Activity Ten - Organisational policy and strategy

• On reviewing the Otago Polytechnic Strategy and Charter documents I have identified the following points to relate to flexible learning practises and my plan;
• 2008 - 2012 Strategy 

-          Apply knowledge in both innovative and practical ways

-          Personalised learner centred approach

-          Work with and respect learners, other people including the community, the environment and Kai Tahu (as tangata whenua)

-          Sustainable organizational practices and reduction of the polytechnics environmental footprint

-          Flexible learning opportunities and pathways

• The Otago Polytechnic Charter.

-          Listen to learner views and needs

-          Accessibility -Local, regional and/or national learning opportunities including distance, home or workplace learning.

-          Cater for people from all backgrounds to develop regardless of prior academic achievements. In this valuing people diversity, including internationals and those with disabilities.

-          Equity, up skilling and access through participation, retention and success.

-          Effective and efficient resource use.

-          Flexible delivery.

-          Curriculum reviews, action research, staff reviews and satisfaction surveys to reflect on current practices.

-          Staff training and development to ensure “successful performance towards achieving our organization goals. This prioritises capability in designing and delivering learning in flexible modes, and in meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse constituency of learners.” (p.11)

-          Creative innovative mediums – creating an environment that “challenges, excites and motivates them to gain qualifications and skills that are sought after by employers.” (p.7)

-          Personalised individualized supported learning - accommodate specific aspirations or cross-discipline learning.

-   “Our practical approach to learning which connects theory with practice through applied research, cooperative learning and practical experience.” (p.2)<먼ŝ>

-          Staircase progressive learning through foundation and bridging courses. Removing BARRIERS to learning.

-          Student services and support  including; Learning skills centre, Disabilities service, Health Care, Counselling service, Chaplaincy service, Specialist support personnel – including Maori and Pasifika, International Student Centreand the Student Hardship fund.

-          Equality for all. Including access and participation. Particular reference is made to Maori and Pasifika people including; 1) providing support offices,  and networking with communities, 2)  upholding Kaitohutohu role and relationship with the four Papatipu Runaka, 3) high success and retention rates, and increased level of participation, 4) Inclusive and appropriate learning environments, 5) Uphold principles of Treaty of Waitangi, 6) Reducing barriers to learning.