ICDE is actively engaged in global discourse on open and distance education policy, and this is a key element of the organization's Strategic Plan.
Below is an overview of news articles and resources published on this topic.
Regional perspectives on ODL
Published 15.02.12ICDE works closely with regional and key national open and distance learning associations, and invites such organizations to join ICDE as associate members. In a series of interviews with association presidents, they describe the most promising events in their region during 2011 and the key challenges for 2012 and beyond.
The Regulatory Frameworks for Distance Education
Published 12.05.11An ICDE funded study on the regulatory frameworks for distance education in the Southwest Pacific/ South East Asia Region is published. It presents the outcomes of case studies of nine higher education institutions, and analyses the key regulatory barriers and enablers for distance education for twenty-three countries in the study region.
Policy Recommendations for open educational practice
Published 23.03.12The European Foundation for Quality in e-Learning (EFQUEL) has developed a guide for policy makers to explain open educational practice, and make recommendations for how this concept can be embraced by education systems. The publication draws on work carried out by the Open Educational Quality (OPAL) Initiative, in which ICDE was a partner.
ICDE Policy Forum Report on collaboration
Published 16.08.11A Policy Forum was held at the recent Standing Conference of Presidents meeting in New York City, USA, to explore ways in which ICDE could ensure quality in cross-border inter-institutional collaborations. This report summarizes discussions and recommendations from participating ICDE members.
World Bank ICT and education policies catalogue
Published 10.05.11The first draft of the the World Bank's 'master list' of ICT and education policy documents is now available.
World Bank to catalogue ICT and education policies
Published 04.02.11The World Bank announces the launch of a new initiative to gather ICT and education policy documents in order to help inform regional planning processes. The organization has also posted tips on how to locate such documentation.
World Bank blog on ICT in education
Published 23.11.10The World Bank EduTech blog explores the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for education, particularly in developing countries. Senior World Bank specialists present thought provoking discussions as well as news on ICT initiatives. A recent blog post looks at how education systems can restructure to meet new challenges and take advantage of new opportunities for the use of ICT.
Workshop on international trends and perspectives in ODE
Published 23.11.10ICDE was a collaborating partner at the recent European Distance and E-learning Network (EDEN) Research Workshop in Budapest, Hungary. ICDE Secretary General, Carl Holmberg and Narimane Hadj-Hamou, from ICDE member institution Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University, United Arab Emirates, presented at a session entitled International Trends and Perspectives in ODE.
ICDE Policy Forum report - barriers and strategies for ODL
Published 09.11.10Held at the ICDE Standing Conference of Presidents in Pretoria, South Africa in September 2010, the Policy Forum was a first step in ICDE's activities to highlight increasing government actions which restrict the success and impact of open and distance learning. ICDE also seeks to draw attention to how this impacts the UNESCO Education for All goals.
Threats and opportunities for distance education
Published 25.10.10Speaking at the IDOL & ICEM 2010 Joint Conference and Media Days in Turkey earlier this month, the President of the Commonwealth of Learning, Sir John Daniel, highlighted the importance of promoting quality, equity of access and sound regulatory systems in the face of a new wave of hostility against the values and methods of distance teaching institutions.
The 2010 ICDE Standing Conference of Presidents
Published 30.09.10The 2010 ICDE Standing Conference of Presidents (SCOP) was held 13-15 September 2010 in Pretoria, South Africa, hosted by the University of South Africa (Unisa). This report summarizes discussions held during the meeting which was attended by Executive Heads representing institutions from 23 countries.
Regulatory frameworks pilot winning bid announced
Published 09.07.10The successful bidder for this ICDE sponsored project is a consortium of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education, the Australasian Council on Open, Distance and E-Learning, the Distance Education Hub, and the Australian Universities Quality Agency.
Media Release: 2010 ICDE Standing Conference of Presidents
Published 17.09.10An international meeting of Executive Heads from open and distance teaching universities was held 13-15 September 2010 in
Pretoria, South Africa, hosted by the University of South Africa (Unisa). Leaders representing institutions from 23 countries
held discussions on how to secure the future of open and distance learning worldwide.
Key words: distance education, higher education, policy, development, Education for All, globalization
ICDE announces project grant
Published 09.07.10ICDE will sponsor an investigation of regulatory frameworks for distance education, and invites bids for a pilot project representing the first stage of this work from member institutions and regional associations within distance education.
UNESCO 2009 World Conference on Higher Education
Published 28.07.09The UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education was held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, 5-8 July 2009.