UNESCO-COL Chairs 

COL is establishing a network of Honorary Chairs in Open and Distance Learning, where possible in collaboration with UNESCO, which already operates a Chairs Programme across a range of disciplines.

Distinguished serving academics in some of the 27 Commonwealth open universities/polytechnics are designated as Honorary Chairs with a national or regional remit to co-operate with national agencies and educational institutions in conducting studies, surveys, research and training on open and distance learning (ODL) and technology-mediated education at all levels. They will represent the academic face of COL and complement the political and administrative role of the Focal Points and Honorary Advisors.

Although Chairs serve in an honorary capacity, they may apply to COL for occasional funding for programme and capacity-building activities in the areas of COL’s mandate.

Terms of Reference

1. To organize, facilitate and carry out surveys,  studies and research on the current status and emerging trends in ODL and technology-enhanced education at all levels in cooperation with universities, other educational institutions and national agencies; 
2. To document the findings from such surveys, studies and research to develop a database on ODL that could be shared with all stakeholders in the region, UNESCO and COL, with a view to sharing best practice in ODL; 
3. To promote and strengthen regional cooperation by creating an environment to facilitate and sustain the sharing of intellectual and physical resources (course materials, delivery systems and networking) for promoting the use of ODL and technology-enhanced education and training at all levels; 
4. To create, develop and strengthen mechanisms at the regional level for consultation, collaboration and joint initiatives in the use of ODL and relevant technologies in cooperation with stakeholders; 
5. To carry out studies and research on the impact of ODL and the initiatives taken by UNESCO and COL, in enhancing opportunities for, and access to,  education and training in the region; 
6. To facilitate capacity-building in ODL and technology-enhanced education and training; and 
7. To keep the Secretary Generals of UNESCO, National Commissions and COL Focal Points informed, as appropriate, of all activities under this programme.

UNESCO-COL Chairs:

• Professor Chandra Gunawardena, Open University of Sri Lanka
• Professor Vincent Ado Tenebe, National Open University of Nigeria
• Professor Tolly Mbwette, Open University of Tanzania
• Dr. Rory McGreal, Athabasca University, Canada 
  (presentation by and interview with Dr. McGreal: Education-Portal.com)
• Professor Landson Mhango, Mzuzu University, Malawi