The information environments program - a new design based IT degree

The University of Queensland has recently established a new design-focused, studio-based IT degree at a new “flexible-learning” campus. The Bachelor of Information Environments degree integrates the core subjects of the Bachelor of Information Technology degree along with a stream of design-based subjects covering Visual Thinking, Human Computer Interaction, Interactive Multimedia and Interaction Design. The core of the degree is the studio-stream, modelled on the architectural studio, in which students undertake open-ended design projects every semester. Studio-based learning immerses the students in the learning experience and involves teamwork, collaborative learning, interactive problem solving, presentations, and peer review. The studio projects also require the students to apply knowledge and skills gained in other subjects in new contexts, hence integrating and reinforcing previous learning. This paper describes the degree program, its curriculum and rationale, and reports on experiences in the first year of delivery.