The Impact of International Organizations on the Field of Open, Distance, and Digital Education

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter argues that international organizations (IOs) are struggling to fulfill their mandate for change and improvement of society across the globe, and that they have been increasingly turning to open, distance, and digital education (ODDE) as part of their portfolio. Harnessing ODDE could be described as a “light-footed solution” for IOs and discussing and ideating around ODDE can be achieved without directly coming into conflict with the political and regulatory framework conditions of a specific country or region that formal educational systems and their institutions are usually entrenched in. This creates a situation in which there is a common discourse among IOs around the challenges that online and distance education should be tackling and an expectation that digital solutions can contribute to them. It is, however, also important to note that IOs focus on setting agendas and norms, but do not implement practices. This leaves a huge gap for ODDE that should be filled by research on what is implemented and “what really works,” but also why certain configurations around ODDE work in certain settings. This may require a more inclusive research framework with a focus on non-formal learning environments. Linking ODDE research to more expansive ideas of “learning in the wild,” that is, also outside of formal settings, will better reflect both the reality of learners in today’s digital world, and provide a foundation for contributing to better IO policies and supporting practices.