2nd Annual International Conference on Open, Distance and e-Learning

Theme: Optimizing Open, Distance and e-Learning Approaches for Effective Teaching and Learning

Introduction

THEME: Optimising Open, Distance and e-Learning Approaches for Effective Teaching and Learning

Introduction

Rapid advances in information and communications technology in the digital age have brought about a paradigm shift in the practice of Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) worldwide. In order to accommodate these rapid changes, Universities and other institutions of higher learning are continually reviewing and realigning their teaching and learning philosophy, delivery methodologies, pedagogies, and e-learning technologies and platforms in order to accommodate this paradigm shift.

One of the major challenges facing higher education in Kenya today is dwindling government funding for public universities and low enrollment for both public and private Universities. This situation is not limited to Kenya, there are similar challenges facing higher education in other regions of the world. Innovative ways are required to overcome these challenges. One of the best ways to solve these problems is the adoption of Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) modes of delivery. Unfortunately, many institutions have introduced ODeL programmes without prerequisite Knowledge and competence to run and manage such programmes.

Due to the current corona virus pandemic, we will this year hold our conference virtually, and participants will for the first time interact virtually. The university of Nairobi is therefore making all the necessary arrangements to make this conference deliver a unique experience to the participants.

Conference Format

The conference will be conducted virtually through the University of Nairobi conference link which will be provided to the registered participants after 14th September, 2020 which is the deadline for registration.

The conference will comprise of presentations and panel discussions which will provide participants with opportunity to interact online with eminent scholars, private sector practitioners, industry, policy makers, opinion leaders, representatives from diplomatic corps and National and county governments.

Dissemination of ODeL research findings, policy briefs by academicians, policy development and practitioner’s experiences which propel the efforts towards attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be the focus of the conference. This four-day conference will provide a platform to explore further the best practices in open, distance and e-learning mode.

• Day 1 will take the form of plenary presentations while
• Day 2 will take some more-interactive research presentations to enable participants to gain skills and knowledge on how to plan, design and implement programmes and projects with a view to come up with policy and practices that support the achievement of sustainable economy and develop.

The Objectives of the Conference on Open Distance and e-Learning

The main objective of the conference will be to provide researchers, postgraduate students and practitioners from universities, organizations, individuals and other experts an opportunity to showcase their research output. Specifically, the conference will provide:

1. An opportunity through which new research findings and products will be released in the global market
2. An opportunity through which participants will learn from world renown experts and researchers on issues related to Distance Education
3. A forum for stakeholders both international and local to deliberate and share information and ideas on Distance Education
4. A platform through which Universities, organizations and individual participants will increase their visibility
5. An Opportunity for Networking and Collaboration

THEME: Optimizing Open, Distance and e-Learning Approaches for Effective Teaching and Learning

Sub- Themes:

• Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Open, Distance and e-Learning mode of delivery
• Digital readiness and urgency
• ICT in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Subjects
• Transforming Education through technology
• mLearning and other emerging technologies in Distance Education
• Enhancing content delivery through cloud computing
• Cost effectiveness of ODeL mode of Delivery
• Enhancing quality in online assessment
• Learner access and retention strategies in ODeL Programs
• Collaborations, partnerships and linkages in Open, Distance and e-Learning
• Cross-cutting issues in Open Distance and e-Learning.

  Call for Papers

  The conference welcomes papers in the field of Open Distance and e-Learning and all other related fields. We will accept abstracts that are between 250-400 words.

  Full paper submissions under 12,000 words and original, will be submitted as per the guidelines which will be provided after acceptance of abstract

  Important Dates:

• Deadline for submission of Abstracts – 30th July 2020
• Acceptance notification –  Two days after receipt of abstract
• Deadline for submission of papers – 30th July 2020
• Deadline for registration – 14th September 2020
• Conference Dates – 12th – 13th October 2020

• Abstract Submission Guidelines

  We welcome research based or desk-top academic papers. Collaboration among multiple authors, colleagues and other scholars is highly encouraged. Co-authored papers will be accepted with consent from all authors. It is the responsibility of the Lead Presenter to obtain the consent of fellow authors. All presentations must adhere to intellectual property rights legislation. University of Nairobi will not be responsible for infringements of intellectual property or plagiarism in any of the conference presentations.

  Abstracts for conference presentation must include a description of each of the following:

• The research focus or problem
• The theoretical framework informing the research
• Research methodology, including ethics
• Key insights or findings, and implications.

• Conference papers will be presented on power-point

  Conference Email address

  All the papers should be submitted to raphael.nyonje@uonbi.ac.ke

  Conference Fees

• Students – Kshs 2,000
• University of Nairobi Staff – Kshs 2,000
• Other participants – Kshs. 3,000

• You are welcome to disseminate this call for papers through your professional networks. We look forward to engaging with you at the conference.

   

  For further information:

  University of Nairobi
  Open, Distance and e-Learning Campus
  Admin. +254 725329095
  Email: cmbai@uonbi.ac.ke

  Or

  Prof. Raphael Nyonje, +254722982964,
  email, raphael.nyonje@uonbi.ac.ke