SCOP 2012 focused on barriers, opportunities and strategies for the implementation of open, distance and flexible learning. Speakers and the delegates explored the opportunities inherent in open, distance and flexible learning to help countries overcome socio-economic challenges, and provide insights into successful strategies for advocacy with focus on international bench-marking and promotion for best practice. The meeting included speakers, panelists and a group discussion process which helped to draw out the issues.

The opening message was given by H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE, and was followed by keynotes speakers Prof. Badr Aboul-Ela, Director of the Commission for Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, U.A.E, Dr. Sanjaya Mishra, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia
and Dr. David Atchoarena, Director of the Division for Teacher Development and Higher Education at UNESCO.

An ICDE Policy Forum with the theme of Strategies for Meeting a Changing, More Open and Online World included interventions from member institutions on expectations of theorganization and the role of the membership in the attainment of objectives, and worked to provide input to and validate the ICDE strategy plan for 2013-2016.

The meeting brought together presidents, rectors, academics and provided a unique opportunity to exchange information, share expertise, enrich knowledge and expand the understanding of the realities and potentials of open and distance education.

SCOP 2012 website

26 February 2012