Learning integrated work : inter-organisational collaborators reflect on provision of authentic virtual multimedia project experience

This discussion paper outlines the experience of initiating and sustaining an authentic, team based, work integrated learning experience for advanced level, undergraduate students of collaborative multimedia design and production. It is a reflective account of how the needs of both organisations involved came to be addressed, creating a win-win-win outcome for the industry partner, the students and the university. Unusual aspects to do with the distance study mode of the students and the requirement for virtual collaboration are showcased. In the analysis, the difficulties experienced in initiating and sustaining such an inter-organisational relationship, especially where there is no direct vocational interdependency and so, no supportive administrative framework, are highlighted.