Professor Liz Burge - University of New Brunswick - Day 1

• Author of Flexible Higher Education: Reflections from Expert Experience
• Editorial Board for Open Learning, Adult Education Quarterly and Learning, Media and Technology
• More about Liz coming soon

 Title:

"No. 8 wire, wool, and ‘sure to rise’: New Zealand icons and distance education pioneers”

Abstract:

How might ingenuity and persistence in making things work, a sophisticated warmth technology, and a certainty of NZ cooking relate to our extensive professional heritage? Not only relate, but inform for today? Liz will set a lively stage for conference deliberations. The challenges, driving values and goals, technology use, and hard won lessons from 44 international pioneers help us see today’s connections and possibilities as extensions of our forbears’ work. As with 4mm gauge wire use, wool, and the Edmonds cookbook, icons of society and canons of professional knowledge take several generations to mature.

Professor Terry Anderson - Athabasca University - Day 2

• Canada Research Chair in Distance Education
• Editor of International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning
• Author of five book including Theory and Practice of Online Learning
• More About Terry coming soon

Title:

Three Generations of Distance Education Pedagogy: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

In this presentation Terry differentiates between first generation distance education pedagogy based on behavioural/cognitivism and focused on independent learning, second generation systems based on constructivism and groups and finally the merging generation of connectivist distance learning that utilized networks formed both within and outside of formal education.  Like the more familiar generations of distance education technologies, the new generations of DE pedagogy, have not totally supplanted earlier generation. But in both cases designers, developers and teachers are challenged to maximize the affordances of each generation so as to continually expand access to high quality learning content and contexts. This overview of the three generations demonstrates the growing opportunity to create and sustain learning connections and the unlimited possibilities of both old and new approaches to distance education.

Professor Sir Mason Durie - Massey University - Day 3 (shift of day due to unexpected clash with date of receiving his Knighthood)
	Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa, Rangitane Chair of the Secondary Futures Guardians Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Massey University Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Maori) and Professor of Maori Research Development Recent Knighthood for services to Health and Education.  More about Sir Mason

Title

Distance Education, Blended Learning and Enhanced Outcomes for Māori Learners.

Abstract

Over the past fifty years distance education has been transformed.  From a default option designed for geographically remote students it has emerged as a preferred choice, closely aligned to contemporary modes of learning, responsive to individual circumstances, and amenable to global reach.  The transformation has been shaped by new technologies, increasing demand for learning opportunities that reflect students’ world views and aspirations, and teachers who have been ready to engage with 21st century learning tools.    Three case studies illustrate successful educational outcomes for Maori learners at secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate levels and identify key principles, learning pathways, and outcome goals that underpin the blended approach.  They also highlight the key directional shifts in distance education over the past 50 years and the further trends that will be likely into the future.