International Conference on Open Educational Resources: Promoting Digital Transformation in Vietnam’s Higher Education

In response to the wave of digital transformation in education, the International Organization of La Francophonie (AUF), in collaboration with Van Lang University, organized the International Conference “Open Educational Resources for Digital Transformation in Vietnam’s Higher Education: From Policy to Implementation” on the morning of December 17, 2024. The conference attracted the participation of nearly 20 universities and numerous experts in the field of education.

The event focused on implementing solutions to enhance educational quality by building and developing an Open Educational Resources (OER) ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to create equitable, flexible, and lifelong learning opportunities for learners.

Prof. Nicolas Mainetti, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at AUF, emphasized the significance of OER in educational digital transformation. With a network of nearly 1,000 member universities worldwide, AUF is committed to closely collaborating with universities and governments, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, to support national education programs.

Dr. Dang Van Huan, Deputy Director General of the Department of Higher Education also underscored the importance of OER in higher education, analyzing its role across three levels: individuals (lecturers and students), institutions, and government. He highlighted that the development, sharing, and use of open educational resources require efforts from individuals, resource support from universities, and legal frameworks provided by government advisory bodies.

During the conference, she highlighted Van Lang University's significant strides in technology adoption and digital transformation. In 2024, more than 1,000 students from 23 faculties participated in 273 courses on Coursera, while nearly 2,000 students completed the Digital Talent Development Program.

Additionally, the university enhanced digital capacity for its faculty and staff, with approximately 1,500 individuals participating in Microsoft skills training in the 2022–2023 academic year. The AI Studio program attracted nearly 700 participants, and the number of individuals enrolling in digital transformation courses on Coursera increased to over 1,500 in 2024.

The discussions and insights shared during the conference not only emphasized the importance of OER in the digital transformation process but also reaffirmed the strong commitment of stakeholders to building a sustainable OER ecosystem in Vietnam. The close collaboration among universities, regulatory bodies, and international organizations will serve as a vital driving force to enhance the quality of higher education in Vietnam and provide equitable learning opportunities for all in the digital era.

News: Hong Thanh
Photos: Dien Khanh