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Asian, African academics gathered in Bali for better open and distance learning
Universitas Terbuka (UT) successfully held the International Conference on Innovation in Open and Distance Learning (INNODEL) at the Anvaya Beach Resort, Kuta, Bali on Tuesday.
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niversitas Terbuka (UT) successfully held the International Conference on Innovation in Open and Distance Learning (INNODEL) at the Anvaya Beach Resort, Kuta, Bali on Tuesday. Hundreds of academics from across Asia and Africa gathered to discuss the best practice for better open and distance learning in the future.
The two-day international conference on Nov. 28-29, themed “Emerging Technology for Open and Distance Education: Opportunity, Agility and Adaptability” was held by the Open-Distance Learning Research and Innovation Center at the Research and Empowerment Institution of Universitas Terbuka. The 2022 INNODEL included workshops, conferences and exhibitions.
At least 250 academics from countries across Asia and Africa attended the event in person and virtually. The participants were from Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Palestine, Malaysia and Nigeria.
“It has been a very great honor and pleasure for us to be able to host you at this esteemed annual conference where we will share insight and best practices for the betterment of open and distance learning [ODL], not only in Asia but all over the world,” said rector of UT Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus., Ph.D.
Professor Ojat said the theme of the event was suitable with the rapid advancement in technology for learning since there were indeed plenty of opportunities for ODL institutions to explore and expand the capability of ODL as a vehicle for inclusive and equitable education.
“This theme is also in line with one of the sustainable development goals [SDGs] set by the United Nations [UN],” he emphasized.
The 2022 INNODEL is aimed to highlight the latest issues and create innovation on open and distance learning that should be done for equal access to education.
UT, the pioneer of distance education in Indonesia, has served the nation for 38 years. UT has reached students all over Indonesia and in several other countries.
“By 2022, we will have 2 million alumni, most of whom are teachers of primary education. We have reached the unreached by making higher education possible for adults with jobs, families and other social commitments. Today, with around 425,000 students, UT makes every effort to provide inclusive, equitable and qualified education for all,” Professor Ojat said.
Professor Ojat added that the event was a big opportunity for academics and policy makers to answer the challenges in facing the digital-based learning trend in the future.
“This event is very important as we have experienced the benefit of open and distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has accelerated open and distance learning, which integrate technology for digital-based learning,” he added.
The 2022 INNODEL was attended by a representative of the governor of Bali, representatives of Badung regent and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and rectors from several universities across Bali.
“The Bali provincial administration has fully supported open and distance learning to ease education access for all people. Therefore, we are committed to provide better internet access across the island,” said Bali Provincial Administration assistant I Gede Indra Dewa Putra who represented Bali Governor Wayan Koster at the event.
The conference presented several keynote speakers: the founder and CEO of Moodle Dr. Martin Dougiamas; UT Professor Ir. Tian Belawati, M.Ed., Ph.D.; emeritus professor of Artificial Intelligence University of Sussex, United Kingdom, Professor Benedict du Boulay; dean of the University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban; college professor Patricia B. Arinto; regional director of EON Reality, Singapore, Sridhar Sunkad; and Dr. Ethel Joan Atienza from INNOTECH, SEAMEO.
UT had successful experiences in hosting prestigious world conferences, such as the 24th ICDE World Conference in 2011, the ICDE SCOP Presidents’ Summit in 2014 and two three AAOU annual conferences in 1990, 2005 and 2017.
