Twenty first century edgeless universities

Designing community spaces for connectedness across degree programs

Abstract

Flexible learning approaches within university spaces is a feature of the Edgeless University (Bradwell, 2009). By allowing flexibility in place and time, universities are better able to meet the needs of 21^st century learners. However the issue of disconnect resulting from a lack of community in such environments needs consideration. The issue may be addressed in part by designing virtual community spaces for degree programs that enable social, educational and professional connectedness. In this concise paper we discuss the design of two Master of Business community sites within the QUT Business Faculty Flexible Learning Initiative. We also consider the strengths and challenges in effective implementation of the sites in university environments that are only now grappling with the concept of being “edgeless.”