About ICDE International Conference 2017
Introduction
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) Pune hosted the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) International Conference in Pune, India on March 10 and 11, 2017 at its Model Colony Campus. The theme of the Conference was “Unleashing the potential of ODL - Reaching the unreached”.
The objective of the conference was to provide a platform for communication between researchers, teachers and practitioners in Open and Distance Learning. The ultimate aim was to give impetus and provide a common basis for future of research and action points for enhancement of reach of Open and Distance Learning. The forum provided a platform to highlight best practices in the field of Open and Distance Learning as well as collectively find solutions to the challenges faced by all of us.
Luminaries from the field of education like Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Gajaraj Dhanarajan Chairman, Board of Governors & Former VC, Wawasan Open University, Prof. Mandla S. Makhanya Principal & Vice Chancellor of University of South Africa and the president of ICDE, Dr. SB Mujumdar, Founder of Symbiosis, Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Director of SCDL ,Prof. Belinda Tynan Deputy VC (Education) and Vice President, RMIT (Melbourne, Australia), Gard Titlestad Secretary General, ICDE (Oslo, Norway) and Mr. Wesley Teter, from UNESCO Bangkok.
Participation
Around 117 delegates (national and international) participated in the two day International Conference. The Conference had plenary discussions on, Policy framework, Quality, Technology and Inclusion. The plenary session had more than 70 + delegates who presented papers on the particular topic.
Program Guide
THE ICDE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE THEME
Unleashing the potential of ODL - “Reaching the unreached” will be held at the Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Pune on March 10-11th, 2017
Inaugural Function
ICDE Conference started with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Gajaraj Dhanarajan Chairman, Board of Governors & Former VC, Wawasan Open University, Prof. Mandla S. Makhanya Principal & Vice Chancellor of University of South Africa and the President of ICDE, Dr. SB Mujumdar, Founder of Symbiosis and Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Director of SCDL.
Other dignitaries like Prof. Belinda Tynan Deputy VC (Education) and Vice President, RMIT (Melbourne, Australia), Gard Titlestad Secretary General, ICDE (Oslo, Norway) and Mr. Wesley Teter, from UNESCO Bangkok were present at the occasion.
Dr. SB Mujumdar, Founder of Symbiosis and Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Director of SCDL delivered the welcome note.
Prof. Mandla S. Makhanya Principal & Vice Chancellor of University of South Africa and the President of ICDE and Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Gajaraj Dhanarajan Chairman, Board of Governors & Former VC, Wawasan Open University addressed the delegates after the welcome note.
They spoke about the importance of ODL in today’s times. How ODL has developed significantly since its initiation, but it has still scope for more progress. It can do so by capitalizing on the opportunities that has emerged from research from open and distance learning.
Education should reach the masses through open and distance learning. It has the flexibility of time, choice and space. Moreover, to make this a reality, technology can play a very important role in transmitting education to the masses.
To make technology possible and accessible the norms has to be universalized.
For an ODL Institute to survive and sustain in the long run, all the mechanisms should be in place that will make education accessible to the students. Pedagogy defines the limit of work.
The past decade has given us an insight into the quality conundrum. The volatility of social, global and political looseness has impacted education. It had lost the essence in quality, credential and relevance. If we consider the impact and compare, there is potentiality to actualize and reinstate the realities of the sector.
Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Gajaraj Dhanarajan Chairman, Board of Governors & Former VC, Wawasan Open University shared the the history of ODL. The open education system in the late 70s or early 80s too, replaced by traditional classroom education system during the middle ages and how open and distance education has found its foothold again and growing in the past years.
He reiterated the fact why open education institutes are required in today’s times. Our efforts as community have not make impact. He also mentioned that those who have previously denied the traditional education system could access open education.
To make it possible society and the government should make the necessary arrangements to facilitate learning process. More open and distance learning institutes are important for the growth of the society and the nation.
Session
Panel Discussion:
Brief on Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion on Policy Framework in ODL and Best Practices in Asia was scheduled on Friday, 10th March 2017 at 11.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
The following were the Panel members -
1. Prof. Gajaraj Dhanarajan , Chairman , Board of Governors , Wawasan Open University
2. Dr. M.M. Salunkhe , Vice Chancellor , SUAS , Indore
3. Prof. Mandla S. Makhanya , Principal and Vice Chancellor, The University of South Africa (UNISA) , President ICDE
4. Dr. Raj Aggarwal , Director , AIMA- CME
5. Dr. Swati Mujumdar , Director , SCDL
6. Dr. Mariamma Varghese was the moderator of the discussion.
Panelist discussed on the following themes related to the policy framework in ODL and best practices in Asia
1. Online Education
2. Territorial Jurisdiction
3. New Programme Recognition
4. Assessments in ODL
5. Governance
Prof. Gajaraj Dhanarajan emphasized that educational opportunities should reach to every one through ODL mode. MOOCs are the vital resources amongst various educational resources. The students studying in ODL mode are the self-regulated and independent.
Dr. M.M. Salunkhe said that education opposes policy framework. He focused on open learning and suggested that the several issues faced by distance institutions will be solved by discussion in internal forums.
Prof. Mandla S. Makhanya talked about innovation is a basic core of business, innovation is driver that provides every instrument to the student. He said that OER must be shaped by ourselves. The beauty of OER depends on the quality of it. He also gave importance to skill development based on MOOC utilisation.
Dr Raj Aggarwal spoke about the various issues about distance education. He said evaluation is based on innovation in ODL mode of education and he emphasised that evaluation should be student based. He concluded that distance education is getting global recognition.
Dr. Swati Mujumdar emphasised that many committees are formed but the recommendations of the committees are not implemented on time. She said that polices play a main role only when they are implemented. She said best practices that are used in another countries should be used in India so that Indian students get more facilities.
Dr. Mariamma Varghese concluded the session by giving over view to all the panel members. She suggested that there should be a common web based technology, a process centric approach to frame a goal which could be achievable. She advised the government to clarify the various issues on ODL, implement various staff development skill enhancement programs.
The session ended with the felicitation of panelists and concluding remark by the moderator.
Key note sessions:
Brief on the Keynote Address on Technology
Keynote address on Technology was scheduled on Saturday, 10th March 2017 between 2.00 p.m. to 2.45 p.m. There were two Keynote speakers:
1. Mr. Gard Titlestad, Secretary General, International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)
2. Mr Sajid Elaskar (Customer Solutions Architect- CISCO)
The session began with welcome to the Speakers and the Delegates by Dr. Padmpriya Irabatti of SCDL, Pune.
Dr. Padmpriya Irabatti briefly explained what technology means in ODL and the issues of concern in reaching the unreached. The keynote speakers were invited one after another to give their views. Mr. Gard emphasized on technology, UNESCO initiative for higher education. He said there will be an enormous growth in India in usage of technology. He focused on MOOCs are not solution but component of solution.
Mr. Sajid Elaskar focused on digital learning; with that, he said CISCO helps to reduce cost of ODL materials.
The session ended with the thanks to the Speakers and delegates.
Brief on the Keynote Address on Quality
Keynote address on Quality was scheduled on Saturday, 11th march 2017 between 10.00 am to 11.00 am There were three Keynote speakers:
1. Dr. Gajaraj Dhanarajan, Chairman, Board of Governors, Wawasan Open University
2. Dr Shakuntala Katre, Former Senior Academic Consultant- (NAAC)
3. Mr. Wesley Teter, Senior Consultant, Section for Educational, Innovation and Skills Development (EISD) UNESCO , Bangkok
The session began with welcome to the Speakers and the Delegates by Dr. Shravan Kadvekar of SCDL, Pune.
Dr. Shravan Kadvekar briefly explained how quality is important in ODL and the issues of concern in reaching the unreached. The keynote speakers were invited one after another to give their views.
Dr. Gajaraj Dhanarajan , Chairman, Board of Governors, Wawasan Open University presented the paper on the titled as “Quality assurance in open distance education institutionalizing and sustaining good practice in Malaysia”. Emphasizing the work done in Malaysia about quality assurance in higher education, he stated that importance is given to programs and their audit. Regarding ODL, he mentioned that data gathering such as self-review report site visits, survey and performance indicators were source of the techniques, which were used.
Dr. Shakuntala Katre, former Senior Academic Consultant-(NAAC) gave brief view about Quality in Online distance Learning and mission of ODL is “Seamless access with sustainability learner centric quality education skill updated and training.” She emphasized on quality perception of satisfaction related to the objective, quality is multidimensional and highly dynamic. She concluded the session by saying an important quote that is “Today education is a technology maze”.
Mr. Wesley Teter presented the paper on the title of “Perspective from the UNESCO Asia and Pacific regional bureaus for Education.” According to him, quality education develops the skill, values and attitudes that enable citizens to lead healthy and fulfilled lives make informed decisions and respond to local and global challenges. He discussed the eight key competencies that is - system thinking competency, anticipatory competency, normative competency, strategic competency, collaboration competency, critical thinking competency, self-awareness competency, integrated problem solving competency.
The session ended with the thanks to the Speakers and delegates.
Brief on the Keynote Address on Inclusion
Keynote address on Inclusion was scheduled on Saturday, 11th march 2017 between 2.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. There were three Keynote speakers:
1. Prof. Belinda Tynan, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) and Vice President, RMIT University, Australia
2. Mr. Wesley Teter, Senior consultant, UNESCO, Bangkok
3. Professor Gard Titlestad, Secretary General, ICDE
The session began with welcome to the Speakers and the Delegates by Prof. Vijay Masarkar of SCDL, Pune.
Prof. Vijay Masarkar briefly explained what inclusion in ODL means and the issues of concern in reaching the unreached. The keynote speakers were invited one after another to give their views.
Prof. Belinda Tynan elaborated that Inclusion is about learners. These learners are everywhere. Inclusion is all about how we can contribute so that they can access affordable, equitable, inclusive and quality education by which they can benefit.
She said that social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Google and have changed the way of life. In India, there was exponential growth in internet users during the period from 2009 to 2016. She said that everyone needed to be able to participate equally and education could be the leveller – if we were all connected.
Mr. Wesley Teter briefly touched upon UNESCO’s role on inclusive education; he informed that all children and young people of the world with their individual strengths and weakness, with their hopes and expectation, have the right to education. He said that UNESCO as the specialized UN agency for higher education would continue its mandated role to lead and coordinate the education agenda 2030.
Mr. Wesley raised important issues such as why inclusion is needed now from the historical perspective, why and how we fail and what we can do to succeed. He said that each child and young person in the world should get education. There are three important factors we have to consider to become successful- Authority, acceptance and ability. Authority to make decisions, society to accept decisions, and system should have abilities to implement those decisions.
Prof. Gard Titlestad said that the important way we can contribute is by Open Education Resources (OER). It has the potential to make educational resources updated and more relevant, lower costs for governments and students, include students and teachers in co-creation and use of educational resources, increase effect of investments in education and stimulate innovation in education.
Prof. Gard said that OERs are available in a variety of languages and this encourages the open licensing of educational materials. We can reuse, recycle and modify the content whenever we want, as it is readily available online. These changes can be made without any cost and can be availed by the reader whenever and wherever they want.
He discussed the 5-R permissions of OER i.e. Retain- Make and own copies , Reuse – Use in a wide range of ways Revise – Adapt , modify and improve , Remix – Combined two or more, Redistribute- Share with others.
Prof. Gard emphasized that collaboration between Government, Institutes and the Teachers is the key to success.
In India, maximum number of people has no access to internet and technology. Different kind of people with different genders and ages use internet for different purposes. If we are talking about inclusion, then we need connectivity through technology. We need that technology based development. He said that if we were all connected and everyone is able to participate equally than education could have been livelier.
The session ended with the thanks to the Speakers and delegates.
Paper Presentation/Plenary Sessions
Technology:
International Council for Open and Distance Education
Unleashing the potential of ODL - “Reaching the unreached” Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Pune on March 10-11, 2017
Sub session on ‘Technology’
On 10thMarch 2017, 2:45 pm
On the first day of ICDE conference, two sessions on ‘Technology’ were conducted. Technology improves education largely and it has now become a need for transforming education for the better. There are numerous instances till date where we can see the improvement in education, once it is incorporated with technology.
Dr Padmapriya Irrabatti & Dr Benu Madhab each chaired one session on ‘Technology’ and the other. Dr Benu Madhab is a Professor at Symbiosis Skills & Open University. Dr Benu Madhab has conducted courses online using Webex for working professionals in Automotive MNCs via BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Programme (WILP). With this, he has also developed course content for Industrial Automation & Mechatronics courses for Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), Australia that offers online programs through live e Learning in the Engineering & Technology disciplines. In sub session on ‘Technology’.
Dr Padmpriya is Professor of Business Management at Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Pune. She has more than 18 years of experience in industry, Academics and Research. She has been a pioneer in using technology in teaching and learning.
The areas on Technology covered in the sessions were as follows
1. ODeL professional
2. Technology enabled live virtual classrooms
3. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
4. Innovative student support systems through social media and web 2.0 technologies
5. Hybrid between Webcast and VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)
The presentations were followed by the concluding remarks of the Chair.
Dr Benu Madhab and Dr Padmpriya guided all with their concluding remarks. After the sub sessions, all were requested to gather in the A V Hall to attend the Workshop on MOOC.
Selected Paper Presentations
Quality:
International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) – International Conference, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Pune on March 10-11, 2017
Theme: - Unleashing the potential of ODL - “Reaching the unreached” Plenary session on ‘Quality’
On 11th March 2017, 11.15 am to 12.45 pm
In ICDE international conference on 11th March 2017, two sessions on sub- theme ‘Quality’ were conducted. A comprehensive quality system can help accomplish this. In ODL Quality has to include the entire value chain of teaching, learning and assessment areas from developing and producing learning materials, academic programs, services and support, as well as standards of student learning and open and flexible assessment. The session were chaired by Dr. Shakuntala Katre, Former Senior Academic Consultant (NAAC), and Dr. Madhulika Kaushik Dy. Vice chancellor Wawasan Open university, Malaysia
There were 9 paper presentations for each of the session. These selected papers were scrutinized by the scientific committee comprising of experts from related to the theme. Every presentation was given 10 minutes along with the Question Answers.
The session presentations covered ODL quality areas of,
1. Learning support to ODL students through face to face sessions and their evaluation
2. Implementation of experiential learning through ODL for engineering courses
3. Teaching competency comparison for ODL with face to face and teacher education through ODL
4. Importance of quality in online education, Framework for monitoring process and the emerging areas of research in ODL
The presentations were followed by the concluding remarks of the Chair.
Selected Paper Presentations
Inclusion:
International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) – International Conference, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Pune on March 10-11, 2017
Theme: - Unleashing the potential of ODL - “Reaching the unreached” Plenary session on ‘Inclusion’
On 11th March 2017, 3 pm to 4 pm
In ICDE international conference on 11th March 2017 two sessions on sub-theme ‘Inclusion’ were conducted. The concept of inclusion is based on human rights, equal opportunities, social justice and participation. Inclusion is an important part of equal opportunity in education. Demands for inclusive education have increased and raised major changes to schooling and education.
The session were chaired by Dr. R Karpaga Kumaravel, Former Vice- Chancellor, Madurai Kamaraj University, Awardee of Senior Fulbright Fellowship (USA) & Commonwealth Fellowship (UK) and Dr. Mariamma Varghese, Former Senior Academic Consultant (NAAC).
There were 9 paper presentations each for both the session. These selected papers were scrutinized by the scientific committee comprising of experts from related to the theme. Every presentation was given 10 minutes along with the Question Answers.
The areas of Inclusion in ODL covered in the session were
Women empowerment through distance learning.
Practical strategies to promote inclusion in distance education.
Outreaching the open school learners for developing potential through life skill education.
Education for internally displaced persons through open and distance learning.
Ensuring Inclusive quality education through on-line distance learning, Prospects and challenges.
The presentations were followed by the concluding remarks by the Chair.
Selected Paper Presentations
Valedictory Function
Valedictory Function
The two-day International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) International Conference in Pune, India on March 10 and 11, 2017 hosted by SCDL at its Model Colony Campus draws to an end.
During the two days, various sessions on policy framework, technology, quality and inclusion many ideas were put forward and discussed, which when implemented will help ODL institutes enhance the overall working of the ODL.
The practices followed by the ODL institutes are innovative and have been framed according to the changes in the society and environment. In fact, these frameworks is better than the education imparted to students face to face.
Experts from these diverse fields like Tan Sri Prof. Dr. Gajaraj Dhanarajan Chairman, Board of Governors & Former VC, Wawasan Open University, Prof. Mandla S. Makhanya Principal & Vice Chancellor of University of South Africa and the President of ICDE, Dr. SB Mujumdar, Founder of Symbiosis, Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Director of SCDL, Prof. Belinda Tynan Deputy VC (Education) and Vice President, RMIT (Melbourne, Australia), Gard Titlestad Secretary General, ICDE (Oslo, Norway) and Mr. Wesley Teter, from UNESCO Bangkok expressed their views and offered their suggestions on how ODL Institutes should pave their way in future.
Press Coverage
Inaugural Function
On the basis of the review from the editorial board of Open Praxis, following three papers are selected for publication in Open praxis.
Name of Author | Title of the paper | |
1 | 1. Rini Dwiyani Hadiwidjaja, Noorina Hartati, Ali Muktiyanto, Irma | 2. Analyzing Face-To-Face Practicum As A Learning Support For Students In A Distance Education System’ |
2 | Dr. (Ms). Sameena Falleirov | 'Tool for Evaluating Learning in an Open and Distance Learning Environment' |
3 | Shivali Chawla | Reaching the Unreached through Mobile Learning |
Research Papers
Technology:
Dr. S.K. Prasad_Technology Driven Open Schooling – A case study of NIOS, India
Vinaya Hasamnis_Use of Information and Communication Technology in rural education without Internet
Manisha Divate_Continuous Engagement and Evaluation of a learner in ODL
Yasir Riady & Yanis Rusli_Optimization Social Media Facebook Communities For Reaching The Unreached
Yousif Khorsheed Saeed_Reaching the unreachable through Eresources
Ambuja Salgaonkar and Omkar Barve_learning Indian Classical Music through ODL
Quality:
Dr. Manoj Kumar Thakur_Emerging Areas Of Research In Open And Distance Learning: A NIOS Perspective
Dr. Anuradha Bhagwat_Analytical Framework For Monitoring Teaching – Learning Process
Dr. Kavita Salunke_Reflection On Teacher Education Through D.E. For Quality purpose
Dr Harpreet Singh Aurora_Unleashing the Potential of ODL Reaching the Unreached
Inclusion:
Dr. Anjali Shokeen_Women Empowerment Through Open And Distance Learning In India
Dr. Sandhya Kumar_Equivalency Programme In India-Implementation Through NIOS
Dr Rucha Gujar_Reaching to Unreached: Distance Education as an Instrument
Dr. Rajesh Kumar_Acceptability of Vocational Education Programmes
Prashant Londhe_Facilitating visually impaired learners of Mathematics in ODL
Dr.Sukmaya Lama_Empowerment through Research: a KKHSOU perspective
Qusai Khalid Abdalhameed_Practical strategies to promote inclusion in Distance education
Ms. Anitha Nair and Dr. (Mrs.) Praveen Chauhan_Empowerment of Women through ODL - NIOS a Case Study
Dr. Pankaj Singh_Unleashing the potential of ODL - “Reaching the unreached”