Terry Anderson · Athabasca University, Canada
"The rise of online education has transformed teaching and learning paradigms. These changes are fueled by advancements in technology and the demand for flexible, inclusive access to education—even in times of war and epidemic. Online educational practices emphasize interactivity, learner autonomy and self-direction, and accessibility, while theoretical frameworks have expanded to address issues such as openness, digital equity, attrition, engagement in virtual environments, and the design of learning-centered curricula. This evolution has created opportunities and challenges as researchers explore digital tools and platforms to measure if they enhance learning effectiveness and address diverse learning needs." (Anderson et al., 2025)
In this session, Dr. Connie Anderson and Professor Emeritus Terry Anderson will review the role and impact of open and distributed learning over the last twenty-five years and explore how it may continue to evolve into the future.
Anderson, T., Cookson, P. S., Henderson, S., & McGreal, R. (2025). Twenty-Five Years of Innovation and Knowledge Sharing: The Legacy and Future of the International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 26(1).
Presenters
Dr. Constance Blomgren is an Associate professor and Director of the Open, Digital and Distance Education Master of Education program at Athabasca University. She teaches and researches about openness in education and is an associate editor for the International Review of Open and Distributed Learning, a former member of the Open Educational Resources Advocacy committee for the International Council of Distance Education, and a vice president of Open Education Global board of directors.
Dr. Terry Anderson is an education researcher and teacher, focussing on ICT tools in teaching and learning. He is a Professor Emeritus, having taught in the Masters and Doctoral Education programs in distance education at Athabasca University, and the editor emeritus of the open access journal, the International Review of Research on Open and Distance Education (IRRODL). Dr. Anderson is also a member of the Technology Enhanced Knowledge Research Institute (TEKRI) at Athabasca University and a regular key note speaker at education and training conferences, on line and face-to-face.
Emerging Technologies in International Education
Retrospective on Open Access Publishing
Exploring Research Issues
Multiply K-12 OER
Research for Effective Online Learning
An Investigation into the Use of an Orientation Course to Address Academic and Social Integration Issues
