Abstract

In 1999, the Bachelor of Electronic Commerce degree started at the Ipswich campus of the University of Queensland with an initial intake of approximately 50 students. Subjects were offered to students using technology and flexible delivery methods. This paper details the authors' experiences in building and presenting a cornerstone subject, Introduction to Computer-based Information Systems, in this new degree using flexible delivery techniques. This paper discusses the question, "What is flexible delivery?" Then, it proceeds to reflect on how the concept was operationalised using a combination of e-mail, web-based technologies, and face-to-face contact classes. The proposition is put forward that flexible delivery does not mean contactless delivery, nor does it mean structureless delivery. Finally, the results are presented of several data collection exercises on the relative effectiveness of the presentation methods employed. These results provide preliminary support for the propositions that structure and regular face-to-face contact remain highly valued and effective components of a subject's presentation.

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