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Innovative Open Education: Fostering Resilient Societies for Sustainable Economic Development. Conference Proceedings – PCF11 Selected Papers
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Abstract
This book of proceedings presents selected papers from the Eleventh Pan-Commonwealth Forum (PCF11), co-hosted by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and the Government of Botswana in Gaborone from 10–12 September 2025. The purpose of this publication is to curate and disseminate high-quality, peer-reviewed contributions that reflect both scholarly insight and practical innovation. It serves as a resource for advancing policy, practice and research in open and distance learning (ODL) in support of Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning.
The central theme of PCF11, also reflected in the title of this book—Innovative Open Education: Fostering Resilient Societies for Sustainable Economic Development—highlights the role of openness in building social resilience, widening access, reducing inequities and supporting sustainable economic growth. The book is organised around four interrelated sub-themes that structure the proceedings and frame contemporary debates in the field: (1) changing mindsets for inclusive open education; (2) gender, technology and innovation in open education; (3) skills development through lifelong open education; and (4) sustaining communities of learning and practice in innovative open education.
The volume includes a carefully selected set of papers identified through a rigorous two-phase blind peer review process, with sub-theme leaders nominating the highest-ranked contributions for publication. Together, these papers illustrate diverse experiences, evidence-based practices and policy-relevant insights from across the Commonwealth.
The primary target audience for this book comprises policymakers, development practitioners, academics, researchers, technology innovators, COL stakeholders and partner institutions engaged in open, online and flexible learning. As such, the proceedings aim to inform decision-making, inspire innovation and strengthen collaboration in pursuit of resilient, inclusive and sustainable education systems.
Title: Recognition of Prior Learning and Micro-credentials for Enhancing Inclusion, Access and Success in the UCT Postgraduate Diploma in Blended and Online Learning Design: A Social Justice Lens
Author(s): Tabisa Mayisela; Shanali Govender; Daniela Gachago Pages: 11–22
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.001
Title: Changing Mindset for Open and Distance Learning System: University of The Gambia Experience
Author(s): Kayode S. Adekeye; Ousainou Sarr; Raphael K. Ayeni; Mbemba Hydara; Jane-Frances Agbu; Francisca U. Ezike
Pages: 23–42
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.002
Title: Unlocking the Potential of Open Educational Practices in Bangladesh — Why Mindset Shift Matters
Author(s): Mostafa Azad Kamal; Jane-Frances Agbu; Md. Mahfuzur Rahman
Pages: 43–54
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.003
Title: Pedagogy of Care in a Blended Teaching and Learning Distance Teacher Education Programme
Author(s): F. R. Aluko; M. A. Ooko
Pages: 55–64
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.004
Title: Enhancing Teacher–Student Interaction through Open Education in Hybrid Learning in Cameroonian Universities
Author(s): Shaibou Abdoulai Haji; Jane-Frances Agbu
Pages: 65–77
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.005
Title: Leveraging Technology-Enabled Learning and Open Educational Resources for Educational Equity: A Case Study in a Small Island State
Author(s): Romeela Mohee; Anjusha Durbarry
Pages: 79–88
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.006
Title: Empowering Future Teachers: Skills Development and Training Needs for AI Integration in ODL Teacher Education
Author(s): Geesje van den Berg
Pages: 89–99
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.007
Title: Leveraging AI-Driven Chatbots to Enhance First-Year Student Support: The USP SEM ZERO-GPT Initiative
Author(s): Raveena Goundar; Rajni Chand; Mohammed Hussein Pages: 100–110
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.008
Title: The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Teacher Education Students’ Assessment Practices in Open Distance E-learning
Author(s): Patience Kelebogile Mudau
Pages: 111–124
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.009
Title: Gender and Disability-related Influences on Teachers’ Access to Technology-Mediated Professional Learning in Tanzania
Author(s): Sara Hennessy; Kristeen Chachage; Saalim Koomar; Calvin Swai; Taskeen Adam; Fika Mwakabungu; Winston Massam; Jonathan H. Paskali; Nidhi Singal
Pages: 125–139
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.010
Title: The Vocational Training Development Institute: An Investigation into the Utilisation of Digital Learning Strategies in TVET to Facilitate Accessibility, Flexibility, Engagement and Skills Development
Author(s): Jacqueline Solomon-Wallder; Mark McKnight; Roxanne Hinds
Pages: 141–164
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.011
Title: Implementing Blended Delivery in TEVET: Insights from a Preparatory (PBDT) Course in Zambia
Author(s): Twaambo Chiinza; Alice P. Shemi
Pages: 165–178
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.012
Title: Engaging NEET Youths through Vocational Education: A Case of the Open School of Bangladesh Open University
Author(s): Md. Mizanoor Rahman; Santosh Panda
Pages: 179–187
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.013
Title: Open Schooling in Southern Africa: Progress, Challenges and Opportunities
Author(s): Ephraim Mhlanga
Pages: 188–197
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.014
Title: Building Resilient Graduates: Moi University’s Model for Enhancing Employability and Lifelong Learning in a Dynamic Labour Market
Author(s): Lumala Masibo; Jako Olivier
Pages: 198–208
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.015
Title: Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Adoption of E-apprenticeship Programmes in Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Nigeria
Author(s): Michael Shittu; Robert Okinda; Anthony C. Achuenu; Alabi M. Olowo
Pages: 209–223
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.016
Title: Towards a Commonwealth Credit Transfer Framework for Micro-Credentials: Advancing Education for a More Resilient Workforce Author(s): Jako Olivier; Jane-Frances Agbu; Schontal Moore; Sanjaya Mishra; Betty Ogange; Evode Mukama; Robert Okinda Pages: 225–236
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.017
Title: Collaborative Approaches in Open Education: Leveraging OER Creation, Adaptation and use for Sustainable Development Author(s): Shepherd Mlambo; Nokulunga Sithabile Ndlovu; Thabo Gina
Pages: 237–248
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.018
Title: Empowering Voices in Open Education: Reflections and Future Directions from the Global OER Graduate Network’s 10th Anniversary Author(s): Robert Farrow; Carina Bossu; Beck Pitt
Pages: 249–257
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.019
Title: Collaborative Peer Learning for International Course Development in the Empowering Women and Girls (EWG) Project: Challenges and Lessons Learned Through this Case Study
Author(s): Philip Uys
Pages: 258–268
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.020
Title: Building Sustainable Communities of Practice Through Mentor-Supported OER Development: An Iterative Approach in Pacific STEM Education
Author(s): Amanda Grey; Betty Ogange; Rajni Chand; Ashish Agrawal
Pages: 269–282
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56059/11599/6064.021
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2025-12
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Commonwealth of Learning (COL)