The History of the Commonwealth of Learning

Abstract

ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY OF CANADA, 2011 Annual Meeting, 28 May 2011, Victoria, BC, Canada, The History of the Commonwealth of Learning, Sir John Daniel, President & CEO, Commonwealth of Learning // It is a pleasure to be here. The Commonwealth of Learning, which everyone calls COL, greatly appreciates the chance to participate in this meeting of Canada’s Royal Commonwealth Society. // You have asked me to talk about the history of COL. Oddly enough I’ve never been asked to do that in a formal way before and I welcome the opportunity. However, let me say a few words about the recent present before I flashback to COL’s creation. // You will be aware of the work of the Eminent Persons Group that is in the final stages of making recommendations about how to make the Commonwealth more relevant and dynamic. COL made a presentation to the group by teleconference last year and I titled it - COL: Small, Successful and Not in London. That summarises some of COL’s key features.