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Changing Mindsets for Inclusive Open Education - the VUSSC Leadership Initiative
Abstract
As small states of the Commonwealth navigate the complexities of equitable access to Open and Distance Learning (ODL), the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC) stands as a transformative model supporting inclusive education. Established through the leadership of Commonwealth Ministers of Education and facilitated by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), VUSSC is reshaping educational collaboration, policy frameworks, and capacity-building in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Changing mindsets is crucial to ensuring that small states transition from being consumers of external educational models to becoming architects of their own open learning systems. The VUSSC Management Committee plays a vital role in leading this shift by guiding policy integration, promoting transnational qualifications, and fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing. Through a leadership-driven approach, VUSSC has enhanced digital learning infrastructures, expanded opportunities for micro-credentialing, and strengthened institutional collaboration. However, for inclusive open education to become truly sustainable, small states must embrace policy reforms, workforce-aligned skills training, and collaborative content development, all of which require leadership commitment and strategic innovation.
Following a qualitative, multi-source approach, to address each research objective, this study situates VUSSC as a leadership initiative, designed to influence systemic change in small states’ educational policies and practices. The study further explores how shifting mindsets toward collaborative, digitally enabled, and policy-driven approaches ensures that Open and Distance Learning (ODL) models remain inclusive and relevant. The key finding is that VUSSC and the leadership management team are not just focused on building capacity; collaboratively the focus is on empowering small states to lead their future for inclusive open education so that the needs of the small states are addressed.
PCF11 Sub-Theme: Changing Mindsets for Inclusive Open Education
Paper ID: 3201
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Region
Pan-Commonwealth
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Date
2025-09
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Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)