Opportunities along with challenges to online education in the context of the fourth industrial revolution were the main theme of the International Conference on Online Education 2019 (ICOE 2019) held in Ho Chi Minh City on March 15. 

Officials at the International Conference on Online Education 2019 in HCM City on March 15.

Experts said online education is crucial to making education more accessible and will be key to preparing for a digital future. 

According to Professor Vu Huu Duc, vice principal of HCM City Open University, the conference was held to create a forum for scholars and experts to share opinions about  development  trends, opportunities and challenges for online education in Vietnam and the world. 

Professor Nita Temmerman from Australia’s University of Queenslandsaid online education provides flexibility and convenience for learners. 

He noted that enrolment in online degree courses around the world in increasing by 30 to 35 percent each year, while the online corporate market is growing by 10 to 15 percent annually as career professionals are attracted to online upskilling options. 

Developers and deliverers of online education, however, must ensure that sound pedagogical practices are offered by qualified educators, Temmerman said. 

Professor Dong Sun Park from the Republic of Korea’s APEC Human Resources Development Working Group said that online education was important for “harnessing inclusive opportunities, embracing the digital future,” the theme for the APEC economic leaders’ meeting last year. 

Online education first appeared in Vietnam 10 to 12 years ago, with demand rising remarkably over the past several years. It was formally recognised by the Ministry of Education and Training in 2012.-VNA