The Report of the E-Learning Advisory Group March 2002

Dear Minister

The E-Learning Advisory Group has been convened to explore issues related to the development of e-learning in the tertiary education sector. E-learning is set to play an increasingly-important role in expanding learning opportunities and helping New Zealand’s transformation into a Knowledge Society. Technology is opening up new learning pathways and making it possible for people to undertake tertiary education in new ways from home, work, as well as traditional campus-based study.

There are a number of challenges for tertiary institutions in realising the potential of this new learning medium. It is imperative that we act now to avoid falling behind international developments and do so in a coordinated way that maximises our resources and avoids duplication of effort.

The Advisory Group has found New Zealand has plenty to build on in this area with nearly all institutions already involved with e-learning in some way. A strong theme throughout this report is the need to coordinate these efforts to deliver the best possible learning experience for a diverse and growing range of New Zealanders.

Much will rest on our ability to forge strong and enduring partnerships between providers, the private sector, industry and the community. We must develop resources and digital material that reflects our needs, culture and values so that a distinctive New Zealand e-learning environment evolves.

The E-Learning Advisory Group combine many years of expertise and commitment to e-learning, e-teaching and Maori Education. Within a heavily-restricted timeframe, the members have provided invaluable insight into the many ways in which New Zealand can meet the e-learning challenge.

On behalf of the Advisory Group, I am pleased to present this report to the Government and the Ministry of Education. It contains a number of recommendations which we hope will provide clear direction and momentum in the short and medium term in this important area.

In addressing the Terms of Reference, we have been guided by the following convictions:

• e-learning must be learner-centred
• e-learning must be quality-based and informed by excellent pedagogy
• e-learning offers a key tool for increasing Maori participation and success in educational programmes
• e-teaching must be supported by capability development in institutions
• e-learning development must reflect New Zealand’s unique identity, with the Treaty of Waitangi underpinning this development
• New Zealand tertiary providers must achieve a new level of partnership and dialogue
• e-learning can positively contribute to New Zealand’s global competitive advantage and build on current export education initiatives.

I would like to express my gratitude to my colleagues on the E-Learning Advisory Group for all their hard work, ideas and inspiration. I am aware that our work is only the beginning of an ongoing journey, but I am confident that it is an important foundation for providing quality, accessible learning opportunities for all.

Shona Butterfield
Chair
E-Learning Advisory Group

Members of the Working Party

• Shona Butterfield (Chair)
  
• Tom Prebble (Deputy Chair)
  
• Terry Barnett
  
• Trish Brimblecombe
  
• Nola Campbell
  
• Martin Eadie
  
• Andrew Higgins
  
• John Hinchcliff
  
• Ruakere Hond
  
• Te Taka Keegan

Acknowledgements

Nigel Beckford and Michael Fitzsimons provided the editing expertise for this report. Their writing skills were invaluable to the E-Learning Advisory Group. The E-Learning Advisory Group also greatly appreciates the considered thoughts of the many people who contributed to the drafting of this report. Their experience and views of e-learning – where it sits now and practical dreams for the future – were important contributions.

The E-Learning Advisory Group is grateful for the assistance of Ministry of Education staff, particularly Paula Kimble, Natasha Rickett and Murray Leach. The E-Learning Advisory Group also thanks all those tertiary education providers who responded to the questionnaire on e-learning capability.