Concluding Blog Post Interview on Higher Education in NZ

Linda Jean Kenix on US and NZ Higher Education

To say that we have been blessed to visit the land of Aotearoa/New Zealand is a vast understatement. I believe I will be a stronger teacher, scholar, and citizen for this truly amazing experience. Hopefully I can give a presentation at RSU after fall semester begins to describe it in the big picture. In my final log for "Communication Across the Ocean," Linda Jean Kenix shares some of the similarities and differences between American and New Zealand higher ed. As a native of Washington, D.C. she is the perfect cultural translator. Once again my thanks go out to Rob Stowell for his excellent production work. And thank you, RSU, for the experience of a lifetime. I'll be back on campus full-time on June 3. --Jeff

Linda Jean Kenix on higher education in New Zealand. 

1. Most degrees here are 3 years. What are some of the practical differences with this track?

2. How does the structure of the term differ, including New Zealand's bigger mid-semester break. 

3. Can you describe the published marking scale at New Zealand Universities?

4. Is assessment of student learning as big a priority here as in the U.S.?

5. Graduate classes seem less structured here. Is it more like the British model?

What I Like About Canterbury and Oklahoma

Gentry's Commentary on Canterbury and Oklahoma

This week I provide a whimsical commentary on the best features of Canterbury and Oklahoma. Eight categories, including which region is better for Pace of Life, Cost of Living, Scenery, Local autonomy, Weather, Family climate, Fitness, Running scene. ONE CORRECTION: I say marijuana is legal in NZ, but it is not. --Highly popular and relatively tolerated, yes, but not legal. Thanks to producer Rob Stowell for another fine technical result.

Interview with Rob Stowell, Video-production Ace

Rob Stowell,  Video Production Coordinator at U. Canterbury

Rob Stowell holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Canterbury, and serves as video-production coordinator there. Here he answers my questions about television in New Zealand and the vast changes in video production over the past 20 years.

1. How did you get your start in television?

2. How has TV changed since 1990?

            What has changed for the better? 

3. Should my students have their own Youtube channel?

4. How important is it for students to learn a particular video-editing software?

            Why do you use mini-DV tape for your video productions?

Felicity Williams, Director of Mozart Drama School.

Felicity Williams is Director of the Mozart Drama School and Preschool in Christchurch, NZ. She answers my questions about the school, children's theatre, and the arts in Christchurch, N.Z.

1. How did Mozart School come about?
2. Was your show "The Dress Up Box" a regional program or did it air on national TV?
3. What is it about Christchurch that draws and keeps people here?
4. How has your extensive musical training aided your drama teaching?
5. Why did you decide to write a novel for pre-teen girls?