AAOU 2026: 39th Association of Asian Open Universities (AAOU) Annual Conference Lanson Place, Mall of Asia Complex Hosted by: PUP Open University System Pasay City, Philippines, October 22-24, 2026

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.

Submission Guidelines

All papers must be original and not simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference. Please ensure you adhere to the initials on the journal paper template.

check https://www.aaou2026.pup.edu.ph/Submission-Guide for the requirements of the guidelines for paper submission and paper journal format. The web portal also shares the registration fee and other details.

• Abstracts should contain 250–300 words outlining the research objectives, methodology, findings, and relevance to the conference theme.
• No changes may be made to abstracts after acceptance. If accepted, authors may submit full papers of up to 5,000 words for inclusion in the conference proceedings.
• A maximum of two papers may be presented by one author.
• Papers must be written and presented in English.
• All submitted papers will be subject to a peer-review process.
• No changes may be made to full papers after 26 September 2026.
• Papers that are not presented at the Conference will not be included in the Proceedings Book.
• Papers can be presented as oral presentations, posters, or virtual sessions.

For assistance, you can also email us at aaou2026@pup.edu.ph

Conference Topic Sub Themes

1. Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies for Resilient ODeL 
   • Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching, learning, and assessment
   • Learning analytics for student success prediction and intervention
   • Integration of VR/AR and immersive learning environments
   • Cloud-based Learning Management Systems (LMS) optimization
   • Cybersecurity and data privacy in online learning environments
   • Interoperability of digital learning platforms and tools
   • Automation and generative AI in instructional design
2. Inclusive, Equitable, and Accessible ODeL
   • Digital divide and strategies for bridging connectivity gaps
   • Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in online education
   • Accessibility of digital content for learners with disabilities
   • Gender, socio-economic, and geographic disparities in ODeL access
   • Learner support systems (academic, technical, psychosocial)
   • Community-based and offline/low-bandwidth learning models
   • Language diversity and localization of learning materials
3. Quality Assurance, Pedagogical Innovation, and Learner Success in ODeL
   • Innovative instructional design models for online and blended learning
   • Assessment integrity, online proctoring, and alternative assessment strategies
   • Student engagement, motivation, and retention in virtual environments
   • Faculty development and digital teaching competencies
   • Quality assurance frameworks and accreditation in ODeL systems
   • Micro-credentials, lifelong learning, and flexible learning pathways
   • Institutional resilience and continuity planning in crisis situations

For more details on the Topics, kindly check our website https://aaou2026.pup.edu.ph/

Contact

All questions about submissions should be emailed to aaou2026@pup.edu.ph