The Online Learning Virtual Conference was organized for 2 days, June 28 & June 29 with an aim is to build a platform for researchers, industry experts to share their novel ideas, experiences, impacts, and results on the application of Online Learning practice. Through this online learning virtual conference, an interdisciplinary venue was developed to contribute and discuss the ongoing innovations, applications, and solutions to challenging problems of learning mechanisms. This conference also was able to address the main prospects, the challenges, and the change in concern within Online Learning covering both technical as well as the non-technical aspects of learning. The conference introduced some pioneer speakers from different fields and provided a discussion forum about Online Learning, technology, the future of learning, and the need for it in the present context.
2- days Online Learning Virtual Conference started with an introductory note by the Executive Director at Glocal Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Asish Thakur. He shared the motive behind launching this conference as reflecting on ideas to enable the online learning community in Nepal. Glocal After School is dedicated to developing the skills among people using various methods, events, courses, training, and aims to bridge the gap between industry and academia by curating and initiating different demand-oriented learning opportunities. Adapting the new global learning techniques and strategies yet being local, Glocal After School is working to create skilled human resources as it believes to help people in learning and skilling.
Figure: Mr. Asish Thakur, Executive Director, Glocal Pvt. Ltd
He added that Glocal is now heading towards building the effective practice of learning among people by collaborating with Online Gurus, Educational Institutes, Corporates, and of course Learners. They have learned the importance of Online Learning in Nepal. So, to discuss different areas of Online Learning, the conference idea was created which includes three-panel discussions. He informed the participants about the events on both the days of the conference. A panel discussion was held on topics like –
- Embracing the Online Learning Eco-System;
- The Ins, The Outs and The Affordance to Online Learning;
- Maximizing Accessibility for Online Learning;
The panelist for this discussion was, policymakers, Ed-Tech initiatives, and academia, to address various aspects of Online Learning Mechanism. He also introduced the Side event at the conference which would address the Adaptability of Online Learning Mechanism.
He welcomed all the participants and introduced Hon. Giriraj Mani Pokharel, Minister, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Government of Nepal to put on his opening Remarks.
Hon. Mr. Pokharel addressed the conference and thanked the Glocal team for organizing such an important event. He also shared that he felt glorious to participate in the conference as it is very contextual in this pandemic period and is beneficial as it emphasizes learning and sharing of ideas. He wished for the success of the conference and added that the government is concerned with coping with this pandemic period bringing more learning platforms and opportunities.
Figure: Hon. Giriraj Mani Pokharel, Minister, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Government of Nepal
He explained the education system today is being upgraded with advanced technologies that make traditional education even more effective. It is giving students the flexibility to learn with alternative study options and unlimited access to information. E-learning is an effective tool in the teaching and learning process today. Glocal After School (venture of Glocal Pvt. Ltd), which has been establishing the Online Learning Community and providing different Online and Offline Skill Building activities in the country. He expressed happiness upon initiation of such event which focuses on the present scenario of the learning process and he believed that the conference would be an amazing platform to bring leading Ed-Tech initiatives, academia, policymakers, journalists to share their novel ideas, experiences, impacts, and results on the application of Online Learning practice and community development. He also explained that Glocal After School has developed e-Learning as a cloud-based e-Learning focusing live & recorded learning platform that intends to develop employability skills of youths, which might not be accessible in schools/colleges. Moreover, he mentioned supporting Glocal’s initiation of developing the Online Learning Eco-system in the coming days.
He was delighted to know the aim of the conference to address the main prospects, the challenges, and the change in concern within Online Learning covering both technical as well as the non-technical aspects. He lastly wished for the successful completion of the conference.