INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATION IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (INNODEL) 2024
by Memet Casmat *)
MEDAN, 14/11/2024 “ The International Conference on Innovation in Open and Distance Learning (INNODEL) 2024 is the 3rd annual event held on the city of Paris Van Sumatera, Medan, North Sumatra, a city with beautiful European-style buildings. This event was opened by the Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Cooperation and Business, Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D.
In his remarks, he said that, "For this conference, we specifically highlight emerging technologies for open and distance education: Opportunity, Agility, and Adaptibility, with a special feature Harmonizing Technology and Pedagogy in Open Distance, and Flexibility Learning (ODFL)".
The development of technology has brought many opportunities and challenges for educational institutions, including the Open University, which is committed to providing access to education for all groups. This seminar is the perfect momentum to discuss how we can embrace the latest technology so that distance education is increasingly adaptive and responsive to the needs of the times.
Furthermore, he emphasized that "In this dynamic era, the three main pillars carried in the theme of our seminar - namely Opportunity, Agility, and Adaptability - are very important. Open education must be observant in seeing opportunities in technology, agile in responding to change, and have high adaptability in order to remain relevant and effective. We realize that education is not only about providing material, but also about how technology can enrich the learning experience and expand access for those who are constrained by distance or geographical conditions,"- ", said UT Vice Rector IV when opening the event at the Santika Premier Dyandra Hotel, Medan.
In line with that, the Chairperson of the Committee Prof. Dra. Dewi Artati Padmo Putri, M.A., Ph.D, said "As Chairperson of the Committee, I feel very proud and grateful for the support and participation of all parties involved in organizing this event. We understand that technological developments have created great opportunities to improve access and the quality of distance education. Through INNODEL 2024, we hope that participants can exchange ideas, share innovations, and build collaborative networks to strengthen open and distance education in Indonesia and the world.
The theme of this years seminar, which highlights innovation in distance learning, gives us all the space to explore how technology can support flexibility and sustainability in education. With discussion sessions, research presentations, and workshops that have been prepared, we hope that each participant can gain useful insights, which are not only relevant to the development of their respective educational institutions, but also to strengthen educational capacity at all levels of society, he ended his speech cheerfully.
Next, the speech from the Governor of North Sumatra, represented by the Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Education Office, Ir. Abdul Haris Lubis, M.Si, said that Open and flexible education must be able to take advantage of opportunities, adapt quickly, and demonstrate agility in integrating ever-evolving technology with existing pedagogical methods. This is very important, especially for those of us in the North Sumatra region, where access to education needs to continue to be expanded and aligned with global demands, he said enthusiastically.
Thirdly, Dr. Alan Bruce (Universal Learning Systems-Dublin University), sees the future of open and distance learning as a crucial point in global education that is technology-oriented and inclusive. According to him, this future will be marked by a synergy between digital technologies and inclusive strategies centered on universal design. The focus is on creating learning models that are widely accessible, emphasizing openness in technology, and the integration of teaching methodologies that are flexible and responsive to different social and cultural needs.
Fourthly, Prof. Ghassan Beydoun (University of Technology Sydney) has been involved in the field of open and distance education (ODE) for over 30 years. Fifth, Sridhar Sunkad has led EON Singapore operations with a successful track record of providing leadership and vision for the past 12 years. Seventh, Professor Patricia B. Arinto is the former Dean of the College of Education, University of the Philippines (UP) - Open University and currently Dean of UP Visayas Tacloban College.
Last but not least, Dr. Ir. Yaya Heryadi, M.Sc. (Binus University International Indonesia), emphasized that data analytics in ODL is not only about monitoring and evaluation, but also serves as a predictive tool to detect students at risk of academic difficulties. With the information generated, educators and institutions can design a more personalized and adaptive approach, which in turn can increase student engagement and success in online learning. In addition, the use of machine learning and data mining techniques further enriches the understanding of how various factors influence student success in flexible and open learning environments.
Finally, at the closing ceremony, the committee conveyed that next year INNODEL 2026 will be held on Batam, the city of new transportation hub, part of the Batam Raya free trade special economic zone, and is located on an international shipping route and close to Malaysia and Singapore. Hopefully useful.
Medan, 14/11/2024
*) Lecturer at UT Bogor
#Menulis Caraku Mengikat Ilmu