Fjarska – Icelandic Association for Distance and Digital Education

Description

Significant developments have taken place in Iceland over the past decades in the field of distance learning and online education. However, until this year, there had been no specific organizations dedicated to this field in Iceland, unlike in other Nordic countries. This presentation discusses the creation, role, and activities of an association established in June of this year (2024) named Fjarska – Icelandic Association for Distance and Digital Education.

In June 2023, a review was conducted of the operations of four comparable organizations in the Nordic countries. Interviews were held to explore key focus areas, membership, funding, activity, and challenges in their operations. Following this, an online brainstorming session was held with domestic stakeholders involved in distance learning across different educational levels and in adult education. The session included 35 participants from twelve workplaces, who responded to an online survey and collaborated in small groups to develop ideas about the purpose and priorities of such an association. Many participants later volunteered to continue the preparatory work, which began in the fall of 2023.

The results indicated a need to establish an Icelandic association in the field of distance learning and digital teaching methods, with key priorities being: accessibility, advocacy, implementation, development, quality assurance, competence development, dissemination, research, collaboration, visibility, platforms, and events.

Those attending the presentation are invited to join the association (see fjarska.is) and participate in discussions about its operations, focus areas, and the first steps of the organization.

Period	29 Sept 2024
Event title	Menntakvika 2024: Ráðstefna í menntavísindum
Event type	Conference
Location	Reykjavík, IcelandShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National