INTRODUCTION

**E-Learning Practices and Policies of New Zealand and Japanese Educational Institutions **

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= = = = = = = = =Context = E-learning -- the use of computer network technology to "deliver information and instruction to individuals" (Welsh, Wanberg, Brown & Simmering, 2003, p. 246) -- and the use of learning technologies in teaching and learning, including Internet technologies, is widespread (Caner, 2012). The increasing use of learning technologies, which is tied to e-learning practices, is attributed by some education scholars to successful teaching and the achievement of student learning outcomes (e.g. Ertmer & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, 2010), and new opportunities for teaching and learning in “more powerful ways” (Wang & Reeves, 2006, p. 2).

However, the adoption of e-learning technologies and practices within and across countries is not uniform (Jebeile & Reeve, 2003; Paulsen, 2003; Wilson & Stacey, E., 2004). For instance, while there is a unified thrust in New Zealand, a highly-developed country, to create a technology infrastructure in its primary education institutions (Brown, Anderson & Murray, 2007), e-learning practices in New Zealand universities -- while gaining ground -- remain uneven (Marshall, 2005; Nichols, 2008). Japan, another highly-developed country, has a strong e-learning technology infrastructure (Economist Intelligence Unit, 2010), but differs in its e-learning practice from New Zealand. Purpose of the Wiki = Purpose of the wiki =

This Wiki seeks to examine and compare the e-learning policies of New Zealand primary and New Zealand and Japanese tertiary institutions. It then goes deeper into the e-learning practices of the University of Auckland to illustrate how policy can be put into practice. We compare and contrast such e-learning practices and policies in the Discussions page, and end with our conclusions. Wiki Navigation = Wiki Navigation  =

It is not necessary to read the sections in any particular order but we recommend that you read them all before viewing the conclusion and discussion sections.We have also prepared Discussion Questions at the end of each section and we encourage you to respond to these questions to help this Wiki "grow".