An Exploration of Distance Virtual Learning in New Zealand EPIT 2024-06-03 | A conversation with Professor Michael Barbour, Touro University California, US and Derek Wenmoth, Futuremakers, Wellington, NZMichael visited New Zealand, during March and April 2024, undertaking a national survey of, and interviews with, primary and secondary distance learning organisations. His research will look to identify trends found within the data collected from the distance learning providers and make recommendations to allow for a rationale growth of primary and secondary virtual learning in New Zealand.The COVID-19 pandemic showed that distance/virtual learning within the school sector was possible, but it also highlighted much of the inequity within the system. It is important to understand distance/virtual learning prior to the pandemic, the specific impact the pandemic had, and how it has emerged post-pandemic. A critical part of the research is to examine the potential of distance/virtual learning to ensure equity of access and opportunity for our Māori students, and those not living in major urban areas.This discussion focused on what has been ascertained so far and what trends are beginning to be seen; and postulates on how elearning and distance education, when delivered well, can address many of the inequity barriers to obtaining an education.ABOUTProfessor Michael Barbour is Director of Faculty Development & Professor of Instructional Design, College of Education and Health Sciences, and Fellow for the Center for Innovative Learning and Teaching, Touro University California. Michael's research has focused on K-12 online teaching and learning. His research agenda is aimed at improving the design and delivery of these online learning opportunities to enable all students, particularly those in rural areas, the opportunity for success.Originally from Newfoundland, Canada and now based in Vacaville California, Michael previously served as the Director of Doctoral Studies for the Isabelle Farrington College of Education and an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. He was also a teacher at Discovery Collegiate for four years, during which he served as a classroom teacher, web-based distance education teacher and held district-level positions.Derek Wenmoth is founder of Futuremakers, a consultancy established in 2019, working extensively with educators across all areas of the education sector as they seek to prepare students for their future. He also consults with policy makers and government agencies in NZ and internationally regarding the future directions of educational policy and practice.Derek has been a teacher, principal, teacher educator, distance educator, e-learning specialist and education policy adviser. In 2013 he co-founded Tātai Aho Rau CORE Education, a not-for-profit education research and development organisation based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. In recognition of his work, Derek was designated one of 2008’s “Global Six” by the George Lucas Educational Foundation that recognises individuals making a difference in education.
Decolonising Early Years expression - Porirua Collective (NZ) EPIT 2025-07-17 | Join us for an insightful webinar with the Porirua Collective as they share their work on decolonising early years assessment.In this session, you'll hear directly from the Porirua Collective about their journey in co-designing a series of 10 podcasts. These podcasts delve into various themes raised by early childhood educators, each accompanied by a supportive booklet offering practical examples, detailed insights, and relevant theory.The Collective's initiative addresses the ongoing challenge of Eurocentric and able-bodied biases in teaching and assessment, which often disadvantage Māori, Pacific, and disabled students. They explain how they're shifting power dynamics through action research and community co-design, validating multiple forms of childhood expression, and fostering confidence and competence in young learners.Discover how their work is directly impacting the assessment of childhood expression and empowering communities with knowledge of translanguaging – the dynamic use of different languages and forms of expression together.This is a unique opportunity to learn about an initiative that is making a tangible difference in achieving more equitable outcomes for children in the early years.Porirua Collective Presenters:- Anita Mortlock- Alexandra Owens- Michele Whiting
Careers Leadership Development Programme Presentation Aotearoa NZ EPIT 2025-06-18 | Over the course of 2025, Te Uru Amokura | Springboard Trust, with support from EPIT, have been working to improve strategic leadership in career and transition programmes in selected secondary schools across Aotearoa. Their aim was to bring together Principals, SLT/ELT, and Careers staff to co-design effective and impactful strategic plans for careers and transitions. Join Chris Sullivan, Kaiārahi Whanake Pakihi | Business Development Manager, and Hilary Tomkins, Director - Career Inspiration, as they present their work, the learnings gained, the feedback from the cohort, and open up for pātai. This 30-minute session, facilitated by EPIT's own Dr. Lynette Reid, will be sure to present invaluable insights and actions for contributing towards impact within the careers leadership ecosystem.
Workforce Development and Future Readiness hui - May 25 EPIT 2025-05-28 | How can we ensure all our rangatahi are truly ready to navigate their futures in the world of work?Join our panel as they explore critical aspects of Workforce Development and Future Readiness. Informed by community and research on evolving workforce demands and the imperative for equitable outcomes, this discussion will examine how education, industry, and community partners can work together to create pathways that benefit every young person.Our Panel:- Pascale Hyboud Peron (Founder/Momentum Generator - Stand Tall)- George Makapatama (Deputy Director - ConCOVE)- Rusell Dunn (Deputy Principal - Tāmaki College)- Jay Tihema (Operations Manager - Toi Kai Rawa)
Empowering Our Youth Research Study Part II: Careers leadership in schools - a nationwide study EPIT 2024-10-23 | Following the successful launch of our research report Empowering Our Youth - epit.org.nz/reports/empowering-our-youth - in August 2023. A significant finding from this report was the impact senior leaders in secondary schools have towards successful career transitions of their students. With this in mind, in May 2024, Dr Lynette Reid, Careers Education Researcher, distributed an online survey to all Aotearoa New Zealand secondary school and kura principals, their leadership teams, and careers advisors and transitions leaders in schools. This research was designed to continue to gain a detailed understanding of career education and transitions pathway landscape and the impact of careers leadership, in Aotearoa New Zealand's secondary schools. Further, the research aimed to amplify the voices of those in secondary schools and their explanations and insights into career education and guidance practices and the context they practice in. This research centres responses and stories from a total of 114 staff engaged in career education and guidance and leadership in secondary schools across Aotearoa.This presentation features key findings and recommendations as Dr. Lynette explores if and how career education ‘fits’ the education system and the perspective of careers leadership when situated within career models.
Tuia Te Hononga Tāngata, Tuia Te Hononga Ao: Taking the Pulse of Distance Learning in Aotearoa EPIT 2024-09-26 | Watch our live Q&A where Professor Michael Barbour and Derek Wenmoth discuss their research findings and answer questions on their report into the distance learning landscape in NZ. Their comprehensive national study 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.
Transitions and Pathways Hui - August 24 EPIT 2024-08-19 | We brought together cross-sector partners working in the Transitions and Pathways space to explore Futures Club Aotearoa and their vision of increasing access to the futures thinking concept with an equity lens.
Career Pathways and Education in Aotearoa EPIT 2024-05-16 | During this webinar, the panelists discussed:- Emerging industries and skills needed to thrive - Strategies for building effective career guidance programmes - Opportunities to bridge the gap between education and industryAbout The PanelistsWe were fortunate to have a diverse panel for this discussion, with experience and knowledge working with schools, government and industry.- Cherie Perrow - President, Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ)- Michael Toothill - CEO, Kilmarnock Enterprises- Dr. Lynette Reid, Ngāti Konohi - Careers Education Researcher, EPIT- Russel Dunn - Deputy Principal (Partnerships and Pathways), Tāmaki CollegeThis webinar is for: Educators, policymakers, community leaders, and anyone passionate about ensuring equitable access to fulfilling careers for all young learners in Aotearoa New Zealand.
EPIT Transitions Research Presentation to CDANZ EPIT 2023-12-04 | On 28 November, Dr. Lynette Reid presented the findings of the EPIT-funded Transitions Research report to members of CDANZ.
State of Literacy Aug 23 EPIT 2023-08-29 | There is increasing concern across Aotearoa New Zealand of the falling literacy rates. Studies show that on the international stage our students are reading well below average levels. But what are the factors at play, and what can be done to mitigate these trends and support our students to thrive?In this webinar, we discuss the State of Literacy in Aotearoa New Zealand with Jilly Tyler and Michele Whiting. We will touch on the history of literacy, the sociopolitical landscape, the impacts on teachers and development of practices, equity in education and more.
EPIT Collaboration Platform Walkthrough EPIT 2023-07-12 | This video will guide you through some of the key features of the EPIT Collaboration Platform that make it such a powerful tool for sharing resources and learnings, and building transformative partnerships.
