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The FarNet journey: Effective teaching strategies for engaging Maori students on the Virtual Learning Network
ARTICLE

; , FarNet VLNE

Journal of Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning Volume 17, Number 1, ISSN 1179-7665 e-ISSN 1179-7665 Publisher: Distance Education Association of New Zealand

Abstract

The Virtual Learning Network (VLN) provides schools, particularly those in rural and remote areas, with the opportunity to cooperate to expand curricular offerings for their students. Each school that participates in a VLN cluster contributes at least one course delivered by an e-teacher, allowing member schools access to any course offered through the VLN that they cannot offer locally. At present, there is no formal national training for the e-teachers, although individual clusters offer a range of training opportunities. This case study focused on the e-teachers’ perceptions of the learning curve required for them to be adequately and effectively prepared to teach in the virtual environment. Results indicated that the experiences of e-teachers in this new learning environment were positive, but still embedded in the norm of a school. Further, e-teachers desired professional development beyond learning how to use the technology, but wanted more assistance in developing their pedagogy to work in the online environment. It is recommended that VLN cluster administration, and the Ministry of Education, provide a range of professional development opportunities in a variety of formats. The focus of this professional development should move beyond the technological tools and focus on how to use those tools in a virtual learning environment.

Citation

Barbour, M. & Bennett, C. (2013). The FarNet journey: Effective teaching strategies for engaging Maori students on the Virtual Learning Network. Journal of Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning, 17(1), 12-23. Distance Education Association of New Zealand. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from .

This record was imported from the Journal of Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning on June 27, 2014. [Original Record]

The Journal of Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning is a publication of New Zealand Association for Open, Flexible and Distance Learning (DEANZ).

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