Looking to expand your global reach? This session introduces key international distance learning organizations, platforms, and conferences—from UNESCO to ICDE and EDEN to eLearning Africa and OEB. Connect, stay informed, and contribute! Includes a 15-minute spotlight from ICDE’s North American Task Force, with interactive discussion and networking opportunities.

Online education is increasingly global—but many North American educators remain disconnected from international initiatives that shape the future of digital learning. This session bridges that gap by introducing participants to key international distance learning organizations, platforms, and conferences, with a focus on how to join, engage, and stay globally informed.

Attendees will explore major networks and events including:

• The International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) – the global umbrella for open, online, and flexible learning

• The European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN) – a vital space for professional collaboration and research dissemination across Europe

• The European School Education Platform – the EU’s digital hub for teachers and institutions, home to eTwinning, School Education Gateway, and Erasmus+ collaboration tools

• Leading global events such as OEB Global (Online Educa Berlin) and eLearning Africa, where emerging trends, policies, and innovations are shared across sectors and continents

A special portion of the session is dedicated to the North American Task Force (NATF) of ICDE, chaired by Dylan Barth of OLC. NATF members will highlight recent initiatives and invite participants to contribute ideas for future collaboration, policy shaping, and professional development efforts.

Whether you’re a faculty developer, instructional designer, or edtech leader, this session offers practical pathways to expand your international presence, grow your network, and become part of the evolving global conversation around digital education.

Key Takeaways

1. Discover Major International Networks
   Participants will learn about the leading global organizations shaping digital and distance education—such as ICDE, EDEN, EADTU, COL, and UNESCO IITE—and how they can engage with them professionally.

2. Stay Informed on Global Trends and Innovations
   Attendees will leave with resources and strategies to monitor global developments in online learning, including open education, virtual exchange, digital inclusion, and AI in education.

3. Access International Conferences and Communities
   The session highlights major global events like OEB, eLearning Africa, and EDEN Annual, offering participants new venues for presenting, networking, and collaborating beyond North America.

4. Get Involved with ICDE’s North American Task Force (NATF)
   A dedicated segment will spotlight ICDE’s NATF—its goals, recent work, and how OLC participants can contribute ideas and join international working groups.

5. Expand Your Global Professional Network
   Participants will leave with concrete next steps for joining international mailing lists, submitting to journals or conferences, and initiating cross-border collaborations that extend the impact of their work.

Key International Distance Learning Organizations, Platforms & Conferences

1. International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE)
   https://www.icde.org

2. European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN Digital Learning Europe)
   https://eden-europe.eu

3. European School Education Platform (formerly School Education Gateway + eTwinning)
   https://school-education.ec.europa.eu

4. OEB Global (Online Educa Berlin)
   https://oeb.global

5. eLearning Africa
   https://www.elearning-africa.com

6. Commonwealth of Learning (COL)
   Focused on promoting open learning and distance education in Commonwealth nations.
   https://www.col.org

7. UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE)
   Supports inclusive digital transformation in education globally.
   https://iite.unesco.org

8. Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU)
   A regional network supporting collaboration among open universities across Asia.
   https://aaou.org

9. African Council for Distance Education (ACDE)
   A Pan-African network promoting quality distance education across Africa.
   https://acde-afri.org

10. European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU)
    Leading institutional network for open and distance higher education in Europe.
    https://www.eadtu.eu

Rich Powers

Project Coordinator & Instructional Designer at Stuttgart University