On 9 August, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples invites us not only to celebrate the cultures, languages and contributions of Indigenous Peoples, but also to reflect on how institutions and systems can better respect Indigenous rights, knowledge systems and community traditions.
In education, this means ensuring the ethical and responsible integration of Indigenous knowledge through co-design and collaboration with Indigenous communities themselves. In our latest blog, Dr Jako Olivier, Adviser: Higher Education, COL, explores how educators, institutions and policymakers can advance the recognition and respect of Indigenous knowledge through curriculum integration, inclusive open and distance learning practices, and the adaptation of open educational resources.
Read more: www.col.org/news/honouring-indigenous-knowledge-in-open-education/
#IndigenousPeoplesDay #IndigenousKnowledge #OpenEducation #OER #Commonwealth #EducationBlog
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On behalf of COL, we extend our best wishes to the people of Singapore as they celebrate their National Day.
Singapore has long demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing education through digital learning, skills development and the effective use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
This commitment was recognised in the COL-UNESCO publication, Smart Education Strategies for Teaching and Learning (commonwealthoflearning.info/4fJEdd4), which features Singapore among ten case studies of innovative education practices, including initiatives to strengthen AI literacy across the population and to advance personalised and adaptive learning.
We also commend the leadership of the Hon. Desmond Lee, Minister for Education, Singapore, and applaud the launch of Education Conversations in 2026. This initiative invites students, parents, educators and communities to share their perspectives and contribute to shaping the future of Singapore’s education system. More information about the consultation is available here: educationconversations.moe.gov.sg/
As Singapore celebrates its National Day, we applaud the country’s achievements and its continued commitment to meeting the evolving needs of learners.
Ministry of Education, Singapore
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How can open and distance learning better support learners with disabilities? Join our upcoming webinar on strengthening disability inclusion for equitable ODL in West Africa to find out.
Featuring a presentation by Dr Adedunni Omowunmi Adegun, Acting Head, Department of Education, Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos, the session will explore how institutions can develop an Inclusive Learner Support Assessment Framework that responds to the realities of the West African context. Gain a stronger understanding of key regional challenges and practical approaches to improving access, participation and learner success for learners with disabilities.
Register now: www.col.org/news/webinar-strengthening-disability-inclusion-for-equitable-odl-in-west-africa/
#disabilityinclusion #InclusiveEducation #ODL #openanddistancelearning #accessibility #westafrica #HigherEducation University of Lagos National Open University of Nigeria - NOUN
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