ICE2021 to Focus on Digital Transformation in Education

Issues addressing the importance of digital transformation in the education sector and its impact on teaching and learning will dominate discussions during the forthcoming International Conference on Education (ICE2021) this September.

Hosted by Open University Malaysia (OUM), the two-day conference from 20-21 September, will feature respected keynote speakers who have been playing significant roles in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) industry in their respective countries. They include those from the Philippines, India, Finland, Cyprus and Malaysia.

With the theme, “Digital Transformation for a Better Future in Education”, the second edition of this conference is targeted at recognising digital transformation as an enabler for innovative solutions in education. Held virtually through Google Meet, the conference will focus on four sub-themes, namely effective online learning, distributed online assessment, innovation digital solutions, as well as new norms and emotional well-being.

OUM President/Vice-Chancellor cum conference chairperson Prof Dato’ Dr Mansor Fadzil said the turn of events resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic has led to the inevitable need for Malaysia to embrace digitisation to close the digital divide. “This conference provides the opportunity for various higher education providers to discuss and debate on the evolution and digital transformation within the education sector.”

He added that OUM has been integrating digital technology in its teaching and learning activities, registration, assessment and more since the start of the pandemic in March last year. The University considers the move important in order to ensure that learners are provided with an engaging online learning experience while at the same time, maintaining OUM’s competitive edge in the local ODL landscape.

The conference is expected to draw experts from different parts of the world, thus providing scholars and participants from OUM and other institutions a chance to engage in constructive dialogues that will help shape a digital education environment that prioritises learners’ needs, Prof Mansor added.

OUM’s counselling expert Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Tajudin Md Ninggal is one of the keynote speakers who will deliberate on the topic pertaining to the new norms and emotional well-being.

ICE2021 is a great platform in providing plenty of food-for-thought and opportunities for postgraduate learners, particularly PhD and doctoral candidates, to present and publish their research work.

OUM invites scholars, practitioners and policymakers to take an active role in the conference and help shape the future of education by embracing digital transformation.

Full paper submission is now open until 31 May 2021. Interested authors are invited to submit a full paper without prior abstract submission. Seats are based on a first come, first served basis and limited to 250 participants. Early registrants will also enjoy a 25% early bird discount on registration fees.

For more information on the conference, visit www.iceedu.oum.edu.my. Alternatively, email ice_conference@oum.edu.my.

By Izyan Diyana Merzuki