Latest news with #AkoAotearoa
Techday NZ
11-06-2025
- Science
- Techday NZ
New book explores AI's transformative role in vocational learning
Researchers from Ara Institute of Canterbury have contributed to a new book examining the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in vocational education and training. The publication, titled AI in Vocational Education and Training , was released by Springer Nature and draws on the efforts of a group of educators and researchers from Ara Institute of Canterbury and Otago Polytechnic. Broader perspective Rather than focusing primarily on academic integrity concerns, the book examines how AI technologies, particularly generative AI tools, can be leveraged to improve student learning outcomes and educational practices. The editor of the collection, Dr Selena Chan, is an Education Developer at Ara and a recipient of the Ako Aotearoa Prime Minister's Supreme Award for excellence in tertiary teaching. Dr Chan stated that the work serves as a practical guide for vocational education and training (VET) providers interested in introducing AI in their teaching and learning. "It also addresses ethical concerns, ensuring AI supports learning rather than undermine academic integrity," she said. The widespread introduction of natural language AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, has ignited public discussion about plagiarism risks in education. Dr Chan, however, argues that their book encourages a shift in focus. She noted that artificial intelligence has considerable value in promoting active learning, encouraging students to engage in critical thought, and supporting independent analysis. "While the arrival of AI-powered natural language chatbots such as ChatGPT have sparked widespread debate about plagiarism, Dr Chan said the book offers an alternative perspective - highlighting AI's enormous potential to support deeper engagement, critical thinking and independent analysis." Range of disciplines The contributors examine AI integration within a range of vocational subjects, including construction management, graphic design, nursing, and business. The publication also dedicates attention to a project focused on adapting AI to benefit neurodivergent learners. Dr Chan explained that educational developers, learning designers, tutors, and senior students collaborated to create AI-assisted learning activities aimed not only at engaging students but also at helping them become more independent in their analysis and improving their practical application skills. She acknowledged the significant role of students in this research, saying the work would not have been completed without their involvement. "I wanted to acknowledge the invaluable input of ākonga (students) in the research, without whom the work would not have been completed," Dr Chan said. She also recognised the contribution of Scott Klenner, who is both Ara's Research Manager and the Director of Rangahau, Research and Postgraduate Studies at Otago Polytechnic. "Scott's guidance on inclusivity, rangahau (Māori research) and the incorporation of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) in research design was invaluable." Collaboration between institutes Scott Klenner commented on the joint effort between Ara and Otago Polytechnic, describing it as evidence of their leadership in applying AI to the local vocational education sector. "[The publication highlights] our academics' te hinengaro me te ringa mahi (thinking and work) for producing leading research, with an international publisher, exploring the most significant evolution of education this century." The editors describe the collection as a resource that offers case studies, practical frameworks and guidelines for both educators and policymakers seeking to adapt vocational education to contemporary demands in Aotearoa New Zealand. Dr Chan's background includes extensive publications in vocational education and technology-enhanced learning, and she serves as Academic Capability Leader and co-editor of the International Journal of Training Research.
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Cessation Of Funding For The National Centre For Tertiary Teaching Excellence And Literacy And Numeracy For Adults
The Government has announced that funding for Ako Aotearoa, the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence (NCTTE) and Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Cultural Capability (ALNACC) will cease on 30 June 2025 and 31 December 2025 respectively. While the Government does acknowledge that quality teaching is important and central to effective learning, in a tight fiscal environment it has made the decision to reprioritise funding to support the viability of strategically important vocational education and training. Provost Giselle Byrnes representing Massey as the host institution says, 'we are proud to have hosted Ako Aotearoa for the past 18 years (since 2007) and we are deeply disappointed with the governments decision. Ako Aotearoa provides critical advice and leadership across the tertiary landscape around teaching excellence for the success of all learners.' Ako Aotearoa Board Co-Chair Derek McCormack says, 'The Ako Aotearoa Board is meeting under urgency to discuss this announcement and its implications for the Ako Aotearoa team and the services Ako Aotearoa provides to support ākonga learner success through quality teaching and learning,' says Mr McCormack. 'This news comes at a time when the Ako Aotearoa Board has been closely working with and alongside sector stakeholders to inform the future vision of Ako Aotearoa to contribute to learner success through quality teaching and learning,' says Co-Chair Associate Professor Meegan Hall. She adds, 'Ako Aotearoa provides high value programmes, including the Manako programme to support educators and organisations working with Māori, Pacific and disabled learners. Our research and innovation project funding and professional development for educators is designed to support success for the TES priority learners, particularly for these important groups.' As Chair of the national Te Whatu Kairangi awards selection panel, Derek McCormack says, 'Ako Aotearoa hosts the national Te Whatu Kairangi awards to celebrate outstanding tertiary educators who are making a difference to learners, their whānau and communities. These awards encourage and support those who strive to be better educators.' 'Formerly the National Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards, Ako Aotearoa has been providing these awards on behalf of the Minister for Tertiary Education since 2008,' says Derek McCormack. Ako Aotearoa services for Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Cultural Capability have been funded to provide Māori and Pacific literacy and numeracy educator programmes since 2014, and for all ALN since 2018. While ultimately decisions about enabling kaiako and tertiary educators to provide and support high quality teaching and learning are those of the sector, Ako Aotearoa will continue to engage with our strategic partners and TEO colleagues on opportunities to work together on a way forward. Due to sector demand, Ako Aotearoa intends to continue to run its programmes to the end of the year. The Board will assess the options and next steps over the coming months. 'We note that govt is expecting training and professional development to be the responsibility of TEOs and educators themselves, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the Minister and TEC to deliver on this vision', says Professor Byrnes. The Government has announced that funding for Ako Aotearoa, the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence (NCTTE) and Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Cultural Capability (ALNACC) will cease on 30 June 2025 and 31 December 2025 respectively.
Scoop
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Cessation Of Funding For The National Centre For Tertiary Teaching Excellence And Literacy And Numeracy For Adults
While the Government does acknowledge that quality teaching is important and central to effective learning, in a tight fiscal environment it has made the decision to reprioritise funding to support the viability of strategically important vocational education and training. Provost Giselle Byrnes representing Massey as the host institution says, "we are proud to have hosted Ako Aotearoa for the past 18 years (since 2007) and we are deeply disappointed with the governments decision. Ako Aotearoa provides critical advice and leadership across the tertiary landscape around teaching excellence for the success of all learners." Ako Aotearoa Board Co-Chair Derek McCormack says, 'The Ako Aotearoa Board is meeting under urgency to discuss this announcement and its implications for the Ako Aotearoa team and the services Ako Aotearoa provides to support ākonga learner success through quality teaching and learning,' says Mr McCormack. "This news comes at a time when the Ako Aotearoa Board has been closely working with and alongside sector stakeholders to inform the future vision of Ako Aotearoa to contribute to learner success through quality teaching and learning,' says Co-Chair Associate Professor Meegan Hall. She adds, 'Ako Aotearoa provides high value programmes, including the Manako programme to support educators and organisations working with Māori, Pacific and disabled learners. Our research and innovation project funding and professional development for educators is designed to support success for the TES priority learners, particularly for these important groups.' As Chair of the national Te Whatu Kairangi awards selection panel, Derek McCormack says, 'Ako Aotearoa hosts the national Te Whatu Kairangi awards to celebrate outstanding tertiary educators who are making a difference to learners, their whānau and communities. These awards encourage and support those who strive to be better educators.' 'Formerly the National Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards, Ako Aotearoa has been providing these awards on behalf of the Minister for Tertiary Education since 2008,' says Derek McCormack. Ako Aotearoa services for Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Cultural Capability have been funded to provide Māori and Pacific literacy and numeracy educator programmes since 2014, and for all ALN since 2018. While ultimately decisions about enabling kaiako and tertiary educators to provide and support high quality teaching and learning are those of the sector, Ako Aotearoa will continue to engage with our strategic partners and TEO colleagues on opportunities to work together on a way forward. Due to sector demand, Ako Aotearoa intends to continue to run its programmes to the end of the year. The Board will assess the options and next steps over the coming months. "We note that govt is expecting training and professional development to be the responsibility of TEOs and educators themselves, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the Minister and TEC to deliver on this vision', says Professor Byrnes. The Government has announced that funding for Ako Aotearoa, the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence (NCTTE) and Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Cultural Capability (ALNACC) will cease on 30 June 2025 and 31 December 2025 respectively.
