Student experience at New Zealand Tertiary College in changing from traditional to online distance learning

Abstract

There are certain tensions in moving from a traditional distance learning mode to an online mode as revealed in the online distance learning study this poster reports on. Students unfamiliar with the concept of discussion forums found that the onus seemed to remain on them as individuals to ‘get the job done,’ so that discussion of ideas was seen as an ‘add on’ at best. The value of the tutor above the value of their peers was another preoccupation of students who were very used to working from a one to one perspective. This antipathy to their peers was exemplified by a possessive approach to learning and their knowledge. Sharing and building up trust between students was not seen as a priority and students largely oriented towards acting strategically in their approach as individuals rather than as members of communities.