18 June 2008 Media Release: The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Immediate
Open Poly Helps Educators and Trainers Upgrade their e-Learning Skills
The increasing use of e-learning is creating a need to upskill more education and training professionals in the field,
according to head of The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand’s e-learning office Sue Dark.
Ms Dark says a new online certificate launched by The Open Polytechnic aims to be part of the solution by upgrading the
e-learning skills of educators working with adult distance learners.
The new certificate blends adult and distance learning theory with a hands-on approach to designing and facilitating
learning online, she says.
“Judging by what’s happening internationally online learning is going to have a big role to play for people in the
workforce and we wanted to develop a very practical introduction for educators likely to be working with those kinds of
learners.
“It’s aimed at polytechnic academics and adult and workplace trainers but we also see potential for related areas such
as human resources professionals and others supporting the training function.”
Ms Dark says The Open Polytechnic is recognised internationally for its expertise in both e-learning and
distance-learning and the new certificate is a natural extension of its role.
“We’re very much focused on supporting more flexible ways for adults to learn both as an organisation and within the
wider network of tertiary provision.
“The use of technology in education enables greater flexibility but there is an urgent need to raise capability in the
discipline.”
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