Executive Summary

What is e-learning?

e-Learning is learning that is enabled or supported by the use of digital tools and content. It typically involves some form of interactivity, which may include online interaction between the learner and their teacher or peers. e-Learning opportunities are usually accessed via the internet, though other technologies such as CD-ROM are also used in e-learning.

e-Learning environments can be rich, interactive, dynamic and customisable, connecting learners with an almost limitless wealth of information. New patterns of learning are starting to emerge as a result. We are seeing an increasing emphasis on information literacy, increased flexibility as to where, when and how people learn, and exploration of new ways in which learners can be empowered to structure and manage their own learning experiences.

This presents challenges to our tertiary education organisations, which are currently working through some quite significant changes required to support these new models.

Why do we need a national tertiary e-learning framework?

In 2002, the Government released the Tertiary Education Strategy 2002/07. That strategy lays out a series of proposed changes to New Zealand's tertiary education system, to better support our national development goals, and respond to the challenges of globalisation, accelerating technological change, and the knowledge society.

e-Learning has a key part to play in this – it is already bringing significant changes to the education sector. A national tertiary e-learning framework will help ensure that these changes advance the Government's overall strategy for tertiary education in New Zealand. It also allows us to plan the development of an increasingly networked education system – more fluid, more responsive, and less constrained by geographical boundaries.

Although this interim framework focuses on the tertiary sector, our tertiary e-learning capabilities should not be viewed in isolation from New Zealand's education system as a whole. This interim framework will eventually be superseded by an integrated, pan-sector e-learning strategy that will encompass the schools and early childhood sectors, as well as the tertiary sector.

What is the framework?

The Interim Tertiary e-Learning Framework provides high level direction for the development of tertiary sector e-learning capabilities. It consists of a vision; a set of five guiding principles which will guide our tertiary sector in its path towards achieving the vision; and seven key action areas, where centrally co-ordinated national initiatives are required to enable efficient and effective sector capability development.

An overview of the interim framework is provided in the table overleaf.

What is the plan for implementation of the framework?

To implement the framework, an action plan will be developed over the course of April to July 2004. This Tertiary e-Learning Action Plan will include objectives, details and success measures for initiatives under each of the key action areas identified in the framework. The Ministry of Education will co-ordinate the development and implementation of the action plan, in active partnership with the tertiary education sector, and in collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders – including learners, iwi, community groups and businesses.

In order for the tertiary education sector to be an active partner in the e-learning framework, a permanent reference group for e-learning will be put in place. At present, a number of forums and consortia exist, but none is able to claim sufficient breadth or buy-in to be truly representative. The Ministry of Education will consult with the tertiary sector regarding the establishment of this group.