The conference theme was Open learning generations, and there was a strong programme of keynote presentations including from the European Commission and UNESCO.

ICDE's Secretary General, Gard Titlestad, spoke in a session on distance and e-learning policy and strategy on the theme of challenges for policies, strategies and leadership in an increasingly open world. He spoke of the need for student places worldwide and highlighted the OECD finding that the highest performing education systems combine both high quality and equity. He argued that policy oriented debate led by innovative trail-blazers is crucial, and invited discussions on how a global monitor of open and online high education could be created to support this debate. The presentation can be viewed on Slideshare.

Consultation with ICDE members

ICDE also invited representatives of member institutions and associations, as well as individual members to an informal gathering at the conference. A presentation was held of ICDE’s ongoing activities and input sought on where ICDE's priorities should lie, and which activities the organization should concentrate on in partnership with its members. This consultation was a first stage in gaining input to the development of ICDE’s strategy for the period 2013-2016.

Links to keynote presentations on the EDEN website    Video report (6 mins)

31 August 2012