COL Chair Professor Denise Whitelock receives EDEN Senior Fellowship.
Professor Denise Whitelock, Commonwealth of Learning (COL) @COL4D Chair and Director of the Institute of Educational Technology at The Open University (UK) @OpenUniversity, has been honoured with the prestigious Senior Fellowship by EDEN Digital Learning Europe @EDEN_DLE. The accolade was presented at the EDEN Digital Learning Europe Annual Conference 2025, held in Bologna, in recognition of Professor Whitelock’s outstanding research contributions and dedicated service to the EDEN community over many years.
According to Dr Jako Olivier, Adviser: Higher Education COL, “Professor Whitelock is renowned internationally for her leadership and innovation in digital learning and as such it comes as no surprise that in addition to her recognition as COL Chair, she has now been awarded this Senior Fellowship by EDEN Digital Learning Europe.”
With over two decades of experience in designing, researching, and evaluating online and computer-based learning within higher education, Professor Whitelock has significantly influenced educational practices across the UK and Europe. Her recent projects include the Supportive Automated Feedback for Short Essays initiative, conducted in collaboration with Oxford University and funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. This innovative project provided students with immediate automated feedback on electronic drafts, enhancing tutor guidance and student learning outcomes.
Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Whitelock has held influential roles globally and has contributed to expanding COL’s international network. She has served as a visiting chair at prestigious institutions such as Autonoma University in Barcelona and the British University in Dubai, UAE. Currently, she is also the Editor of Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance & e-Learning. Her deep engagement with EDEN Digital Learning Europe includes serving as Board Member and Vice President for Research since 2022.
EDEN Digital Learning Europe, founded in 2019 following the UK’s exit from the European Community, is an international, non-profit association dedicated to enhancing e-learning and distance education. The organisation fosters knowledge exchange and promotes best practices among professionals across Europe and beyond. Its commitment to developing and disseminating innovative educational technologies aligns closely with Professor Whitelock’s professional ethos and achievements.
Professor Whitelock’s appointment as COL Chair in 2023 underscores her significant contributions to advancing research, innovation, and thought leadership within educational technology. Her recognition by EDEN Digital Learning Europe further highlights her impactful career and dedication to excellence in digital learning.
#COL4D #EDENSeniorFellowship #DigitalLearning #EducationalTechnology #CommonwealthOfLearning #OpenUniversity #eLearning #HigherEducation #EdTech #InnovationInEducation
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One Man’s Second Chance: A New Chapter in Early Childhood Education.
At 58, Mr Philip None from Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea, is proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. After leaving school in the 1980s, he returned to education through open and distance flexible learning, completing Grade 12 via UPNG Open College.
In December 2024, he graduated from a five-month Early Childhood Education course delivered by the AWEST Pacific Community Leadership Training Institute – supported by the Commonwealth of Learning @COL4D and funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade @MFATNZ.
With hands-on experience at Waraka Tanga Pre-school, Mr None says the training boosted his skills and confidence. Now, he’s setting his sights on a diploma and eventually a Bachelor’s degree in education.
"Experience is the foundation of wisdom and knowledge," he says, and his story is proof that lifelong learning can truly change lives.
#ODFL #PacificEducation #LifelongLearning #TVET #EarlyChildhoodEducation #PapuaNewGuinea #COL4D #MFATNZ
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🌱 Knowledge Hub Spotlight 🌱
Today we are featuring one of our SCARF learning courses focused on sustainable agriculture.
"Attain Food Security through Subsistence and Sustainable Agriculture" offers practical guidance on food sustainably, improving nutrition, and building more resilient communities.
The course is flexible and can be accessed online, through video, or via one of our local community partners.
🎓 Start learning today:
📘 Course link: opentextbooks.colvee.org/foodsecuritysustainableagriculture/
📺 Video series: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVn1a3RD1XlVSzM8LLNqHBlgrZBqaxr92
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