Share Paper: Reimagining the Curriculum: Up-scaling Online Programs through a Strategic Partnership

  1. Tim Griffin, Western Sydney University, Australia
  2. Lynnae Venaruzzo, Western Sydney University, Australia
  3. Jay Cohen, Online Education Services, Australia

Abstract: Western Sydney University (WSU) has partnered with a leading online learning provider, Open Educational Services (OES), to create WSU Online. This fulfils a WSU strategic vision to expand its enrolment reach beyond its usual on-campus catchment, and, through the partnership, to reimagine the curriculum. The journey from a predominantly bricks-and-mortar, traditional lecture-tutorial University, through to a massive investment in blended learning and then to WSU Online is described, along with some characteristics of the partnership from the perspectives of WSU, OES and one of the WSU Schools. Some of the benefits, opportunities and challenges are outlined.