The Conference focuses on the convergence of philosophies, pedagogies, and technologies in open and distance eLearning (ODeL); the opportunities opened up by this convergence; as well as the issues and challenges arising from the practice of ODeL in various contexts, including among others, education, public service, and development.


The event is co-organized by the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), the Philippine Society for Distance Learning (PSDL), and the UPOU Foundation, Inc.


Entitled "Creating Spaces and Possibilities", this conference is structured around four sub-themes:

• The State of the Art in OdeL
  
  This sub-theme surveys the phases of development of ODeL around the globe, including ODeL models and their contributions to education and development.
• Innovations and Best Practices in OdeL
  
  This sub-theme showcases innovations, tools, and best practices in teaching and learning and in the management of ODeL.
• Problems, Barriers, Reforms and Solutions
  
  This sub-theme focuses on issues and concerns in expanding the frontiers of OdeL, as well as initiatives to address these problems in the institutional, national, regional, and global contexts.
• Future Directions, Spaces and Possibilities in OdeL
  
  This sub-theme considers scenarios and prospective futures for ODeL theory and practice.

Expected to benefit from this conference are academics, teachers, researchers, university and school administrators, policy makers, trainers, students, and other stakeholders in the governmental, industrial, and other professional sectors.