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Network Overview
Background of the Network
In response to the shift in digital education from “connectivity, content and collaboration” to “integration, intelligence and internationalization”, the Global Network for Digital Lifelong Learning is being established. This initiative aims to advance the ongoing digital transformation in education, enhance lifelong learning through digital technologies, and improve AI literacy among the general public. Proposed to be jointly initiated by Shanghai Open University and UNESCO’s Institute for Information Technologies in Education, the network seeks to promote high-quality digital lifelong learning worldwide.
Building on the consensus reached at the 2023 International Conference on Digital Transformation and Reshaping Lifelong Learning, and leveraging existing cooperative projects between Shanghai Open University and UNESCO, the network will further expand collaborative research and facilitate the global development of digital lifelong learning. By strengthening educational cooperation and resource integration across regions, the network aims to promote digital education equality globally, foster the sharing of educational resources across cultures and countries, and ensure that every learner can access high-quality digital learning opportunities.
Our Mission
Purpose and Nature of the Network
The Global Network for Digital Lifelong Learning aims to enhance AI and digital literacy in open education worldwide, fostering the application of digital technologies in lifelong education. The network is committed to providing equal, open, and high-quality learning opportunities for lifelong learners by driving technological innovation and building partnerships. It seeks to create a connected and inclusive global digital learning ecosystem that supports the application of educational technologies and the sharing of learning resources across borders, thereby promoting cooperation and development in regional and global education. Operating flexibly, the network’s core activities will revolve around the sharing of global digital lifelong learning courses, driving the network’s daily operations and overall objectives.
Network Initiation Mechanism
The Global Network for Digital Lifelong Learning will be jointly initiated by Shanghai Open University and UNESCO’s Institute for Information Technologies in Education. Invitations will be co-signed by both institutions to invite members to participate in the official establishment of the network. The network's operation will be supported by cooperative projects between Shanghai Open University and UNESCO, with outcomes co-produced in collaboration with network members. The network’s secretariat will be based at Shanghai Open University, responsible for daily operations and coordination.

To maintain vitality and inclusivity, the network adopts an open membership system, regularly inviting new members while allowing for dynamic adjustments to the existing member structure. This approach aims to gather global expertise, integrate high-quality resources, and drive cross-sector innovation, contributing to the global development of digital lifelong learning.
1.Organizing Network Members

  • Responsible for setting strategic goals, long-term planning, and research directions.

  • Regular meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and strategic adjustments, and to develop action plans.

  • New members can join upon recommendation by existing members and approval by the initiating organizations.

2.Establishing the Secretariat

  • The secretariat will be located at Shanghai Open University, with each member appointing a liaison.

  • Responsible for day-to-day administrative and coordination tasks. Organizes activities and liaises with external partners to ensure resource and information exchange within the network.

3.Establishing an Expert (Advisory) Committee

  • Ｍembers will nominate experts to form the Expert (Advisory) Committee, electing a Chair to lead related research initiatives.

  • The committee will propose annual research priorities around themes such as digital learning systems, AI in education, education metaverse, learning analytics, and open education, forming research groups to carry out studies.

Main Work Initiatives
Main Work Initiatives
1.Platform Building
Members will share resources and offer open learning resources and courses in areas like digital literacy for educators, elderly education, and creativity, including MOOCs, digital learning resources, and digital textbooks.
2.Hosting Conferences

  • Regularly co-host international conferences, inviting global education leaders and experts to discuss international trends in open education technology and policy amid digital transformation, offering a platform for sharing research outcomes and innovative practices.

  • Organize online working meetings to update on progress and share research findings.

  • Host specialized lectures, webinars, and academic exchanges featuring experts to share the latest developments and best practices.

3.Organizing Activities

  • Members will conduct case and work collection activities, gathering and showcasing best practices in digital lifelong learning under the AI context.

  • Establish mutual invitation mechanisms among members for broader participation in each other’s research or practice activities. Members may organize themed sessions under the network's name to enhance internal collaboration and communication.

4.Organizing Training

  • Based on jointly developed courses like "AI and Digital Education Innovations for Teacher Development," organize hybrid training activities.

  • Provide training materials, resources, and certificates to help participants apply their learned knowledge.

5.Publishing Outcomes

  • Compile and publish collections of best practices, awarding innovation prizes to highlight achievements in educational innovation among members.

  • Share research findings, technological products, and policy recommendations from network members, presenting them at international conferences and platforms. Furthermore, when conditions are favorable, explore the feasibility of establishing an international academic journal to further enhance the scholarly influence.