PCF4 DEMONSTRATES THE UNIQUE POWER OF CONFERENCES

With so many ways of communicating in our digital age - from telephone and email to videoconferencing and Skyping - the question arises: are large-scale meetings still useful or relevant? The question was in our minds as we organised the fourth Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF4), held last year in Jamaica. We now have ample evidence that PCF4 was successful on many levels.

As a Forum, PCF4 offered more opportunities for active participation by delegates than many conferences do. The parallel sessions - including numerous group presentations and panel discussions - sparked many lively discussions about relevant issues such as copyright, gender and introducing new technologies.

There was tremendous sharing of experiences throughout the conference. Connections were made, relationships were strengthened and collaboration was planned. This sharing of knowledge will in turn lead to more sharing of knowledge as the practice of open and distance learning (ODL) is enhanced and expanded.

Keynote addresses by global leaders in education and development were a hallmark of PCF4. The keynote addresses were highly rated by delegates in their post-event evaluations. Delegates also expressed appreciation for the international nature of the conference, networking opportunities and interaction in the parallel sessions. "It proved to be a remarkable transformational experience and in particular affirmed our support for the value of globalisation in education," reported one delegate.

This was just one of several dozen notes of thanks sent to conference organisers. A sampling of those comments is on page 3 of this issue of Connections. Most importantly, many delegates wrote about their plans to incorporate information they gained at PCF4 into their ODL programmes.

PCF4 also provided input for COL's work, helping us to refine the focus of our efforts in our new Three-year Plan, 2006-2009.

In the end, the success of PCF4 is due to the people who participated - the delegates, the presenters, the partners and the sponsors. By coming together in Jamaica, we shared an experience that is unique to conferences; the learning, relationships and positive energy that come from spending time together focussed on a common goal. We thank you for your contribution to achieving development goals through ODL and look forward to seeing you at PCF5 at the University of London next year.