A call for proposals has now been issued for contributions to COL's Fifth Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF5), "Access to Learning for Development", which will be held from 13-17 July 2008 at the University of London, U.K. General registration is also now open.
Proposals can cover a wide range of activities including workshops, round-table discussions, formal academic papers, presentations, poster sessions, group work and networking. All proposals must be related to the conference themes, which are:
1. Health,
2. Livelihoods,
3. Provision for children and young people, and
4. Governance, conflict and social justice.
PCF5's goal is to stimulate as much discussion and learning as possible. The style of sessions will be varied to reflect the different approaches used in various educational sectors for knowledge-sharing and the development of ideas.
Proposal guidelines and online submission forms can be found on the Forum website. The deadline for abstracts is 30 November 2007.
PCF5 general registration is also available online. The early bird rate of £275 applies until 30 April 2008 and conference fees can be paid online by credit card (through PayPal). Conference organisers have made reservations for accommodations at several venues in the Bloomsbury area for PCF5 delegates. Rooms must be booked directly with the hotels. More information is available on the website.
The Forum will explore how open and distance learning can help achieve international development goals and education for all. It will be of interest to practitioners, researchers, planners and policy makers who work in education and/or development. The conference will provide opportunities to share experience and expertise and contribute to future thinking about access to learning.
PCF5 is being hosted by COL in partnership with the University of London, forming a part of the University's celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of its External Degrees initiative. Support for delegate participation from developing countries is being provided by COL, the U.K. Open University, the University of London External Programme and UNESCO. Conference Co-Chairs are Sir Graeme Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, and Sir John Daniel, President and CEO of COL.
www.col.org/pcf5
Deadline reminder: Excellence in Distance Education Awards
The deadline for submission of nominations for the 2007-2008 Excellence in Distance Education Awards is 31 October 2007. These awards, which will be presented at the Fifth Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning in London, recognise excellence in four categories: the overall institutional level, the development of learning materials, a lifetime's work as an educator and student accomplishment.
www.col.org/edea
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The Commonwealth of Learning was created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. The Commonwealth comprises 53 countries -- most of which are developing nations -- and one-quarter of the world's population.
Dave Wilson
Communications Manager
Commonwealth of Learning
info@col.org