Seizing the benefits of new technologies for tertiary learning

Thanks for inviting me to launch the E-Learning Advisory Group's report.

The document contains a number of thoughtful and timely recommendations that sketch out the contours of where we need to be heading in this vital area.

It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of Shona Butterfield and the whole group.

As this audience in particular will know, fresh advances in technology, electronic media and the internet are rapidly turning our learning environment on its head.

This Government is determined to seize the benefits on offer for teaching and learning, specifically where new technology can serve as a delivery mechanism for the tertiary sector.

One of the key implications for tertiary education is the opportunity for increasingly flexible learning.

This means providing choices that allow students to meet their own educational requirements in ways suited to their individual needs.

As the tertiary education needs of society and individuals are changing, flexible learning is becoming increasingly important.

E-learning - where we harness the electronic media as a teaching tool - offers us new levels of flexibility in terms of what, when, where, and how tertiary education is accessed.

Developing an e-learning capability in our tertiary education sector, therefore, has direct implications for the ability of New Zealanders to participate in the knowledge society.

Governments across the globe increasingly recognise that their citizens must develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed for a high technology world.

They are investing in the development of e-learning capability.

Here in New Zealand, a lot of e-learning activity is taking place throughout the tertiary sector.

Some providers, such as the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and Massey University, are offering programmes completely on-line as part of their flexible learning strategies.

A few have joined global associations, such as Universitas 21 and the Global University Alliance.

Most providers in New Zealand now use technologies for administrative purposes, communication, and the distribution of materials.

These positive developments, however, have tended to occur in an uncoordinated manner with little evidence of collaboration between providers.

One of the hurdles here is determining the best approach for blending flexible and traditional delivery within a single provider and a single course.

To obtain advice on the best way to move forward, the Government last year set up the E-Learning Advisory Group.

We drew on the expertise and insight available across the sector to find the best way to develop e-learning capability and help build support for collaboration.

The high-powered group provided its report last December, containing a comprehensive range of recommendations.

I was pleased to note that the report looks to a wider range of initiatives than just technological ones.

Technology alone will not help us achieve our goals.

We need to keep our focus on the needs of learners and maintain an unflagging commitment to quality in governance, teaching and learner support.

These elements - and a willingness to collaborate - will be the hallmarks of our success in this area.

They will help ensure that we can remain internationally competitive in e-learning.

The report calls for collaboration between central agencies, tertiary providers, iwi and other stakeholders, including private enterprise.

Among its recommendations is setting up a Collaborative Development Fund (CDF) as a pool of funding for tertiary providers to access capital in order to develop e-learning capability.

Other suggestions include an e-learning leadership centre, and a single electronic point of entry - a central portal - to give people access the wide range of information, services and resources offered by our tertiary sector.

The Government warmly welcomes the report and will be considering its recommendations closely.