Embracing innovations and action

In collaboration with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, COL’s Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) organised the State Open University Vice-Chancellors’ Forum in August 2023 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. The theme was “National Education Policy 2020: Opportunities and Challenges for Open and Distance Learning Universities.”

Speaking at the forum, COL President and CEO, Professor Asha Kanwar, emphasised that NEP 2020’s goal of achieving increased access, equity and inclusion in higher education is only possible through open and distance learning (ODL). Given the magnitude of future challenges, open universities need to pool their expertise and resources and work towards common goals.

The forum included several plenary sessions and panel discussions exploring various aspects of the ODL landscape, including reaching underserved learners, leveraging technology for enhanced ODL, implementing the Academic Bank of Credits, establishing the National Credit Framework, addressing recognition and acceptance issues, promoting employability, and ensuring the resilience and sustainability of open universities.