Hyderabad: A two-day ODL landscape conference focusing on the future of Open and Distance Learning began at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University on March 25.
The Indian Distance Education Association, in collaboration with BRAOU, organised the event in association with Indira Gandhi National Open University, Telangana Council for Higher Education, and INFLIBNET. The conference aims to examine digital transformation, policy frameworks, and inclusive access in the evolving education system.
Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, Vice Chancellor of BRAOU, presided over the inaugural session. Anandrao Vishnu Patil, IAS, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Education, attended as Special Guest. Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, joined as Chief Guest, while Prof. Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor of Digital University Kerala, participated as Distinguished Guest.
Prof. V. S. Prasad, former Director of NAAC, delivered the keynote address. Guests of Honour included Prof. K. Seetharama Rao, President of IDEA, and Prof. Murali Manohar, Honorary President of IDEA. Prof. Pushpa Chakrapani served as Conference Director, while Dr. L. V. K. Reddy acted as Secretary General.
ODL landscape conference highlights digital transformation focus
A round table meeting on “Digital Technologies: Future of ODL” was scheduled under the chairmanship of Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani. Experts from institutions in India and abroad participated in the discussion.
Later, a plenary session on “ONOS and INFLIBNET Services to Academic Community” featured domain experts. Parallel technical sessions then addressed the theme “Expanding Access: Reaching the Unreached,” focusing on widening educational outreach.
On the second day, the Prof. G. Ram Reddy Endowment Lecture will be delivered by Prof. Sanjay Mishra. He will speak on policy and leadership in open and distance education.
A panel discussion on “Dual Mode Universities: Issues and Challenges” will follow. Multiple technical sessions will continue to explore key issues in Open and Distance Learning.
The valedictory session will be presided over by Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani. Dr. Yogitha Rana, IAS, Principal Secretary for Education, Government of Telangana, will attend as Chief Guest. Prof. Navin Chandra Lohani, Vice Chancellor of Uttarakhand Open University, will join as Guest of Honour.
The conference includes eight technical sessions, with around 90 research papers scheduled for presentation. Organisers said the event will bring together academicians, policymakers, and practitioners to shape future strategies in Open and Distance Learning and strengthen technology-driven access to education.