The Report of the E-Learning Advisory Group March 2002

The E-Learning Advisory Group was established by the government in July 2001 to provide advice to the Ministry of Education on innovative ways to achieve a strategic direction for e-learning in New Zealand’s tertiary education sector. This group consisted of 10 sector representatives, with a wide range of skills and experience in e-learning initiatives.

We must recognise our successes: there are a large number of e-learning initiatives underway in the tertiary education sector. However, we must ensure our e-learning environment evolves in a manner that delivers high quality learning, has a sharp focus on the needs of the learner and can advance New Zealand’s economic and social development.

The E-learning Advisory Group’s advice closely aligns with the Government’s framework ‘Growing an Innovative New Zealand’ and the draft Tertiary Education Strategy 2002-2007, particularly in terms of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) where there is an expectation that New Zealand will leverage some of its strengths. This advice also links with other government strategies such as e-government and e-commerce.

I thank the E-Learning Advisory Group and, in particular, Shona Butterfield (Chair), for undertaking the task presented to them with enthusiasm and commitment. It was not an easy task in light of the time constraint, but the group responded to the challenge by focusing on the key issues facing e-learning for the tertiary education sector. Each member of the group is to be commended for the time and effort they devoted to providing this advice. This report will inform any future e-learning decisions by the Government.

Steve Maharey
Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary Education)