Open and distance learning (ODL) professional associations are reevaluating their role and identity as the landscape of technology enhanced learning (TEL) changes. While ODL originally provided flexible off-campus learning opportunities using distance technologies, traditional campus institutions are now major innovators in TEL. The widespread adoption of information and communication technologies has blurred the lines between open, distance, and campus-based education. ODL associations risk being confined by their traditional identity and need to adapt to remain relevant in the evolving field of TEL.

1. From distance education to technology
enhanced learning: challenges for
ODEL Professional Associations
EDEN 2015 1
‘Alles Ständische und
stehende verdampft’
‘All that is solid melts
into air’

2. Field identifiers
• Flexible opportunity for adults
• Learning off campus at a distance
• Technologies for learning and teaching
• Access
EDEN 2015 2

3. Prisoners of our identity in ODL?
• But do Open Universities
lead or follow with TEL?
• Campus institutions now
focus of innovation in TEL?
• Or does digital revolution
make divide old-fashioned?
• Has widespread ICT
changed landscape of
innovation in TEL?
• Language, power and
landscape have changed
• Do we risk being prisoners
of our identity in ODL?
EDEN 2015 3

4. The landscape is changing
• Technology enhanced learning now
everywhere, on campus as well as in ODL
• Lead in TEL not necessarily now in open
universities
• Field identifiers of ODL not adequate
discriminator
• Professional associations based on ODL need
to rethink place in landscape of TEL
EDEN 2015 4