Research into distance education has renewed importance and has taken on new dimensions, as open, distance, and online learning further merge with the mainstream of education. Changes are occurring at all levels of institutions, from new systems and theories and ways of leading and managing organisations to new teaching and learning approaches and technologies.

The history of online and distance learning (ODL) is rich with principles, theories, and concepts that still apply today, but that are often forgotten in the haze of avant-garde technology. As researchers of ODL, these historical roots ground and guide us in forging new paths of teaching and learning with technology. How do we bring together the strengths of the past with the opportunities for the future? How can we build on our knowledge and experiences to create informed and innovative pathways for the future? Which new pedagogic paradigms are emerging and have the potential to impact the future of ODL?
The ninth EDEN Research Workshop in Oldenburg, Germany, will bring together researchers from all walks of life and provide a platform for engaging in discussion and debate, exchanging research ideas, and presenting new developments in ODL. The event-organisers’ goal is to create dialogues and create opportunities for research collaboration.

The EDENRW9 will be held in Oldenburg, 04-07 October 2016. The themes highlight the need of all levels and branches of educational systems to embrace new directions in their organisational management, research, and practice, while observing their historical background and professional heritage.

Submissions that relate to the workshop scope and one or more of the workshop themes are invited in the following categories by the deadline, which is 31 August 2016.