Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia
The implementation of a studio-based approach to teaching in the Bachelor of Information Management and Systems (BIMS) at Monash University has instituted a new teaching model. A model in which the traditional lecture theatre and tutorial room/laboratory environment is replaced by a model based on the development of collaborative learning communities, and professional practice. This model encourages students to learn and practice the skills and techniques required in the discipline, whilst working in an environment which encourages learning by doing, and which simulates the working environments they will encounter subsequently in their professional careers.
It is anticipated that the teaching of a traditional IT degree within the non-traditional studio- based environment as detailed in this paper, will produce graduates that have more than academic knowledge and skills, but ‘hidden’ employable skills such as communication, cooperation, and collaboration and self-direction, that industry is demanding. The staff in the School of Information Management and Systems (SIMS) perceive that educating students using a studio-based approach also develops a transparent transition between university and professional practice, and thus produces graduates ready to join the professional IT workforce.