The days leading up to the Open edX Conference 2024 in Stellenbosch, South Africa were filled with excitement. As a cornerstone sponsor, we at OES were honored to play a pivotal role in bringing the global community together in this picturesque corner of the world.
Anticipation and Excitement
One of the highlights leading up to the conference was the opportunity to introduce the international delegates to the vibrant local edtech community. We showcased the innovative work being done by South African organizations and specialists, encouraging a spirit of collaboration and knowledge exchange. Additionally, we were delighted to host the visiting team from Aulasneo at our offices a few days before the conference, allowing us to strengthen our partnership.
Open edX Conference Day 1: A Vibrant Atmosphere
The anticipation built. As we stepped onto the campus of Stellenbosch University, we were immediately immersed in a vibrant atmosphere, buzzing with excitement and energy.
The day unfolded with a series of insightful sessions, each one offering a unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of edtech. Familiar faces greeted us warmly, and new connections were made, along with shared experiences and ideas.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the emphasis on “learning with the person in mind.” Speakers and attendees alike emphasized the importance of learner-centricity, reminding us that learning design and implementation should always prioritize the needs of the learners and not the use of technology.
One session that truly stood out was the immersive learning workshop led by Jacques Fourie and Richard Mee. They showcased innovative ways to enhance learning experiences beyond the conventional use of VR headsets, igniting our imaginations and challenging us to think beyond traditional boundaries.
Day 2: Transformative Potential
Despite the relentless rain and gusty winds that day, the atmosphere inside was warm and friendly. The Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, underscored the pivotal role of quality education in uplifting communities and enabling equitable opportunities for all.
Nicola Cresp, the Chief Growth Officer at Online Education Services (OES), shed light on our long-standing partnership with Open edX and the remarkable impact our educational initiatives using the edX platform have had globally. Her insights reinforced our commitment to leveraging technology to make quality education more accessible.
The highlight of the day was the thought-provoking keynote by Hatim Eltayeb. Hatim shed light on the severe challenges plaguing the African education sector. His words struck a chord. Emphasizing the critical need for educational leadership and nurturing a sense of belonging among young learners.
Finally, our very own Jacques Fourie and Andre Engelbrecht hosted an enlightening session on AI-powered formative assessment, showcasing how OES is exploring innovative ways to embed Generative AI into learning design, creating efficiencies that enhance the overall learning experience.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The conference theme of bridging the digital divide echoed throughout Day 3. Prof. Jonathan Jansen’s keynote address, “Hype or Hope: Data, Devices, and the Promise of Digital Education in Africa,” was a poignant reminder of the inequalities that persist in education and the crucial role we play in transforming it.
Amidst this backdrop, Edward Zarecor from Axim Collaborative shared exciting advancements in the Open edX infrastructure, paving the way for more inclusive and accessible digital learning experiences. Elizabeth Gordon from EdPlus at ASU complemented this with a powerful call to remove barriers to university access, emphasizing the potential of open educational resources and innovative delivery models.
Experienced learning designer, Frenette van der Walt, showcased how OES has harnessed the power of various Gen AI tools to develop two courses in partnership with The New School in July 2023. This lightning talk demonstrated our commitment to embracing new technologies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in instructional design.
The day was a collection of sessions that enhanced our understanding of learning pedagogy and Open edX functionality, reinforcing our mission to bridge the digital divide, ensuring every learner has access to quality educational opportunities.
A Grand Finale: Insights for Sustainable EdTech Growth
The final day of the Open edX Conference 2024 brought a fresh and exciting addition – the inaugural Founder’s Lounge. Moderated by Wendy Viljoen, Knowledge Specialist for Education at Wesgro, this new event brought together EdTech founders, incubators, and aspiring entrepreneurs to discuss the challenges and opportunities in building sustainable growth in educational technology.
Our Director of Learning & Operations, International, Meg Knight, shared her invaluable insights as a panel member, drawing from her experience at OES and as a founder of three businesses before joining our team.
The key takeaways that resonated with the audience were
- the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation,
- surrounding yourself with the right people,
- knowing when to pivot or persevere,
- focusing on impact over profit,
- and building solutions that address real problems faced by learners and educators.
As the conference drew to a close, Stephanie Khurana from Axim Collaborative delivered a heartfelt closing address, celebrating the success of the event and expressing gratitude to all contributors. Her words reminded us of the power of collaboration and the collective effort required to transform education through technology.
Looking Ahead
We left the Open edX Conference 2024 with a renewed sense of purpose. We are deeply grateful to the Axim Collaborative for choosing the Western Cape as the meeting place for the Open edX community and we appreciate of all the support that Wesgro has provided in helping to make the conference a success.
The insights gained over the four days have left us eager to implement the innovative strategies we explored, bringing more value to our clients using the edX platform.
As we look towards the horizon, the anticipation for the Open edX Conference 2025 is already building. We eagerly await the opportunity to reunite with our peers, share our progress, and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
