Students at the centre: non-lineal narratives and self-conscious learning

This paper reflects on the design and evaluation of a multimedia learning t ool developed for students of qualitative research. Two issues are explored which are pertinent to the introduction of multimedia networked learning t ools into existing teaching and learning cultures. First, the concept of th e non-lineal - in multimedia narratives, in the ethnographic research proce ss, in the learning process and in relation to teaching strategies. Second, drawing from evaluations of the multimedia tool the idea of self-conscious multilineal learning, and continuities between hypermedia learning and con ventional teaching and learning practices are discussed. Finally the theore tical and practical implications of these discussions are related to the qu estion of developing 'student-centred learning'.