DEANZ 2010 – Quality Connections – Boundless Possibilities: Through Open, Flexible and Distance Learning.
I’m biased because I played a minor role in the Organising Committee but I have to say this was one of the most enjoyable conferences I have been to in many a year. Te Papa was a great venue, and the conference (25-28 April 2010) was fairly fast-paced, well punctuated with some quality keynotes and plenaries and a rather amusing ‘Great Debate’. The personal highlight for me was the keynote by Professor Terry Anderson
Anderson, T. (2010) Three Generations of Distance Education Pedagogy [PowerPoint]. Retrieved May 2, 2010 from http://cider.athabascau.ca/CIDERSessions/sessionarchive/
In this presentation, Terry defines three pedagogical models that have defined distance education programming – behavioural/cognitive, constructivist and connectivist. He talks about the challenges and opportunities afforded by each model, with a focus on the emergent development of connectivism.
A fascinating review of developments in the field that illustrated clearly the ongoing tension between central institutional ‘control’ of enabling technologies and the ‘license and liberty’ that we increasingly hope students will exercise.
My own small contribution was as leader of the winning debate team ! Humble in victory as ever…..
