Scope and Topics – The 37th AAOU Annual Conference

Expanding Horizons: Innovations in Open and Distance Learning

“Expanding Horizons: Innovations in Open and Distance Learning” embodies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of educational accessibility and effectiveness through groundbreaking advancements in distance learning. This conference serves as a platform for educators, researchers, and practitioners to explore the latest innovations that are reshaping the landscape of open and distance education. From leveraging emerging technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence to fostering inclusive pedagogical approaches, participants will delve into strategies that transcend geographical barriers, socioeconomic limitations, and traditional educational models. Through collaborative dialogue and knowledge exchange, the conference aims to inspire transformative change and empower learners worldwide to access high-quality education regardless of their circumstances.

Sub-themes:
Technological Advancements in Distance Learning Pedagogical Innovations in Remote Education Inclusive Education in Open Learning Environments Quality Assurance and Accreditation Global Collaboration and Partnerships in Distance Education Assessment and Accreditation in Online Learning Lifelong Learning and Professional Development: Student Engagement and Success in Virtual Learning Environments Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for Open Education Future Trends and Emerging Technologies in Education Community and Social Aspects of Online Learning: Institutional advancement and innovations Research and innovative ODL practices. Funding and infrastructure for research and development Virtual and Distance Education ODL and Human Capacity Building Technologies and Strategies for providing Education through ODL Re-considering the roles of open universities. The effects of Covid-19 period on open and distance learning practices. Innovative delivery modes Learner support systems Increasing access and quality in ODL lifelong and open learning Learning analytics Micro-credentials and short learning programs Adaptive learning environments Deep and Machine learning in ODL AI in/for ODL MOOCs and OERs

Sub-themes:

Technological Advancements in Distance Learning
Pedagogical Innovations in Remote Education
Inclusive Education in Open Learning Environments
Quality Assurance and Accreditation
Global Collaboration and Partnerships in Distance Education
Assessment and Accreditation in Online Learning
Lifelong Learning and Professional Development:
Student Engagement and Success in Virtual Learning Environments
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for Open Education
Future Trends and Emerging Technologies in Education
Community and Social Aspects of Online Learning:
Institutional advancement and innovations
Research and innovative ODL practices.
Funding and infrastructure for research and development
Virtual and Distance Education
ODL and Human Capacity Building
Technologies and Strategies for providing Education through ODL
Re-considering the roles of open universities.
The effects of Covid-19 period on open and distance learning practices.
Innovative delivery modes
Learner support systems
Increasing access and quality in ODL
lifelong and open learning
Learning analytics
Micro-credentials and short learning programs
Adaptive learning environments
Deep and Machine learning in ODL
AI in/for ODL
MOOCs and OERs

Topics are as follows, but not limited to:
life long learning open learning Drop-out in ODL Learning analytics Digital divide Barriers to learning ODL in a multicultural society Micro-credentials and short learning programs mobile learning Adaptive learning environments Deep learning in ODL AI in/for ODL MOOCs and OERs datamining 3D Worlds in ODL metaverse