Do we want to establish an Icelandic association in the field of distance and digital learning?

Description

Significant development has occurred in Iceland over the past decades in the fields of distance learning and online education, but up until now, there have not been any specific associations in this field, unlike in the other Nordic countries. This presentation discusses a study on the operations of such associations and an analysis of the attitudes of local stakeholders involved in distance learning at various educational levels and in adult education.

In June 2023, interviews were conducted with representatives from four distance learning associations in the Nordic countries, gathering data on key focuses, membership, funding, activities, and challenges related to their operations. Subsequently, an online brainstorming session was held to discuss whether there was a perceived need to establish an association in Iceland for distance and digital learning. Thirty-five participants from twelve workplaces attended. They created word clouds and worked in groups on a Mural wall to propose the purpose, focuses, and target groups for the association. Participants also responded to an online survey. The data were analyzed and a report on the main findings was compiled.

A significant majority (96%) of the brainstorming session participants agreed that there was a need to establish a new Icelandic association in this field, and 71% stated that it should operate in both distance and digital learning. Ideas about the purpose and focuses related to twelve categories: accessibility, advocacy, implementation, development work, quality issues, competency development, dissemination, research, collaboration, visibility, platform, and events.

There is a perceived need to establish an association in the field of distance and digital learning in Iceland. A preparatory group has started working, and the aim is to establish the association in the fall of 2023. Decisions need to be made regarding the purpose, focuses, target groups, and implementation to ensure that the association serves schools, adult education, and the labor market effectively.

Period	29 Sept 2023
Event title	Menntakvika 2023: Ráðstefna í menntavísindum
Event type	Conference
Conference number	2023
Location	Reykjavík, IcelandShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National