The ATLAANZ Southern (South Island) Hui was held at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch on Wednesday, 2 December 2020. The theme Whakawhanaungatanga: Reconnecting with colleagues provided a focus on the importance of collegiality and collaboration in what has been a very challenging year for learning advisors in Aotearoa New Zealand and the students with whom we work.
- Jessica Ritchie’s karakia (opening prayer) focussed attendees on the kaupapa (guiding philosophy) of the day.
- The first session was led by Julia Tanner (Massey) and Xiaodan Gao (Victoria) who presented on the provisional findings from the 2019/2020 Learning Centre Managers Survey.
- Carole Acheson (University of Otago, Christchurch) shared her reflections on pandemic teaching and technology within a crisis management framework. Unlike many learning advisors who relied on Zoom video conferencing to connect with students during lockdown, Carole found the use of asynchronous technologies and the telephone were critical when working with working nurses who had to fit their studies around shiftwork providing essential health services, while also juggling home schooling and other personal commitments.
- Craig Nicholson (Lincoln) challenged us to consider whether student peer role modelling videos were useful or a gimmick. His work focused on the use and integration of video content that provides an authentic student voice to complement the knowledge and skills provided by learning advisors.
- Julie Wuthrow’s (Canterbury) presentation shared the powerful learning moments that are made possible through the use of Digital Storytelling, where the focus is on the ability of the narrative to voice experiences of marginalization and diversity rather than on the quality of production techniques.
A highlight of the day was the regional round-up, which was one of many opportunities for sharing practice and engaging in conversations with colleagues and friends.
We were reminded that our regional hui (gatherings) are so much more than “professional development opportunities”, providing us with the time and space to share our reflections, renew our relationships, discover new connections, and find inspiration.
Now, more than ever, we appreciate that being able to meet with colleagues is a privilege that we should not take for granted.
Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa – Let us stay close together, not far apart.