Professor Denise Whitelock, Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Chair and Director of the Institute of Educational Technology at The Open University (UK), has been honoured with the prestigious Senior Fellowship by EDEN Digital Learning Europe. The accolade was presented at the EDEN Digital Learning Europe Annual Conference 2025, held in Bologna, in recognition of Professor Whitelock’s outstanding research contributions and dedicated service to the EDEN community over many years.

According to Dr Jako Olivier, Adviser: Higher Education COL, “Professor Whitelock is renowned internationally for her leadership and innovation in digital learning and as such it comes as no surprise that in addition to her recognition as COL Chair, she has now been awarded this Senior Fellowship by EDEN Digital Learning Europe.”

With over two decades of experience in designing, researching, and evaluating online and computer-based learning within higher education, Professor Whitelock has significantly influenced educational practices across the UK and Europe. Her recent projects include the Supportive Automated Feedback for Short Essays initiative, conducted in collaboration with Oxford University and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. This innovative project provided students with immediate automated feedback on electronic drafts, enhancing tutor guidance and student learning outcomes.

Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Whitelock has held influential roles globally and has contributed to expanding COL’s international network. She has served as a visiting chair at prestigious institutions such as Autonoma University in Barcelona and the British University in Dubai, UAE. Currently, she is also the Editor of Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance & e-Learning. Her deep engagement with EDEN Digital Learning Europe includes serving as Board Member and Vice President for Research since 2022.

EDEN Digital Learning Europe, founded in 2019 following the UK’s exit from the European Community, is an international, non-profit association dedicated to enhancing e-learning and distance education. The organisation fosters knowledge exchange and promotes best practices among professionals across Europe and beyond. Its commitment to developing and disseminating innovative educational technologies aligns closely with Professor Whitelock’s professional ethos and achievements.

Professor Whitelock’s appointment as COL Chair in 2023 underscores her significant contributions to advancing research, innovation, and thought leadership within educational technology. Her recognition by EDEN Digital Learning Europe further highlights her impactful career and dedication to excellence in digital learning.