media releases - Open Distance Learning challenges to take centre stage at Unisa

The challenges of Open Distance Learning (ODL) and other developments in this field will take centre stage during Unisa’s first ODL Conference to be held at the Unisa Muckleneuk Campus, Preller Street, Pretoria on 5-7 September 2012. 

The conference will be held under the theme ‘Open Distance Learning in digital, open and mobile futures.

It comes against the backdrop of Minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande’s release for public comment of the Draft Policy Framework for the Provision of Distance Education in South African Universities on 29 May 2012. This piece of legislation is expected to feature highly during the conference deliberations.

Pre-eminent Open Distance Learning (ODL) and technology experts, George Siemens, Andreia Inamorato, Laura Czerniewics and Frank de Langen have been confirmed as keynote speakers at the conference.

Other key issues/topics to be dealt with at the conference are as follows:

-       The changing role of faculty in a mobile, open and digital world.

-       The changing nature of teaching and learning in a mobile, open and digital world.

-       The changing nature of information and knowledge in a mobile, open and digital world.

The main conference will be preceded by a pre-conference workshop at the Muckleneuk Campus and the Florida Country Club on 3-4 September 2012.

The workshop will discuss ‘the challenges and opportunities in teaching sciences in an ODL context’.