This article presents work in progress exploring social constructivism within Mode Neutral, and how various conditions impact upon the student experience. Mode Neutral's three dimensions--curriculum design, the role of the tutor and communication for learning--are affected by the conditions that can vary in any given context. The authors realise that both students' and tutors' expectations may be different, thus creating a different learning experience for each individual. The article also proposes a model for teaching and learning that identifies some (but not all) of the conditions that have been resident in their (and others') research into the use of social constructivism within the learning experience. The consideration of these conditions directly affects the three key dimensions, and ultimately shapes the learning and teaching experience for all participants. (Contains 3 figures.)