On September 17, 2026, St. Mary’s University successfully hosted the 14th Open and Distance Learning Seminar (ODLS) at the American Corner on its Main Campus under the theme “Distance Education in the Digital Era: Academic Integrity, Quality Assurance, and Equity.” The seminar was organized by the College of Open and Distance Learning (CODL) and brought together academics, researchers, policymakers, and education professionals to discuss the future of distance education in Ethiopia and beyond.
The seminar commenced with a welcoming address by Ato Tedla Haile, Executive Vice President of St. Mary’s University. Reflecting on the University’s long-standing experience in distance education, he noted that when St. Mary’s began offering distance education 26 years ago; the demand for higher education opportunities in regional areas was exceptionally high. He emphasized that the University’s learner-friendly self-instructional modules played a significant role in attracting students and supporting their academic success. He also highlighted the enduring importance of distance education in promoting equity by expanding access to higher education for learners affected by geographical, social, and economic barriers.
The official opening speech was delivered by Esubalew Getnet (PhD), Head of the Private Higher Education Institutions Desk at the Ministry of Education. In his remarks, he underscored the critical role of distance education in advancing professional development and supporting national educational goals. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating digital technologies into education and stressed that distance education is no longer a supplementary mode of learning but a strategic pillar of national development. He further noted that maximizing its potential requires strong collaboration between public and private institutions, sound governance, and evidence-based policies that address digital equity and the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning.
A keynote address was delivered by Kenneth Goga Riany (PhD), Director of the Centre for Open and Distance Education at KCA University, Kenya. Drawing on global experiences, Dr. Riany discussed the transformative impact of digital technologies on open and distance learning, highlighting both emerging opportunities and challenges facing higher education institutions in the digital era.
One of the major highlights of the seminar was the panel discussion on “E-Learning and the Future of Distance Education in Ethiopia.” The panel featured Dr. Getahun Mekonnen, MEL Lead Advisor of the e-Learning for Strengthening Higher Education (e-SHE) Program at the Ministry of Education; Temtim Assefa (PhD), E-Learning Coordinator at Addis Ababa University; and Hanna Mesfin of Dire Dawa University. The panelists examined issues related to policy alignment, technological innovation, institutional readiness, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in higher education. They emphasized the need for institutions to align their policies and practices with the rapidly evolving AI-driven academic landscape while maintaining quality, inclusiveness, and academic integrity.
The seminar also featured the presentation of eight research papers, five delivered in person and three presented virtually. The papers generated lively discussions and constructive exchanges among participants. Three papers were presented by scholars from KCA University, two by researchers from the University of Gondar and Woldia University, and three by scholars from St. Mary’s University. The presentations addressed a range of topics related to digital learning, quality assurance, learner support, academic integrity, and technology-enhanced education.
The full-day event was conducted in a hybrid format, enabling both in-person and online participation through Zoom. This approach facilitated broad engagement and vibrant discussions among participants from different institutions and locations, further strengthening collaboration in the field of open and distance learning.
The seminar concluded with closing remarks by Mekonnen Tadesse (PhD), Dean of the College of Open and Distance Learning, who emphasized the importance of the seminar as a platform for scholarly dialogue, knowledge sharing, and innovation. He expressed appreciation to all presenters, panelists, participants, and organizers for their contributions and commitment to advancing open and distance learning.
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