Oxford Lifelong Learning colleagues presented their work at the annual European University Continuing Education Network (EUCEN) conference in Cagliari, Sardinia, in June.
Ismini Pells, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Tiffany Ko, Data Management and Analysis Lead, and Toby Martin, Assistant Director (Award-Bearing Programmes and Accredited Short Courses), represented Oxford Lifelong Learning and the University of Oxford at the conference, which brought together higher education professionals from across Europe to explore this year’s theme of equality, diversity and inclusion in lifelong learning.
Toby Martin presented Reassessing the transformative promise of online education, examining how online learning can move beyond market-driven approaches to create more inclusive and accessible opportunities for learners. The presentation explored ways digital education can better support the wider social and civic purposes of higher education.
Ismini Pells and Tiffany Ko presented Beyond the metrics: developing a framework to address awarding gaps in lifelong learning, highlighting the work of Oxford Lifelong Learning’s Differential Attainment Working Group. Their presentation focused on practical approaches to understanding and addressing differences in student outcomes through institutional governance and educational practice.
The conference also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from across Europe on the challenges facing lifelong learning. Discussions highlighted shared concerns about funding models, particularly the need to support the wider social and civic role of universities alongside professional development and workforce skills.
Oxford Lifelong Learning continues to strengthen its contribution to the international lifelong learning community. During the conference, Oxford Lifelong Learning received a ‘Founders Journey’ award from the EUCEN Steering Committee in recognition of its contribution to the network over the past three years.
The conference reinforced the value of international collaboration in shaping the future of lifelong learning and provided an opportunity for Oxford Lifelong Learning to share its work while learning from colleagues across Europe.
