offshore teaching and learning from their multiple perspectives in order to provide a framework to facilitate the development of sustainable programs. Issues included curriculum design, teacher perspectives, student perspectives, cultural variables and learning support. The paper seeks to provide guidance to those who are endeavouring to establish a teaching and learning framework for offshore programs. The paper highlights the need to provide a sound pedagogical basis for offshore teaching and learning and outlines particular issues that may need to be considered in developing an offshore program. The paper also describes the approach that we have taken to address those challenges and concerns.