Seismic shifts in trends, traditions, and technologies: Education management in a natural disaster

Abstract

This study explored the responses of Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology's (CPIT) Department of Nursing & Human Services learning community following the 2010 and 2011 earthquake disasters in Christchurch, New Zealand. A descriptive/exploratory case study design, aligned with the three phases of disaster response, recovery, and rehabilitation, enabled collection of a wide range of data over 18 months. Participants included managers, corporate operations and academic staff. The key themes emerging from this study were: action plans; disrupted and uncertain contexts; balancing shifting priorities of professional responsibilities and personal imperatives; communication; leadership and followership; decision-making and taking action; preparedness and thinking ahead. These findings contribute to understanding responses to a disaster, and how, following such an event, the usual business of teaching and learning may be suspended, superseded, and reconfigured. Recommendations are provided for responding to sudden disruptive events, anticipating and managing educational needs, and ensuring business continuity.