Open Polytechnic lecturer wins e-learning award
Open Polytechnic lecturer Michael Fenton has been awarded the prestigious DEANZ
Award for his contribution to e-learning in New Zealand.
DEANZ (the New Zealand Association for Open, Flexible and Distance Learning) named Mr Fenton the recipient of the award
for 2014 last night (1 May) during a dinner event at their bi-annual conference.
The theme for the 2014 conference being held in Christchurch is ‘Open, Flexible and Distance Learning: Where is the ‘E’
in Engagement?’
The DEANZ Award is designed to promote and reward excellence in e-learning, distance, open and flexible learning.
Mr Fenton received the award for his contribution to the innovative e-learning programmes the Open Polytechnic has
developed for their graduate qualifications in primary science teaching for in-service teachers.
Mr Fenton says he is thrilled with his award win. “On behalf of the Open Polytechnic team, it’s wonderful to receive
this recognition. The conference has been a great event for connecting and collaborating with leading national and
international educators.”
The Open Polytechnic graduate qualifications in primary science teaching are designed to increase the confidence and
ability of primary school teachers to teach science, and were developed in response to the increasing challenges in
science education in New Zealand schools.
The award citation from the DEANZ judges noted the e-learning materials for the primary science teaching courses were
engaging for both practising teachers that are enrolled in the courses, and also the teachers own primary school
students.
For more information on the Open Polytechnic’s fee free offer for its Graduate Certificate in Primary Science Teaching,
go to http://bit.ly/MnIa80
Ends