The web is, as numerous commentators have pointed out, non-linear in design. But most courses are taught in a linear manner. This creates an incongruity, but at the same time, suggests the non-linear design of online courses. The theoretical basis behind this kind of course design, argues the author, may be found in complexity theory. "Curriculum, he (Iannone) states, should be flexible, open, disruptive, uncertain and unpredictable and should accept tension, anxiety and problem creating as the norm." The second half of the paper described a course designed according to this model. "Students thus had to be more active in ‘picking and choosing’ their learning approaches. They had more choice about what they learnt, but more importantly, how they learnt it. Students would be encouraged to jump from activities to facts or skills as required. Students were encouraged to identify their own goals; goals that were challenging for them personally." Great stuff - and the non-linear PowerPoint presentation used to present the talk at NAWeb was a refreshing change, something I will adopt for future talks.
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