Editorial: Charting flexible pathways in open, mobile and distance education

Abstract

This editorial offers an overview of extended papers presented at the biennial DEANZ2016 conference held at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, from 17–20th April, 2016. In tandem with the conference theme, There and back: Charting flexible pathways in open, mobile and distance education, this special issue highlights think pieces from the three keynote speakers and five papers that offer insights into developments and practices in open, flexible, and distance learning contexts. As such, the collection is a rich repository of ideas and research that contribute to our interrogation of how digital technologies influence teaching and learning and work in a range of New Zealand and international educational contexts.

Keywords

• DEANZ2016 conference
• flexible learning
• teacher and learner experience
• digital technologies
• open learning