Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publisher
Edith Cowan University, Western Australia in association with Khon Kaen University, Thailand and Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Thailand.
Abstract
The paper outlines the merit of using case studies in teaching, such as providing real life examples to contextualise theoretical concepts and shifting the emphasis from teacher-centred to more studentcentred activities. While there are a variety of case types the material they provide is traditionally static. However, in real life, solutions are affected by changed circumstances reflecting a volatile environment. Hence, the paper reports on the approach of using a ‗living‘ case where students are confronted with teacher-initiated interventions while solving the case. The specific case was that of a university deciding to make, purchase or outsource an Information Technology (IT) project for which students applied techniques taught in the unit. Interventions occurred in three stages and reflected the authentic challenges confronted by an IT professional. The paper reports on students‘ reactions to the interventions they experienced at short notice, their performance in developing the project case and conclusions that can be drawn on the more sustained learning that resulted from the approach.
Comments
EDU-COM 2008 International Conference. Sustainability in Higher Education: Directions for Change, Edith Cowan University, Perth Western Australia, 19-21 November 2008.