This paper examines the Open Networked Learning (ONL) course as a case of academic development that integrates open education, digital pedagogy, and cross-institutional collaboration. Delivered jointly by universities in Europe, Africa, and Asia, the ONL course engages higher education educators in problem-based learning (PBL) groups to explore online and blended learning practices. Emphasizing connection as both a pedagogical goal and design principle, ONL provides a model for fostering collaboration, reflective practice, and professional growth in digitally mediated environments. The paper analyzes the structural and pedagogical elements of ONL through the lenses of Connectivism, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, and Interaction Ritual Theory (IRT). It identifies key design features, such as facilitation strategies, collaborative technologies, and open educational practices, that support the emergence of social presence, emotional energy, and collective engagement. The analysis contributes to ongoing discussions in academic development and open education by offering both theoretical and practical insights into designing for connection in networked learning environments.

Authors:
Olga Novikova, Hanken School of Economics, Finland
Nadia Cheikhrouhou, Institut Supérieur de l'Education et de la Formation Continue, Tunisia
Jörg Pareigis, Karlstad University, Sweden
Gregor Theilmeier, The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany
Alexandra Wirth, Careum, Switzerland

About the Presenter(s)
Olga Novikova is a PhD researcher at Hanken School of Economics, Department of Management and Organization, in Helsinki, Finland.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-novikova-a893a81b/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

Bookmark