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Open Polytechnic continues its commitment to flexible learning

Posted on 2 October 2026

Events

We are proud to be this year’s Gold Sponsor of the upcoming Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand (FLANZ) Conference 2026: He Tāngata, to be held 7-9 October at the Otago Polytechnic Ōtepoti (Dunedin) campus.

Open Polytechnic has supported FLANZ conferences for more than a decade, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing Open Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL).

FLANZ President and Open Polytechnic kaimahi (staff) Ralph Springett says FLANZ plays an important role in promoting research, professional discussion and best practice across flexible learning.

“This year several Open Polytechnic kaimahi (staff) will be presenting their research. The conference is an opportunity for our kaimahi to share their research and innovation, connect with practitioners from across the sector, and bring new ideas and evidence back into our practice.”

Kaimahi who will be presenting at conference include:

  • Lalitha Jonnavithula: From Interaction to Internal Dialogue in Asynchronous Learning: A Review of Optional Formative Activities; 
  • Andrea Holland: The Third Lane: Intrinsic Motivation and the Gamification of Assessment;
  • Kirsten Price: Re-examining the Culminating Integrative Assessment in Initial Teacher Education;
  • Kate Caie: Relational, Culturally Responsive, Neuro-affirming Practice for Tertiary Tutors in Open, Flexible and Online Learning;
  • Masi Shiran: Beyond the AI Image: Making Design Reasoning Visible in Online Architecture Studios;
  • Dr Kate Quigley: Assessment Practice by Providers of TVET in ODFL contexts: A report of an international survey. 

Ralph says a focus of his presidency has been making FLANZ more inclusive of the vocational and polytechnic sector, alongside its traditional university engagement.

“My work at Open Polytechnic has strongly influenced that direction, bringing a practical understanding of vocational, distance and flexible education to FLANZ’s work.

This creates a stronger connection between FLANZ and Open Polytechnic’s own mission and expertise.”

Ralph also notes that FLANZ’s flagship journal, the Journal of Open, Distance and Flexible Learning (JOFDL), is shifting its focus towards publishing research from across the Pacific, reflecting the growing importance of academic publishing for open, flexible and distance learning in Pacific communities.

Find out more about the FLANZ Conference