Digital pedagogy: Finding the balance in an online learningand teaching environment

A recent small-scale qualitative case study conducted at the Queensland University of Technology (Irvine, 2004) investigated the issues faced by academics using online teaching environments in a tertiary setting. It found that academics were positive about their experiences in online teaching and the development of new pedagogical practice. This paper will present the findings of the study reinterpreted in terms of an activity system (after Engestrom, 1987) and in so doing, reveal the interactions and interdependence within this case, particularly the pivotal balance of human and technical support in the successful shift from traditional to online practice.