Open and flexible distance learning (OFDL) is gaining prominence in developing regions and contributes to lifelong learning and human capital development. It provides accessibility, affordability, and flexibility through various educational aspects. Significant progress has been made through learning management systems and a movement towards fully online and resource-based learning. Research focuses on leveraging new technologies, demands of 21st century learners, and social media for collaborative learning. Quality assurance and standards are important for accountability and learner retention in OFDL.

2. Gaining prominence, especially in developing regions like Asia
Role in promoting lifelong learning
Contributing to human capital development
OFDL can provide accessibility, affordability & flexibility in
various aspects of educational provision
Significant impact of information & communication technology
(ICT) on OFDL teaching & learning practices
Important to discuss key issues in OFDL to face future challenges

3. CONVERGENCE
e-LEARNING
OF PEDAGOGIES RESEARCH IN
TECHNOLOGIES
& TECHNOLOGIES e-LEARNING
FOR ODL
FOR ODL
OPEN
QUALITY
EDUCATIONAL
ASSURANCE IN
RESOURCES (OER)
ODL
& ODL

4. Significant progress since the introduction of learning
management systems
Multimedia Moving
Virtual Learning
Learning
Environment towards
Materials
resource-
based, fully-
Social Media &
Mobile online
Games For
Learning learning
Learning

5. Reaching Widening access
Economies of
learners in for diverse
scale
remote areas learners
Flexible teaching
Cost
& learning
effectiveness
arrangements

6. Common & viable Use technologies to
approach used by many complement, but not
open universities control, pedagogy
Use ICT to create system
A combination of: for communication,
Face-to-face interaction sharing & assessment
Self-managed learning
Focus on learner
e-Learning
empowerment

7. Recent research topics reflect current concerns, e.g.:
• Leveraging on new technologies, e.g. mobile learning
• Demands of 21st century learners
• e-Learning in lifelong learning
• Social media & collaborative learning
• Technological innovations & ubiquitous learning
Research as a way to address various issues:
• Learner motivation & retention
• Balancing cost & quality
• Enhancing teaching & learning approaches
• Ensuring sound assessment practices

8. OFDL can greatly benefit from OER:
• Addressing issues of access, resources & cost
• Especially for developing countries
• Several initiatives already underway, e.g. the OER University
• Inspired the creation of MOOCs
Participating in the OER movement:
• Encouraging collaboration
• Promoting openness in sharing, exchanging & developing
educational resources for universal benefits
• OER will be an important component of OFDL globally
• Important to determine suitability of OER & their impact on
curricula

9. Establishing a specific QA
Maintaining standards
systems to encompass all
aspects of OFDL
Upholding the image of OFDL
Leveraging on international
best practices & benchmarks:
Accountability towards Incorporating them in
learners & stakeholders everyday practices
Important strategy in learner Contributing to regional/
retention international initiatives