Generic skills for sustainable communities: design principles for a learning support environment

Abstract

This paper explores the design problems which arise in the development of an on-line learning environment for built environment professionals. The guiding educational philosophy embraced an analysis of the institutional context within which skills were used, and how practitioners interpret the pre-existing generic skills literature. A learning environment was designed in which ownership of the skills agenda passes to participants in open-ended learning projects. Experience from focus groups and a trial learning project challenged the idea that there are widespread 'skills gaps'. The framing of the skills agenda may be seen as problematic, requiring a deeper understanding of institutional constraints.