Dr Ruth Wallace and Jo Lines from Edith Cowan University on ‘Multiple learning pathways in Health Science.’ This recording is from our 2022 Perth, Australia MiniBash community event.
Dr. Ruth Wallace (Course Coordinator, Bachelor of Health Science) and Jo Lines (Senior Learning Designer) from Edith Cowan University share how ECU is embedding portfolio‑based learning across a complex, multi‑pathway Health Science degree.
Recorded at our 2022 Perth MiniBash, this session explores how PebblePad is being used to support career readiness, self‑reflection and capability development for hundreds of students progressing through diverse study combinations, majors and professional accreditation routes.
With Health Science offering numerous pathways — from Health Promotion to Occupational Health & Safety and other specialisations — students rarely follow one linear journey. Dr. Wallace and Jo Lines outline a collaborative, whole‑of‑course strategy designed to help every student collect meaningful evidence, reflect on their experiences, and understand their capabilities no matter which pathway they take.
In this presentation, they explain how ECU:
- Designed a course‑wide PebblePad portfolio that works across 40+ units and multiple majors
- Supports students to collect, select and reflect on evidence from both curricular and co‑curricular experiences
- Uses ECU’s institutional Employability Framework to guide consistent capability development
- Provides clear distinctions between what belongs in the LMS (learning content) and what belongs in PebblePad (portfolio, reflection, evidence collection)
- Collaborates with Careers, Library, Learning Technology and industry partners to deliver a cohesive student experience
- Ensures academic staff and students receive the support they need — reducing the tech burden and increasing adoption
- Helps students prepare gradually for employability, rather than waiting until their final year
Dr. Wallace and Jo also share sample workbook pages, reflection prompts, co‑curricular activities and strategies for embedding employability without overwhelming staff or students.