DEANZ Conference workshop

After attending the DEANZ conference in 2008 and commenting on the lack of a learner voice I was invited to speak at the 2010 conference. The topic I chose focussed on the relationship students have with their institution and matching student expectations with institution capability. My comments were well received [...]]]>  

DEANZ Conference workshop

After attending the DEANZ conference in 2008 and commenting on the lack of a learner voice I was invited to speak at the 2010 conference. The topic I chose focussed on the relationship students have with their institution and matching student expectations with institution capability. My comments were well received with the keynote speaker, Liz Burge, approaching me after the presentation wishing to discuss these issues further. In essence I said that students need to trust that the institution has their needs central to their delivery and that the institution has communicated the style of delivery well and matched that with the institutions capabilities. It is about integrity and communication. I had one slide with a clear message “Clear communication of intentions and matching student expectations with institutional capacity will improve student satisfaction regarding their blended learning experience.” To hear the presentation in full click here.

The workshops of the conference often supported my views with relevant research, but few used the humanist term, trust. I take strength from the feedback and have made useful connections for advancing the EXMSS project Review It. My presentation may have some impact on a few institutions but my focus with Massey University is to continue to present these issues and ask for concrete commitments driven from the top.