Exploring global education and digital transformation

“How can education and digital transformation work together to address global challenges?” was a key question explored at The Open University last week, as they hosted the UK-Brazil Seminar, bringing together leading organisations from the UK, Brazil and the US.

With a focus on the intersection of digital transformation and sustainable development in education, this event emphasised open learning and open schooling approaches as tools to bridge formal and informal education. Marking a decade of open schooling and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, participants engaged in knowledge exchange, shared expertise, and investigated collaborative solutions for global educational challenges.

The seminar was opened by Professor Klaus-Dieter Rossade, Executive Dean of the OU’s Faculty of Wellbeing Education and Language Studies (WELS), presenting research and teaching innovation spearheaded by the Faculty of WELS, followed by Dr Alison Fox, Associate Head of School for Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport (ECYS), who introduced the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) and the OU’s Open Societal Challenge programme.

Participants explored themes around education's evolving landscape:

• The importance of institutional excellence in teaching and research, setting a strong foundation for innovative practices.
• Research excellence and societal impact, exploring how academic initiatives contribute to solving real-world challenges.
• The transformative potential of AI frameworks in education, enhancing learning, teaching, and research practices.
• Insights into open education, with a spotlight on accessible, interactive STEM opportunities through pioneering platforms such as the OpenSTEM Labs.
• The integration of immersive technologies such as virtual and extended reality, revolutionising how students and educators experience learning environments.

Attendees were able to gain hands-on insights into cutting-edge technologies and collaborative projects offered by the OU. Dr Trevor Collins (Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) demonstrated the award-winning OpenSTEM Labs, which provide remote access to advanced scientific tools and experiments. Head of Future Learning Tim Seal and Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching Dr Ben Langdown presented the innovative XR Studio which showcases the role of immersive technologies in enhancing engagement and understanding.

The diverse delegation included six universities, three schools, eight enterprises including educational publishers and EdTech providers, two multinational corporations, three government institutions, and one Non-Governmental Organisation.

Seminar chair, Dr Ale Okada (pictured right), from the OU’s Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD), framed the session, telling delegates:
“Education is at the heart of a sustainable planet, and transforming science teaching is crucial for our future. Our research shows that students do not want to be spoon-fed. They want to learn how to think for themselves. This is where willingness and fun in learning emerge, by empowering them to develop their full capabilities with you. We must educate scientific thinkers who CARE about real-life issues, KNOW relevant content and approaches, and DO actions within their communities for sustainability.”

In an exhibition on The Open University’s campus, partners presented their projects linked to this CARE-KNOW-DO framework. Three partners were recognised at the event for their outstanding initiatives:

• Digital Inclusion: Rosanna Moura (Anjos Digitais) and Dr Cecilia Oliveira (Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology, IBICT)  
• Augmented Reality in Schools: Dr Alexandre Costa (Federal University of Santa Catarina - Labtec)
• Social Media to combat Human Trafficking: Dr Silvar Ribeiro (State University of Bahia)   

Seminar guests also participated in workshops on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and AI transversal skills, led by Dr Margaret Ebubedike (School of ECYS), Claire Hedges (Centre Manager, CSGD), Prof Kieron Sheehy (School of ECYS) and Research Student Owolabi Adelana, where they explored key challenges and strategies related to AI and education. These discussions were followed by a lively plenary session where participants shared their insights and perspectives on the topics explored.

By fostering impactful global partnerships and innovative practices, the seminar aimed to inspire transformative strategies that shape the future of education and create a platform for meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes, highlighting how education, driven by technology and innovation, can address complex global challenges while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

The seminar was organised in partnership with Bett Show delegation, METEOR partners, and the CONNECT2030 Network.