Two-Day International Conference on Open and Distance Learning inaugurated at University of Jammu

JAMMU: A two-day International Conference on the theme “Reimagining Open, Distance, Online Blended and Self-directed Learning: Innovations, Equity, and Impact in the Digital Era” was inaugurated at the University of Jammu.

The conference is being organised by the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu, as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium. Eminent academicians, researchers and scholars from India and abroad, including participants from Canada, the United States of America, Italy and Sri Lanka, are participating in the conference, reflecting growing international engagement on contemporary developments in higher education and distance learning.

Prof. Chandra Bhushan Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Vinoba Bhave Open University, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Presiding over the event, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai congratulated the CDOE team on the occasion of the Centre’s 50th anniversary and appreciated its significant contribution in expanding educational access and academic outreach.

In his address, Chief Guest Prof. Chandra Bhushan Sharma highlighted the transformative potential of distance and online education in democratizing access to higher education and strengthening knowledge dissemination. Special Guest Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, spoke about the multidimensional learning avenues offered by distance and online education and emphasized that such modes expand opportunities for students through flexible and inclusive educational pathways.

Guest of Honour Dr. Basheerahmad Shadrach, Director, CEMCA, New Delhi, observed that the world is increasingly becoming learner-centric and stressed the need for teachers to effectively coexist with emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning processes. While elaborating on the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in daily life and the education sector, he highlighted the importance of learning and adopting AI technologies to cater to the self-directed learner of contemporary times.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Tony Mayes, Director (Education), Commonwealth of Learning, Canada, who highlighted the concept and evolution of open and blended learning. He also discussed various initiatives and projects of the Commonwealth of Learning aimed at promoting accessibility, openness and inclusivity in education across countries.

Earlier, Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, Director CDOE, in his welcome address highlighted the significance of the conference and the growing role of distance and online education in expanding access to quality higher education. He also appreciated the achievements of CDOE students in NET/JRF examinations, sports competitions and other academic and co-curricular activities, while highlighting the seminars, guest lectures, workshops and placement drives organised by the Centre for the holistic development and career advancement of learners. He also expressed gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai for his constant guidance and support in strengthening CDOE initiatives.

Prof. Anupama Vohra, Organising Secretary of the conference, presented an overview of the event, outlining its objectives, thematic focus and the importance of academic dialogue and collaboration among scholars and practitioners. During the inaugural session, the Abstract Book of the conference was formally released by the dignitaries.

The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Anju Thappa, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants and members of the organising committee for their support in making the event successful.

The inaugural programme was followed by three plenary sessions featuring expert deliberations on contemporary issues in education. The first plenary session was chaired by Ms. Vishaka Nanayakkara, Senior Lecturer, University of Sri Lanka, and co-chaired by Dr. Hina Abrol, CDOE, focusing on themes such as Artificial Intelligence in education, blended learning and quality assurance mechanisms in digital education systems.

The second plenary session was chaired by Dr. Basheerahmad Shadrach and focused on transformative pedagogies and evolving learning ecosystems in higher education. The third plenary session was chaired by Dr. Minakshi Kilam, Former Director, CDOE, and co-chaired by Dr. Neelam Choudhary, where scholars deliberated on academic accountability and innovative assessment mechanisms for distance and online learners. 

The event was moderated by Dr. Jasleen Kour, Assistant Professor, CDOE. The academic sessions were followed by a multilingual poetry meet that added a cultural dimension to the conference. The programme brought together ten poets who presented their works in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Dogri.