Innovation in open and distance learning continues to be pursued by pioneering institutions in open and distance higher education, which is Universitas Terbuka (UT). Following the success of the International Conference on Innovation in Open and Distance Learning (INNODEL) in Denpasar last year, the 3rd International Conference on Innovation in Open and Distance Learning (INNODEL 2023) is being held in the city of learners. With the theme “Emerging Technology in Open and Distance Education: Opportunity, Agility, and Adaptability – Special Feature: Artificial Intelligence for Better Education,” organized by the Center for Research and Innovation in Open and Distance Education (Pusat Riset dan Inovasi Pendidikan Terbuka dan Jarak Jauh – PRI-PTJJ), Research and Community Service Institute (Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengadian kepada Masyarakat – LPPM), Universitas Terbuka (UT) on October 23—24, 2023, at the Royal Ambarukmo Hotel, Yogyakarta.
INNODEL 2023 consists of (A) Panel Sessions with keynote speakers: Dr. Kinshuk (Dean of the College of Information at the University of North Texas), Prof. Vanessa Paz Dennen (Professor of Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies, Florida State University, USA), Prof. Ghassan Beydoun (Professor of Information Systems at University of Technology Sydney, Australia), Yunandha Indrakusumah, BICT Hons. (PT Telkom, Indonesia), and Prof. Maria Mercedes T. Rodrigo (Professor at the Department of Information Systems and Computer Science of The Ateneo de Manila University, The Philippines); (B) Workshops with topics (1) Designing AI for education, (2) Designing AR/VR/XR learning objects, (3) Tailoring OER-based/smart learning materials, and (4) Using the Jobkred application related to university graduates and job needs; (C) Parallel Sessions with topics: (1) Emerging Technologies in Education – EDUVERSE, (2) E-content Management and Development, (3) Technology in Teaching and Learning, (4) Pedagogical Innovations, (5) New Trends in Research and Innovation in ODL, (6) University-Industry Cooperation for Lifelong Learning; (D) Exhibition of UMKM and Research Poster Results;
In her report, the Chairperson of the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) of Universitas Terbuka, Dewi Artati Padmo Putri, stated that UT is the only university implementing open and distance learning. Therefore, according to her, with the existence of INNODEL, UT becomes a pioneer in the field of distance education. The purpose of this Conference is to address interesting and current issues related to innovation in open and distance learning as a forum for sharing, discussion, and consultation. It is fascinating to see that modern distance education, once considered a last resort for students, is now a viable opportunity for education providers and students in higher education.
Furthermore, the Rector of UT, Prof. Ojat Darojat, M.Bus Ph.D., delivered his speech on the benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for UT in various aspects for the development of learning for UT students. The Rector officially opened the INNODEL 2023 event by symbolically releasing an arrow, a typical ceremony in Javanese culture, accompanied by the excitement of Javanese gamelan music. At the opening of the INNODEL 2023 event, the Head of the Education, Youth, and Sports Agency of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Dr. Didik Wardaya, S.E., M.Pd, was also present. Through INNODEL, UT can continue to innovate to absorb research results in the field of technology, especially in educational technology, so that UT can adapt to every development in the digital era. The integration of technology in the education process is something that must be done and cannot be avoided. Thus, the quality of UT education will continue to improve in the future.
