> Major Consultancy Project with COL
> A major consultancy project to manage technical and vocational training initiatives in the Pacific for the Commonwealth of Learning <http://www.col.org/> (COL) highlights The Open Polytechnic's role as a regional leader in open and distance learning.
> COL was set up by the Commonwealth Heads of Government <http://www.chogm2001.net/> (CHOGM) in 1989 to widen access to education and training within Commonwealth countries via open, distance and technology-mediated learning. By drawing on the Commonwealth's pool of expertise, COL has successfully delivered over 600 projects in the South Pacific, West Indies, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
> To manage the growing number of Technical and Vocational Education and Training <http://www.col.org/tvet/tvet.htm> (TVET) projects in the Pacific, COL this year approached the Polytechnic for assistance. Open Polytechnic Course Design Portfolio Manager Jenny Williams was subsequently seconded to a one-year position as COL Project Manager, Pacific Region managing COL's TVET projects.
> The position reflects the Polytechnic's strong relationship with COL, says Course Design Manager Martin MacLean.
> "COL has been delighted with the work we've done for them so far and as a result has created a bigger role for us. We're very happy with how the relationship has developed," says Martin. "The appointment means we're helping our colleagues in the Pacific develop their education infrastructures so they can then do more for themselves."
> The Open Polytechnic is committed to ongoing contribution to COL. "We recognise the importance of New Zealand's educational links with Pacific Islands nations," says Martin. "The cornerstone of this project is the development of a strong and ongoing network that includes New Zealand helping build technical and vocational education and training capacity in the Pacific."
> The Open Polytechnic has done an increasing amount of consultancy work for COL over recent years. The Course Design unit has written distance-learning and training packages for COL member countries, and hosted COL-sponsored visitors. The Open Polytechnic also hosted two COL events last year in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade <http://www.mft.govt.nz/>.
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> http://www.topnz.ac.nz/news/news02.html#col
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