EADTU 25th ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE 2012

’The role of open and flexible education in European higher education systems for 2020: new models, new markets, new media’’ 

The Open University of Cyprus will be hosting EADTU's Annual Conference in Paphos, on 27-28 th September 2012, under the EU Presidency of Cyprus.

This years' scope

Educational models are changing increasingly. More universities are embracing open and flexible learning and as a consequence, the creation of international student markets is becoming a reality. Formal learning nowadays becomes integrated with non-/informal learning and educational innovation is now  both financially, technology and socially driven. Worldwide there is an awareness of the emerging role of open education en open educational resources  to support educational transformation. For example, by offering better quality education to significantly larger numbers of students.

The role of open and flexible learning is becoming more important for these new models, new markets and new media.

This is the scope of EADTU’s 25th Anniversary conference under the EU-Presidency of Cyprus in which we address topics like:

• how open and flexible education is organised as an organic part of European higher education systems
• implementing new organisational and educational models within frontrunner institutions, capitalizing on new opportunities created by ICT in education
• meeting new markets and learning needs, i.e. at the postgraduate level or related to knowledge alliances with the public and private sector, on top of the mission of widening participation
• developing open media like open educational resources, YouTube, ITunes U, broadcasting as platforms for open knowledge sharing
• developing European open and flexible higher education in a 2020 perspective

The Conference will in this context present most recent results of task forces and projects with regard to quality assurance in e-learning (presentation of the new version of the e-xcellence guidelines, including criteria for the quality of OER and social media, networked curricula involving strategic partnerships between universities (presentation of guidelines for networked programmes, a compendium of good practices, a toolbox for inter-institutional collaboration), on line or virtual mobility (a portal to support mobility, in the perspective of the new Erasmus for All programme), knowledge sharing with business (interfaces to meet the needs of the private and public sector; training for entrepreneurship in starting companies), etc.

This years' themes 

• Open media
• New markets
• Networked Curricula: University Curricula and Academic Networks
• Virtual mobility
• Open Educational Resources
• University strategies and business models
• University-business cooperation, knowledge circulation, entrepreneurship, virtual interfaces
• Quality Assurance in e-Learning

About OUC 

As of the academic year 2011-2012, the Open University of Cyprus (OUC), the country’s second state university, has an enrolment of over 2500 students and has already developed ten, dynamic Study Courses. Aiming to become an attractive, regional, educational institution, the Open University of Cyprus actively participates in university networks and international organisations.  This initiative encourages the exchange of views on higher education and research at the European and international level. By participating in these networks, OUC promotes policy positions relating to lifelong learning and the development of distance education and establishes partnerships for the exchange of academic staff, administrative personnel and students with other universities, members of the networks.

About Cyprus

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean. With a history over 10,000 years, the island has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here. Aphrodite made her home on Cyprus and travelers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute.

Today Cyprus is a modern country that combines European culture with ancient enchantment. One of the benefits of being a Mediterranean island is the plentiful sunshine throughout the years. In fact, Cyprus epitomizes the ideal weather of the region with sunny days and fine temperatures almost every day. Extremes of temperatures are rare, meaning Cyprus has something to offer every month of the year, whether it's swimming (as late as November) or enjoying cultural sites and festivals (all year long).

Despite its small size, Cyprus has been at the crossroads of history for millennia. The island's strategic location has been a major factor in shaping its history throughout the centuries and, in recent years, its development into a centre for international business. World academic and scientific associations and organisations find that its location is no less strategic today - add to that, its unique combination of world class hotels, resorts and Mediterranean charm you have the perfect setting for holding productive meetings and conferences in a relaxed environment.