‘This event has become a well-established landmark in the research environment, and the immense interest expressed by the participants and the impressive list of papers can only confirm this reality’ Holger Osterrieder – Head of the ESDCThe Carol I National Defence University, under the aegis of the European Security and Defence College (the ESDC), hosted the 19th edition of the annual international scientific conference on ‘eLearning and Software for Education’.
The conference facilitated the potential as well as the use of technology-enhanced learning environments in universities, research institutions and corporates by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, research results, business cases and technical achievements.
The event has attracted interest in eLearning and software for education from a broad array of governmental, non-governmental and industry entities which use the Conference as a platform for research, promoting innovative ideas and networking. Every year, the ESDC supports and promotes the eLSE Conference and contributes to the discussion and exchange of experience.
The central theme of this year’s Conference was ‘Shifting from macro to micro (micro-learning & micro-credentials)’.
The opening ceremony was led by BG Eugen MAVRIS, Commandant, of the Carol I National Defence University which hosted the Conference. Holger OSTERRIEDER, Head of the ESDC, welcomed the participants and expressed his appreciation and thanks to the organisers. He stressed the importance of the Conference as a platform for cooperation and a forum for sharing experience.
On the first day of the Conference, the presentations focused on the broader challenges of eLearning and the future of eLearning systems. Topics such as virtual reality, technology trends in education, methodological innovations and artificial intelligence were discussed. This included a presentation entitled Evolution of ESDC’s strategic environment in the context of current challenges related to peace, security and defence. eLearning as a development factor, delivered by Georgica PANFIL and Jerzy SYPEK, training managers representing the ESDC. They emphasised the supportive role of ESDC eLearning resources as an important factor that contributes to the development and promotion of the common understanding of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in the wider context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
As is customary, the second day of the Conference was devoted to technical matters. The topics discussed included micro-credentials and the future of higher education, technological innovations in eLearning the role of emerging technologies, best practices in online education and a multidimensional approach to eLearning (social, cultural and ethical aspects).
Multiple workshops were held during the Conference. A variety of exhibitors presented interesting new solutions, technologies and shared their experience.
Summary
The event, as always, attracted the attention of specialists from government bodies, academia, research and industry and was a friendly environment in which to share skills, exchange experience and initiate discussion about the evolution of eLearning.
The ESDC would like to thank Carol I National Defence University for hosting and preparing the Conference. Thanks are extended to the speakers for their exceptional contributions and valuable discussions and to all participants for their active participation and commitment. Special thanks go to the Conference chairman Dr. Alin BODESCU, to Catalin RADU and to the whole team behind the excellent organisation of the Conference.
