Constructing a culture of excellence and equity in and through open and distance learning was the main theme of Dr Grace Alfonso’s keynote speech at the opening of the Third Conference on Open and Distance Learning on 23 February 2007.

“These are important times”, she said. “Today”, she emphasized, “we find teachers and students redefining concepts of teaching, learning, connectivity, interactivity, and socialization. Academic communities both nationally and internationally are exploring potential growth areas in research, instructions, and extension with the use of appropriate technologies.”

Addressing the more than 350 participants in the conference, she explained that open and distance learning must be “for the people and about people having wider access to quality education. The concept of equity, reaching those who otherwise will have no access to quality education, is of import.”

The 3rd National Conference on Open and Distance Learning is exploring the themes “Creating a Culture of Excellence and Equity in Open and Distance Learning”. It is a gathering of practitioners and academicians who are intent in equalizing positive results for all learners from various geographic locations, ages, disabilities, mobility and commitment to work and family.

As Dr Alfonso said in her conclusion, “open and distance learning must be used to assure academic freedom, academic excellence, widening the access to quality education, the strengthening of the Filipino workforce and the betterment of tertiary education in the country to help construct a culture of Excellence and Equity in and through distance education for a more, just, democratic and humane society.” (Dr. Paz H. Diaz, FMDS)