EDEN RW9 returned to Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg after 12 years, to recall the development of ODL, to measure the progress of key research issues, to reflect and compare research questions raised in 2004 and 2016, and to identify new research questions for ODL and TEL. Outstanding contributions followed the track of the development of methodology of the research in ODL, socio – economic aspects of technology enabled learning, validation of learners, learner characteristics and learning needs, mobile learning and learning for inclusion, open education strategies, cases of modernization of education, emerging virtual exchange practices and much more. The Oxford debate exploited the characteristics of personalization of learning, creating discussions in informal conference surroundings.

EDEN Governance felt discussion should continue without waiting for another EDEN regular event, but on European level. Having thought this, the Oldenburg conference dinner was the best spot to spread around the idea of organizing European Distance Learning Week, in partnership with the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)! The Oldenburg surroundings served as the best setting again!

After a productive collaboration with USDLA in preparation for its National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), EDEN successfully launched the initiative of European Distance Learning Week (EDLW), which took place on November 7 – 11, 2016, for the first time in Europe!

The contributions of outstanding experts, European policy makers, and European networks and associations and the active participation of global partners made this week a great success: we discussed recent innovations in education, success cases and lessons learnt, diverse European models of online learning, quality assurance issues arising, open education perspectives and open learning recognition, as well as digital skills development programs and initiatives. No doubt, EDLW also set the agenda for the upcoming year and in support of open professional collaboration in Europe. (The recordings of the daily webinars are available at the EDEN website.)

The experience and value of EDEN members is growing with a tempo that does not allow EDEN Governance to slow down and take a break – and  EDEN members greatly supported the initiative of open professional collaboration via their local and international events. This experience continues to grow and be shared through partners, collaborators, global organizations and their events, in particular with great contributions from the EDEN Executive Committee members (here are just some of them)

1. Presentation “Opening up of Organizations by ICT” at Unesco IITE series of Open Lectures in St. Petersburg, September 5-6, 2016 (record at Youtube)
2. Current trends in quality in open, online and flexible learning at University of Nicosia, Cyprus, September 14-15, 2016)
3. Current trends in quality in open, online and flexible learning, at Luxatia International Annual Innovative Learning Spaces summit in Prague, Czech Republic, September 22-23, 2016
4. The National MOOC Investigation, and what happened afterwards? SWERD, October 14, 2016
5. Presentation “Open Professional Collaboration at EDEN” at EADTU international conference in Rome, October 19-21, 2016
6. Quality in MOOCs at EdTech Sweden, October 20, 2016
7. Presentation “European Policy and practice in Digital skills and Competencies- reflections on the workshop at EDEN conference in Budapest” at ET2020 WG DSC 3rd meeting on October 28, 2016
8. Presentation “OER adaptation, development and use” at Unesco IBE, IITE, NCERT and GOOGLE ICT Forum in New Delhi, India, October 31 – November 4, 2016
9. Presentation “The role of EDEN organisation; Open Education in Croatia; ET2020 WG on Digital Skills and Competencies” at the online event “Across the German borders: Digital Higher Education in the EU”, November 7, 2016
10. D-TRANSFORM workshop, Barcelona, 14 to 16 November, 2016: “Learning Analytics and student support”.
11. A global view on quality in digital learning, at EUCEN Annual Conference in Barcelona, November 24-25, 2016
12. OEB16 Panel discussion “Digital transformation: an Opportunity or a Treat to Quality in higher education?”, December 2, 2016
13. EDEN Executive members took active and leading part in EDEN Partner initiatives:
    1. ICDE Webinar series “Challenges for quality in open and distance learning”, December 13, 2016
    2. EDEN – ASCALITE research activities
    3. Online Learning Consortium (OLC) Accelerate conference in Orlando, the United States
    4. ICDE annual President’s Summit in Sydney
14. One of the major and great examples is EDEN contribution to USDLA National Distance Learning Week – great partnership and great outcomes for our communities!

The EDEN NAP Steering Committee also contributed through its numerous online events.

The #EDENchat discussion series is now in its third year, and takes place on Twitter periodically, usually in a Wednesday 1900 (GMT) time slot. #EDENchat is organised and moderated by EDEN NAP steering committee members (Antonella Poce and Steve Wheeler). It regularly attracts participants from across the globe, and discussion is archived via Storify on the EDEN website. The most recent #EDENchats have featured topics including digital competencies, the future of the university, innovation in teaching, and social media for informal learning.

Besides the external webinars promoted by EDEN within its network (e.g. the ASCILITE one on The Perspectives of the European instructional designer, held on October 26th 2016), the EDEN NAP SC started a webinar series. The first one on Critical thinking and technology was presented by Antonella Poce, NAP SC member, on December 7th 2016. . In order to enlarge and improve the variety of services offered to its membership, the EDEN NAP SC will continue to offer the webinars in 2017 on the topics of: ICT-facilitated inclusion (by Elsebeth Korsgaard Sorensen – NAP SC), TALOE – Time to assess learning outcomes in e-learning (by Alfredo Soeiro –  NAP SC,) and also How to organise effective webinars (by Alastair Creelman – NAP SC). In fact, one of the leading ideas behind the decision to offer webinars is to make the most of such tools and use them in the most interactive way possible. Thematic questions and the direct involvement of attendees represent the structure of the event, and active participation is considered the measure for successful presentations.

We can see – the snowball effect is here. EDEN operates and performs through the members — both individual and institutional — through the Executive Committee, through the EDEN Network of Academics and Professionals, and through our extensive cooperation and partnerships with other ODL organizations. And we – the network – enjoy, thrive, and flourish through this development. Sometimes we want it to  move slow, but our sharing and our open professional collaboration shines on, as we share the load. We share everything and every lesson, because we feel a great need for that.

To be continued in 2017 – with new energy and with great colleagues and friends – EDEN Academics and Professionals!

EDEN Presidency

EDEN continues cherishing its academic values, responsibility and the largest network of academics and professionals, no matter where they are based or operating from. EDEN operates on the principles that have no borders or obstacles for cooperation of our members  – we believe online and networking regime cannot be affected that easily by any political restriction. We join academic solidarity to strengthen and support the continuation of UK – EU academic collaboration.

EDEN cherishes and appreciates all the colleagues, fellows and EDEN members from the UK, as well as other countries, and shares their feelings. Let us continue together, observing and preparing for the future which is yet to come. We hope that this brings the minimum possible effects to our open professional collaboration.

EDEN Executive Committee

At this significant moment, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the EDEN community for their support, engagement and contribution throughout these last three years. Similarly, I would like to thank the members of EDEN for the opportunity they gave me to serve, in this capacity, the largest and most dynamic European Association in our field.

My idea of leadership is a very personal one. Let me share it with you through a story that is special to me. Like most of you, I had idols in my youth. Looking back now, probably the one who made the biggest impression on me was the F1 champion Ayrton Senna (1960-1994). Senna was five years older than me and although we were not personally acquainted, our paths crossed several times. I first met him in 1978, when he was still a very young aspiring driver. The world kart championship was organised at the Estoril circuit and I attended the event with a bunch of school friends. Senna finished second and I remember that I became almost immediately a fan.

Three years later I was thrilled to discover that he had triumphed at the British F3 championship. The following year, Senna was introduced to F1. By May, at the Monaco Grand Prix, he drove superbly in the pouring rain. Starting at 13th in the grid he missed the deserved victory only because the officials called off the race. But, Ayrton didn't give up and continued impressing throughout the season. The following year I returned to the Estoril circuit thrilled to be able to attend the first race of the F1 season. In dreadful rain, Senna demonstrated his unique technique and talent, winning his first Gran Prix. A star was born.

Senna was arguably the best driver of all time. For me he certainly was. I still remember his most amazing races. However, what impressed me the most in Senna, was not just his natural ability or driving technique, he had a complex and very rich personality. Someone who had a deep understanding of his condition as a human being, as well as a professional driver. Someone who refused to compromise with the ‘powers that be’ and with injustice, and someone who didn't believe in luck or fate, but in the competence and commitment to elude the limits.

In Senna's own words: "On a given day, a given circumstance, you think you have a limit. And then you go for this limit. You touch this limit and you think 'Okay this is the limit.' As soon as you touch this limit, something happens and you suddenly can go a little bit further. With your mind power, your determination, your instinct, and the experience as well, you can fly very high." Moreover, Senna recognised that this possibility to push the limits further was the ultimate expression of a well organised, engaged and focused team work to which everyone's contribution was critically important. A detail can make the difference.

Ayrton Senna driving at the European Gran Prix at the Donington Park Circuit, in 11 April, 1993.
Photo by Sutton Images/Corbis

For me this sums up the idea of leadership. To lead an organisation such as EDEN is in many ways a constant search for the limits and a tireless collective effort to expand them, as Senna described it. I'm happy to realise that our Association's limits have been continuously pushed and that our field of research and practice expects of EDEN more and more in each passing year.

Delivering the Senior Fellow Award to Tony Bates, at the Sheldonian Theatre, in Oxford, during the opening ceremony of the EDENRW8. In the picture is also the Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Mohammed Abbasi (left) and the Deputy Lieutenant, Mr.Graham Upton (right). Photo by EDEN.

We're living through the most challenging and exciting times in Europe and in our own field. I believe EDEN is very well prepared to support our community in exploring the emerging opportunities. Most surely, the best of EDEN is yet to come.

I'm deeply thankful to all the many colleagues and organisations who helped me through this demanding but also rewarding experience of leading EDEN. A special word of appreciation is dedicated to all my excellent colleagues in the EC, in particular the Vice-Presidents. Another very special recognition is due to the Secretary General Andras Szucs and the Deputy Secretary General Ildiko Mazar, as well as Anna Wagner, whom I once called the "guardian angel of the EDEN Presidents". I'm very thankful also to the EDEN staff whose expertise, commitment and cooperation have been absolutely critical for our Association's success.

This being my final post on the EDEN President's Blog, I would like to thank all those who have made this experience possible. I would like to acknowledge the 23 most distinguished guest writers who contributed to make this a collective medium of EDEN's governance and community.

Last, but not least, I wish to express my appreciation to Deborah Arnold, Ildiko Mazar, Eva Suba and Krisztina Tatrai who supported me brilliantly in setting up and managing the blog. Their contribution was simply great.

In the coming weeks, a renewed President's Blog will be launched. Please stay tuned.

Thank you so much for following us. All the best!

António

To inspire you on your reflection about this questions, I've invited today my good friend Andras Szucs, Secretary General of EDEN, to share with you his insights and personal recollections of the many editions of the EDEN conference. Naturally, to reflect on the 25 various EDEN conferences is also the sharing of a personal account about the experience of belonging to the EDEN community and also to analyse the evolution of the Association throughout these 25 years of service. Andras has kindly accepted that challenge too.

The connection of Andras to EDEN is deep and enduring. He has been the Association's Secretary General since 1997, accumulating in the process a truly amazing experience, almost without parallel, that has been a tremendously valuable asset for our organisation. The continuity of EDEN throughout these decades is in many ways a result of the solid organisational development work carried out by the Association's Secretariat under the responsibility of Andras and also his capability to advise wisely the Presidents and the Executive Committee. During my term, I had the opportunity to fully benefit from this great advantage as a leader.

In his most interesting post, Andras looks into the history of EDEN and shares a significant episode of the early days. His conclusion, that EDEN has become a pillar for the modernisation of education, is very appropriate. It should be said though that Andras was a major contributor to that reality we're so proud of.

I hope to see you soon in Budapest, at the EDEN16. Come and join us for the celebrations of the Association's Silver Jubilee.

António

Whilst being away on missions often around Europe on behalf of EDEN, it has always been heart-warming to experience the awareness about our Association, the activities and events and a general positive feeling around them. There are several similar organisations in our field but EDEN has become, to a certain extent, different, carrying distinguishing characteristics and attractive sides to inspire and involve the interested stakeholders and professionals.

When we say that EDEN is “a smart network for the community of experts – and a professional community for smart learning”, this is not just a slogan but also a mission statement. What does EDEN offer to its members? What services do we provide? How do we attract the knowledgeable people to join our community as members like more sustained affiliation, or as conference delegates for special, highlighted occasions, maybe partners in research, development, networking projects and as partners in a well identified activity?

One of the keys has probably been the attention paid to organisation building in my view. We experience continuously that the great people, serving as Directors of EDEN in the Executive Committee and the colleagues working in the Secretariat team, have always been passionate about establishing more than a smart machinery for international learning innovation.

This passion works when we are building up the strategic relations of the Association, leading to EDEN becoming really a central player on the European (and increasingly, global) scene of education, a catalyst and promoter of important sensible links amongst academics and professionals. Besides the hard work, it is a joy and intellectual excitement to recognise the momentum and diversity of the content of the conferences, where hundreds of leading experts from dozens of countries from all around the world find a platform to meet each other and present and exchange their valuable views and scholarly resources.

The EDEN portal on the web – the relaunch and renewal of which will be announced and presented in Budapest at the Anniversary Conference – is a very rich and, for everyone, open resource of structured professional information in our field.

The ever-improving performance of IT devices and the development of networking infrastructure have transformed the information society –generally outside institutional settings and often along unexpected pathways. This has led to the rapid spread of cutting-edge technologies, resulting in a spectacular increase in demand for them and in their use. Reliable information and guidance is badly needed for the countless groups of teachers, developers and instructors to identify, if not the best, at least correct solutions in the jungle of tools and concepts. The knowledge in our field (as well) is growing exponentially but being a new inter-sectoral discipline, the consolidated, structured, verified understanding and expertise is rare. This is what the EDEN platform and organisational activities aim to improve.

The changing notion of access, accompanied by the increasing volume and improving quality of digital content, and the radically transforming habits and expectations of users have generated new interpretations concerning several related concepts and have repositioned the social impact of ICTs in learning as well, leading our community towards new tasks and challenges.

Professional associations should create good platforms and help effective networking between members and partners from outside the network, to be opening doors to access organisational resources. This hopefully also leads to a quality gain - challenging each other in the network communities. We should care for relevant and useful information and knowledge in order to serve its members and the community outside, highlighting and supporting research activities.

We have reached the critical mass to strive for leadership, to be able to act and reach impact on large scale. EDEN has achieved the high profile attitude that deserves to be followed.

The 25th Anniversary of EDEN is a great occasion, also a challenge – whether we can say something new, a message relevant to the jubilee, appreciating the achievements of the past, suggesting a content meanwhile for the future, to find a balance between celebration, forecast and positioning our potential role in the amazingly rapidly changing environment, in the atmosphere of uncertainty and hope.

When we look at the list of prominent personalities joining us in Budapest, I think we can be delighted and touched. Most of those who left their fingerprints on the substantial developments of open, distance and e-learning in the last decades, will be present at our Anniversary Conference.

I am proud of having enjoyed, for almost twenty years, the trust of our Executive Committee to work in the EDEN management. I remember well when in June 1992 in Krakow, after the closing of the first EDEN conference we were sitting in the magnificent but then already empty Ceremony Hall of the University of Mining with Tamas Lajos, Sir John Daniel and Erling Ljosa (I was just a kind of assistant to Professor Lajos at the time). The sun was going down, just some last beams reached the hundreds years old paintings on the wall of the antique room through the slots of the heavy curtains. Just 60 people were attending this first conference. Europe was in the middle of huge political, economic and social transformations. How to direct further the just launched European association for distance education? Shall EDEN take the perhaps easier way and focus just on Eastern-Europe?

There was an encouragement felt to go for the more ambitious solution and build a strong pan-European academic and professional association.

EDEN is now 25 years old, became a pillar for the modernisation of education and is looking ahead for new challenges.

Let’s celebrate together!

Dr. András Szucs has been first Executive Director (from 1997 to 2000) and since 2000 is Secretary General of EDEN. He is also the Vice-President of the Lifelong Learning Platform (until recently called EUCIS LLL).

He graduated as bio-engineer in 1980. After ten years of university teaching at the Technical University of Budapest, from 1990 held international posts as Director of the EU TEMPUS Programme in Hungary (1990-95), Director of the EU Phare Central-Eastern European Distance Education Programme (1994-96), Director of the European Communication Strategy Programme of the Hungarian Government (1996).

From 2000 to 2015 he has been Director of the Centre for Learning Innovation and Adult Learning at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. In 1996-97, Secretary General, since 1998 President of the Supervisory Board of the Hungarian Association of Technology Parks. Delegated member in the European Economic and Social Committee (Consultative Committee of Industrial Change, CCMI) 2004-2010.

This publication was referenced by #EDENRW8 keynote sepaker Allison Littlejohn

Abstract

Professional learning, combining formal and on the job learning, is important for the development and maintenance of expertise in the modern workplace. To integrate formal and informal learning, professionals have to have good self-regulatory ability. Formal learning opportunities are opening up through massive open online courses (MOOCs), providing free and flexible access to formal education for millions of learners worldwide. MOOCs present a potentially useful mechanism for supporting and enabling professional learning, allowing opportunities to link formal and informal learning. However, there is limited understanding of their effectiveness as professional learning environments. Using self-regulated learning as a theoretical base, this study investigated the learning behaviours of health professionals within Fundamentals of Clinical Trials, a MOOC offered by edX. Thirty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed to explore how the design of this MOOC supported professional learning to occur. The study highlights a mismatch between learning intentions and learning behaviour of professional learners in this course. While the learners are motivated to participate by specific role challenges, their learning effort is ultimately focused on completing course tasks and assignments. The study found little evidence of professional learners routinely relating the course content to their job role or work tasks, and little impact of the course on practice. This study adds to the overall understanding of learning in MOOCs and provides additional empirical data to a nascent research field. The findings provide an insight into how professional learning could be integrated with formal, online learning.