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A. Background

The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) recognizes that Online, Flexible and Distance Learning (OFDL) has become a commonplace in different settings starting from elementary, secondary and higher levels of education. Different educational institutions use different communication tools to promote learning because the expansive nature of the Internet and the accessibility of technology have generated a surge in the demand for web-based teaching and learning across the nations¹.

According to the UNESCO, the COVID-19 crisis drove unprecedented innovations in remote learning through harnessing digital technologies. At the same time, digital divides excluded many from learning. More than two-thirds of school-age learners (1.3 billion children) does not have internet access at home. These inequities in access meant some groups, such as young women and girls, were left out of learning opportunities². Thus, it is crucial to restructure online programmes such as OFDL to provide support to education systems to recover learning loss as well as adapt with the dynamic changes we are experiencing. In fact, this continuous issue has activated Global Initiatives movements such as Thematic Action Track 4 under the direction of UNESCO is focusing steadily on the digital learning and transformation based on the analysis of national statements of commitment and Transforming Education Summit TES) follow up action.

Subsequently, parallel with the SEAMEO Strategic Plan 2021-2030 and the SEAMEO Integrated Operational Plan 2021-2025 and Priority 6: Harmonizing Higher Education and Research, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Secretariat will conduct a webinar for students, teachers, community learning centres, online learning programme providers, higher education leaders, and policymakers among others to discuss how we can move forward OFDL in the context of our region through sharing of experiences and expertise from various stakeholders.  It is expected that the webinar will provide new perspectives and information on online learning towards learning recovery and building back better.

This webinar will also emphasize the need to consider the impact of online teaching on student motivation and shall respond to important questions on how to best support students enrolled in online courses. Further research is needed in order to better evaluate the benefits, challenges, and useful strategies of successful students enrolled in online courses.

¹ Chaney E. G. (2001). Web-based instruction in a Rural High School: A Collaborative Inquiry into Its Effectiveness and Desirability. NASSP Bulletin, 85(628), 20-35.

² https://transformingeducationsummit.sdg4education2030.org/consultations

 

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B. Objectives

The Webinar on Moving Forward with Online, Flexible and Distance Learning (OFDL) seeks to:

• Discuss and share experiences, effective practices, and key strategies to transform OFDL in Southeast Asia; and
• Provide recommendations on how best to rethink and reimagine OFDL programme in Higher Education Institutions.

 

 

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C. Speakers

 

 

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D. Focal Person

• Dr Kamaleswaran Jayarajah
  Research, Evaluation and Assessment Specialist
  SEAMEO Secretariat
  kamaleswaran@seameo.org