In a bid to explore partnership opportunities and collaborations, the Vice-Chancellor (Prof. Francisca Oladipo) recently met with the Secretary General (Torunn Gjelsvik) of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE). The meeting, held on 24th May 2023, was part of an initiative by the University to establish strong links with global organizations in the areas of Distance Education, Open Learning and Technology-enhanced learning.
During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor and the Secretary General ICDE discussed the importance of online education and the growth of distance learning programs. The ICDE, in Oslo Norway is a leading global membership association for Open, Flexible and Distance Learning (OFDL) Founded in 1938, Through the global network of over 320 members and internal partners across the world seeking to achieve the potential of OFDL to ensure inclusive and equitable access to education and learning for all. The association is a consultative partner to UNESCO and is supported by the Ministry of Higher Education in Norway.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed the University’s interest in collaborating with the ICDE on research, development and the promotion of best practices in online education. She highlighted the University's commitment to providing innovative online programs that meet the needs of students. As part of the ICDE’s strategic plan to extend the reach and impact of their work, the Secretary General lauded the University's efforts in promoting online education and emphasized the need for membership and collaborative opportunities with TAU. She also encouraged the university to consider being a member of the ICDE.
Following the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor expressed her satisfaction at the progress made and expressed her optimism for a fruitful collaboration with the ICDE. "The meeting was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss how we can work together to promote quality online learning. We look forward to exploring the opportunities that this partnership will bring," she said.
Overall, the meeting served as a positive step forward in the university's efforts to establish strong links with global organizations and further its commitment to providing innovative, high-quality online education as the ICDE approves and welcomes TAU on board to become ICDE Institutional members as all staff will have access to membership benefits and one of the key member benefits is access to exclusive events. International Council for Open and Distance Education(ICDE) humbly welcome TAU to the next ICDE member event which will be relevant to our Institution.
