News story

The future of learning: Accelerating the shift to modernity

Berlin18 Mar 2015Learning NewsOEB Learning Technologies Europe GmbH

OEB 2015, Europe’s leading conference on digital education, will discuss the potential for a new age of global learning and creativity in which “everything is possible.” Rebecca Stromeyer, Chief Executive of conference organisers ICWE GmbH, has confirmed that the focus of this year’s conference, which will be held in Berlin on 2-4 December, will be on modernity and how people, organisations and societies can use technology-assisted education to secure the rewards of “a new era of fundamental change.”

Speaking in Berlin, Ms Stromeyer said:

“The connection between education and technology is becoming increasingly important for people, economies and societies throughout the world. It is already massively extending the boundaries of what is possible. Now there is a real chance to accelerate the shift to modernity and to lay the foundations of a new age of innovation, imagination and creativity.

“OEB 2015 will look at how we can bring about lasting change by combining technology and learning more effectively. This is perhaps the most important topic we have ever discussed at OEB; it is vital not only for education professionals but also for businesses, organisations, governments and societies everywhere.

“We are on the threshold of a new age of opportunity and OEB will provide a forum for discussion, involving people from all over the world and from many different disciplines and sectors, about how we can accelerate the shift to modernity. The potential benefits for mankind are enormous.”

Shyamal Majumdar, Head of the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, agreed that a major change in global education was underway, creating significant new opportunities:

“There has been a sea change in education. The notion of learning has changed; it is no longer about a fixed place or a fixed time. Rather, it is more flexible, modular and blended, making it ultimately more interactive and engaging. It is anytime, anywhere and anyhow learning.”

Key questions for participants at OEB 2015 will include how people, businesses and organisations can not only survive but prosper in an era of accelerating change. What role should education and training play in helping to manage the shift to a new society, a new marketplace or a new reality? What is possible and what are the most important tools for change?

OEB 2015, which was formally known as ONLINE EDUCA Berlin and celebrates its 21^st anniversary this year, has launched a call for papers and welcomes proposals for presentations and topics for discussion from all interested parties. Full details of the call are available on the conference website (www.online-educa.com).

“Fundamentally,” says Rebecca Stromeyer, “OEB 2015 is all about how technology can shape the future of learning.”

It will bring together over 2,000 participants from around the world for an event, which has been widely recognised as one of the world’s most exciting, challenging and inspirational education conferences. The future of learning will be presented in a range of formats including workshops, plenaries, discussions, debates, labs, demonstrations and performances. Highlighting various themes – such as ‘Shaping Learning Longevity’; ‘Broadening Horizons: The Vanguard of Tech’; and ‘New Contexts: Education Technology in Society’ – the conference will provide a unique cross-industry focus, encouraging dialogue between the corporate, education and public service sectors. It will also include an exhibition, showcasing developments in education and training-related technology.

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