National study examines the nature, regulation / governance, and scope of activity of distance learning providers in the New Zealand school sector

Professor Michael Barbour and Derek Wenmoth released the first annual Tuia Te Hononga Tāngata, Tuia Te Hononga Ao: Taking the Pulse of Distance Learning in Aotearoa New Zealand report on Monday.

This report provides a comprehensive national study that examines the regulation, governance, and scope of activity of distance learning providers in New Zealand's schools sector.The report includes a clarification of the nomenclature around distance learning in the schools sector in New Zealand based on existing government documents and the broader literature in the field, as well as a detailed discussion of the evolution of distance learning in the schools sector. With an estimated ~36,000 students enrolled in distance learning courses in 2023 (approx. ~4% of NZ's school population) distance learning is expected to grow as we move forward to a rapidly increasing digital future.

The broader study undertaken by Barbour and Wenmoth was supported by funding from EPIT. As our Executive Director, Jane Treadwell-Hoye, stated “We believe it’s the beginning of a journey and a discussion of the exploration of distance learning in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

The complete project website is hosted by the Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand. “It's an interesting report, and I'm glad the Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand is able to support it," said President Nathaniel Louwrens. The full report is available at https://flanz.org.nz/dl-pulse/

Join the authors in a live Q&A where they will discuss the report and answer your questions. Register your interest here: Tuia Te Hononga Tāngata, Tuia Te Hononga Ao: Taking the Pulse of Distance Learning in Aotearoa New Zealand (epit.org.nz)

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