Student perspective

There can be no question that the student experience is a dynamic entity. Today's students have a very different view of 'campus life' than their predecessors and it is not just the social aspects of university that have changed as a result of this cultural shift. The world of academia is also being forced to adjust with staff and students alike having to reconsider the way assessment is conducted and classes are delivered.

Students no longer have the luxury of attending classes and liasing with their peers with little else to distract them. Typically, a full time student will also have substantial family, sporting and community commitments, hold a position as a volunteer and work more hours than ever before.

The rising cost of higher education is being directly reflected in increased financial pressure on students. A report released by the Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee in 2001, "Paying Their Own Way", shows a marked increase in the number of students who work and the hours they work from 1984 to 2000 (Long & Hayden, 2001).

Importantly it noted that 7% of students 'frequently' missed classes due to work and 21.3% of students 'sometimes' missed classes for the same reason.

This increase in the number of hours students spend in employment activities and the subsequent decrease in the hours they spend on campus has, and will continue, to necessitate the implementation of flexible learning options at this, and all universities. It is no longer sufficient for classes to be scheduled and students expected to attend at the allocated times. Web-based and 'after hours' options must also be considered.

A greater awareness and acceptance of students' individual circumstances has further highlighted this move to flexible delivery of classes, and where possible, assessment. Students with disabilities and those with young families are also benefiting from this relaxation of the traditional modes of university education.

The students of today are no longer 'just students' and view university as only one part of their life education. As long as the student experience continues to change so must the practices of teaching and learning.

• Long, M., & Hayden, M. (2001). Paying their way - A survey of Australian undergraduate university student finances. Canberra: AV-CC.