University Events and Activities

AAOU 2026

05/12/2026 International Event

Conference Video Teaser

The ever-changing global landscape leading to different constraints and restraints on institutions today demands the most stringent measures to adapt and evolve toward recovery and resilience. Higher Education Institutions today face the many challenges brought about by societal requirements and new global conditions with hopes to remain responsive and relevant.

ODL becomes more complex with the integration of technology and innovative teaching methodologies while preserving the highest quality of education.   Without a doubt, ODL makes a significant contribution to today’s workforce. Thus, it is incumbent on ODL institutions to advance a future-ready education by promoting inclusivity, upgrading teaching methodologies and personnel, and judiciously mobilizing resources from strategic partnerships with stakeholders to ensure the utmost quality of open and distance education for today’s future workforce.  

With the convergence of ODL experts, practitioners, and learners, this international conference will serve as a powerful platform to learn and/or unlearn the current areas of interest in the implementation of ODL leading to strategic actions attuned to responsiveness, retooling, and resiliency. As one AAOU community, this momentous event signifies an unwavering commitment to assert our relevance and forge future collective actions. 

Conference Sub-themes

Sub-theme 1: Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Learning Technologies

• AI in teaching, learning, and assessment 
• Generative AI in instructional design and content creation 
• Learning analytics for student performance and predictive modeling 
• Automation in learner support and administration 
• Ethical implications of AI in education 

Sub-theme 2: Immersive, Flexible, and Next-Generation Learning Environments

• Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and immersive learning 
• Flexible and blended learning models 
• Cloud-based Learning Management Systems (LMS) 
• Interoperability of digital platforms and tools 
• Mobile and ubiquitous learning environments 

Sub-theme 3: Equity, Accessibility, and Digital Inclusion

• Addressing the digital divide and connectivity challenges 
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 
• Accessibility for learners with disabilities 
• Gender and socio-economic inclusion in ODeL 
• Localization and multilingual content development 

Sub-theme 4: Learner Support, Engagement, and Well-being

• Student engagement and motivation in online learning 
• Retention strategies and learner success models 
• Academic, technical, and psychosocial support systems 
• Community-based and low-bandwidth learning approaches 
• Mental health and well-being in distance education 

Sub-theme 5: Quality Assurance, Assessment, and Credentialing

• Quality assurance frameworks in ODeL 
• Accreditation and standards for online education 
• Assessment integrity and alternative assessment strategies 
• Online proctoring technologies and issues 
• Micro-credentials, digital badges, and lifelong learning pathways 

Sub-theme 6: Institutional Resilience, Policy, and Governance

• Institutional readiness and crisis-responsive education systems 
• Policy development for digital and distance learning 
• Cybersecurity and data privacy in education 
• Strategic leadership and management in ODeL 
• Sustainable models for open and distance education systems

The 39th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) will be hosted by the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – Open University System in Manila from 22–24 October 2026. Centered on the theme, “Responding to Global Challenges Towards a Resilient and Future-Ready Open Distance and e-Learning,” this event serves as a premier venue for researchers, educators, practitioners, and policymakers across Asia to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarly exchange.

The conference invites submissions of original research papers, case studies, and innovative practices that propose transformative, technology-enabled, and inclusive solutions for the field. Prospective contributors are encouraged to align their work with key focus areas, including digital transformation and emerging technologies for resilient ODeL, strategies for inclusive and equitable access, quality assurance frameworks, and pedagogical innovations designed to enhance learner success.

Registration

All participants and paper presenters are requested to register through this registration link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc92lyhNIHXcXeoso8u6HEV8xU6RXdZeAgHpUVtzc-ZLZiFOw/viewform

Payment

After completing the registration and paper submission, all participants and paper presenters  are requested to settle the corresponding registration fee and accomplish the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfmaaOluHQCVg1oi0IdlvyuRxy54EttH--PTzI-J6X2G4kjAA/viewform

Note: Local Price is only for the delegates from the Philippines. Registration fee for participants (non-paper presenters) and paper presenters are the same.

After completing the registration and paper submission, all participants and paper presenters  are requested to settle the corresponding registration fee:

DOLLAR ACCOUNT
Account Name: PUP
Account Number: 0684002465

PESO ACCOUNT
Account Name: PUP Trust Receipts
Account Number: 0682102047

Account Address: PUP A. MabiniCampus, Anonas Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila Philippines 1016
Bank Name: Landbank of the Philippines
Bank Branch: G. Araneta Branch
Address: G. Araneta Ave. Unit G, White Condominium corner Bayani St. Bgry Doña Imelda, 1113, Quezon City Philippines
Swift Code: TLBPPHMM

Payment Procedure

1. Deposit or transfer the registration fee to the appropriate account.
2. Secure a copy or screenshot of the proof of payment or transaction receipt.
3. Upload or submit the proof of payment to the payment QR code.
4. Confirmation of Registration. The conference secretariat will review and verify the submitted registration form, full paper, ethics clearance, and proof of payment. Once validated, an official confirmation email will be sent to the registered participant.

Important Reminders

1. Registration will only be confirmed upon complete submission of requirements and verified payment.
2. Incomplete submissions may result in processing delays.

For further inquiries and assistance, please contact the AAOU 2026 Conference Secretariat of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University System through aaou2026@pup.edu.ph