E-learning experts gather virtually for UP symposium | University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria (UP) will virtually host nearly 200 delegates from the continent and beyond for its third annual Fully Online Distance Education Symposium (FODES).

The symposium, which takes place from 19 to 20 October 2023, will bring together academics, learning designers, and e-learning specialists to discuss the transformative power of online education. Participants can take part in this event from anywhere, as it is entirely online and free of charge, no matter their affiliation. Attendees can join from the comfort of their own homes, offices, or educational institutions, creating a truly global learning experience.

The symposium is hosted by UP's Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES), which is responsible for the University’s UPOnline offering. Under the theme ‘Leveraging technology for innovative e-learning’ the symposium aims to provide a platform for educators, instructional designers, and e-learning experts to exchange ideas, discover innovative strategies, and explore merging technologies that enhance e-learning.

Dr Phillippa Hardman, a renowned learning scientist at the University of Cambridge, will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights and best practices in online education. Dr Hardman has designed some of the world’s most high-impact learning experiences, including the University of Oxford’s first and most successful Massive Open Online Course. She is also the creator of DOMS™️, a learning design process which makes it easy to apply the science of learning to the art of learning experience design.

Symposium manager Dr Mari van Wyk says delegates from participating countries like South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Nigeria will provide valuable insights on the implementation of e-learning initiatives and trends on the continent. “For this year’s symposium we also have a FODES ‘How-to’ series, where participants can do a short presentation on innovative e-learning concepts and strategies. This is an opportunity for delegates to showcase the cool tools that they use to innovate teaching and learning.”

Dr Van Wyk says the virtual symposium will provide ample networking opportunities, allowing delegates to connect through virtual breakout sessions and collaborative projects. “Participants will have the opportunity to share ideas, exchange experiences, and build lasting connections.”

The Fully Online Distance Education Symposium is hosted on Blackboard and other engaging platforms. For more information, and to register your abstract by 19 September 2023, please visit https://fodesup.online/