Informed Opportunism: Teaching for Learning in Uncertain Contexts of Distributed Education

Abstract

We begin with the story of a project one of us undertook in using information and communication technologies (ICTs) with tertiary students. We then draw out of it some points for our arguments about the complex mix of literacy, learning and technology practices that contribute to tertiary education. In two respects this story might not seem immediately relevant to discussions of distance education. First, the students were present on campus. However, we believe that all learning – on or off campus – occurs in a variety of contexts, which are spread or "distributed" over time and space. Some kinds of learning occur in company with others, present in the flesh or through their words; other learning happens when one is alone with one's thoughts and materials, even in a crowd. And all learning occurs by means of various technologies (pens, blackboards, books, classrooms). Second, the events happened in 1997 – a very long time in computerised education! – although similar stories of opportunities and challenges created today or tomorrow.