Senior Lecturer, School of Business

The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand

Workshop

The electronic era provides opportunities in education for 'richness' (that is, the overall quality of information) and 'reach' (the overall number of people involved in the exchange of information)' in contrast to 'richness or reach'. Gone is the need for learning exclusively within the classroom that is based on simulated exercises and contrived case studies. Through electronic and other means, the thrust of further and higher education can be on real-life projects in the real world. This 'bricks and clicks' approach enables learners to make meaningful contributions to work - and life in general - while earning academic credit. Examples of how this is happening - for example, through special projects, internships, and e-portfolio development - are provided. The emergence of new learning communities, with associated opportunities and challenges, is highlighted. Importantly, how the members of such communities can participate willingly and enthusiastically is considered. The consequential need for new models of education is explored.

Presentation slides (97KB PPT)

Presentation slides (90KB PDF)

Dave Hornblow is widely published in the fields of open and distance learning (for example, 'Secrets to Successful Completions: The Ongoing Confessions of an Open Learning Enthusiast') and adult and experiential learning ('Teaching for Business Success: Organised Excursions from RPL to PFL' - that is, from 'recognition of prior learning' to 'preparation for future learning'). He has designed and run applied management courses over the last two decades that have seen an evolution from paper-based to electronic delivery. A current interest is the redefinition of models of education in line with new technology and the emergence of new communities of learning.

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