DEANZ Conference Evolving E-Learning

Leading distance educators from across New Zealand and overseas gathered to hear about and discuss current developments in e-Learning at the DEANZ (Distance Education Association of New Zealand) Conference in Wellington last week.

The conference attracted a number of key speakers who are experts in the field of distance education and e-Learning, including a member of the Board of Trustees of The Correspondence School (TCS), Nola Campbell (a senior lecturer at Waikato University’s School of Education and one of New Zealand’s leading online educators).

Over 200 delegates from schools, universities, tertiary institutions and businesses attended the conference, which explored what is required at local, national and international levels to adopt e-Learning strategies.

“Evolving e-Learning, the theme of this year’s DEANZ conference, is a white hot topic. I really think we are in the middle of a revolution when it comes to e-Learning”, said opening keynote speaker Dr Fred Lockwood.

Dr Lockwood, a professor at Manchester University, has over 30 years’ experience in the field of distance learning and is editor of the Open and Distance Learning Series – the largest series of books in open and distance learning in the world. He spoke about the different areas within the e-Learning revolution and the future of distance education.

Other keynote speakers at the conference included Don Hanna (University of Wisconsin, USA); Associate Minister of Education Steve Maharey, who was supported by representatives of his Tertiary e-Learning Advisory Committee; Derek Wenmoth (eSection Manager, TCS); and Chris Allott McPhee (eSection Team Leader, TCS).

TCS was actively involved in the conference. TCS eSection Manager Derek Wenmoth chaired the organising committee, which also had several TCS representatives on it.

The conference was held at Te Papa in Wellington from Wednesday 10 April to Friday 12 April. DEANZ Conferences are held biannually. They provide an important opportunity for all those involved in distance, open, flexible education and e-Learning to share experiences, be inspired by presentations from experts, and find out about the latest developments in the field.

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