Abstract for paper submitted to CHC99 (Computers in the History Classroom) to be held at Skidmore College, Saratoga, New York (30 June-3 July 1999).

The conventional practice in universities offering distance (external) and classroom (internal) versions of the same history subject is to treat each as a separate operation. Even though students may be studying the same material with the same lecturer, no particular effort is made to combine the learning experiences of distance and classroom students. This pedagogical approach is understandable given the restrictions imposed by conventional forms of communication.

Over the past two years, HST209 Public History has in an experimental fashion created a common learning experience for both types of student. HST209 Public History has also brought distance study postgraduate students into the same "classroom" with both distance and classroom undergraduates. The "classroom" is an on-line version of the subject available to all students, distance and classroom, undergraduate and postgraduate. As well as providing a wide range of Internet-based resources, the on-line "classroom" also features forums and activities in which all students are encouraged to participate.

This paper will discuss, and assess critically, the range of Internet-based features being used in HST209 Public History to "blur the edges" of difference between distance and classroom, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate, study in Public History and similar cultural heritage subjects. The qualified conclusion of the paper will be that Internet-based and resourced learning offers an opportunity to enhance the learning opportunities of both distance and classroom students through the provision of additional resources and opportunities in cooperative learning.

Dr Robin McLachlan

History & Cultural Heritage Studies

Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, Australia