RIDE 2026 — Research Poster

A collaborative development model enabling co-designed learning with ophthalmic science students

Authors Assoc. Prof. Dr Constantinos Petsoglou, University of Sydney
Dr Kelechi Ogbuehi, University of Otago
Dr Francesc March de Ribot, University of Otago
Dr Gloria Gomez, OceanBrowser & University of Sydney
Track Practice — Reflecting, Innovating, Developing
Keywords International postgraduate education Inter-institutional collaborations Online learning environments Collaborative design Co-design Student-led teaching

Abstract

The Universities of Sydney and Otago have jointly delivered a Master of Medicine in Ophthalmic Science since 2004. The programme features a hybrid model: initial online units, followed by intensive face-to-face practical training and a research dissertation, serving 15–30 medical doctors annually in 18-month part-time study.

The OB3 platform (developed from 2008) addressed two objectives: facilitating curriculum updates and enhancing student participation. The framework drew from social interaction methodology, self-regulatory learning strategies, visual design for metacognition, and networked learning principles.

Three core success factors are identified: student–educator collaboration (students as curriculum co-creators), cross-disciplinary academic collaboration between lecturers and tutors, and educational–technical collaboration translating pedagogy into platform functionality.

Research Poster

RIDE 2026 research poster: A collaborative development model enabling co-designed learning with ophthalmic science students

Click poster to view full size, or access the virtual exhibition website | 20th annual International Research in Distance Education University of London website password: RIDE2026

Related Resources

Watch: Student-led assignments explained (approx. 12 min)

Ass Prof Con Petsoglou, Dr Anna Waldie, and three students from the Ophthalmic Basic Science programme discuss student-led assignments in which educators and students co-design learning.

Watch video

Also from the OB3 team

  • Workshop: Co-designing learning in asynchronous distance education — Active Learning Festival 2025 (UK)
Publications & Presentations Ophthalmology case study

Selected Publications

  • Gomez, G., Petsoglou, C., Fraser, C., Painter, G., Cornish, E., & Nilsson, J. (2024). Advancing ophthalmic education research at the Save Sight Institute. Eye2Eye, 28, 80–81.
  • Gomez, G., Daellenbach, R., Kensington, M., Davies, L., & Petsoglou, C. (2022). Students and teachers co-designing media-rich document resources in an asynchronous virtual personal learning environment. Proceedings of INTED2022 Conference.
  • Gomez, G., & Petsoglou, C. (2021). OB3 media-rich documents with embedded discussions: Lifting learning performance and engagement through interaction design. FLANZ Conference 2021 for Flexible Learning, Wellington, New Zealand.
  • Petsoglou, C., & Stoop, R. (2020). Blended learning in ophthalmology. Eye2Eye: Magazine for the leaders in collaborative eye care, 23(3), 37–39.