Jakarta. Universitas Terbuka (UT) is bringing together academics, researchers and education practitioners from 17 countries to explore how digital technology and experiential learning can improve the quality of open and distance education through its 6th International Conference on Innovation in Open and Distance Learning (INNODEL 2026).

Held on Nov. 4–5, 2026, in Bandung, the international conference provides a platform for research dissemination, knowledge exchange and educational technology innovation, bringing together researchers, academics, practitioners, policymakers and industry players to strengthen the development of open and distance learning (PTJJ) systems.

Open and distance education continues to require innovation not only to expand access to education but also to deliver quality learning experiences relevant to future generations. Technologies such as metaverse-based virtual classrooms and artificial intelligence (AI) tutors, alongside experiential learning approaches, offer opportunities to address these challenges. However, their effective implementation requires research, knowledge exchange and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Through its Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), UT organized INNODEL 2026 under the theme “HEBRING: High Impact Experiential Learning for Bringing Innovation into New Generations.” The conference focuses on developing experience-based learning approaches to encourage educational innovation that meets the needs of younger generations.

The forum explores research developments and educational technology practices, including the potential of digital technologies to create more interactive, contextual and meaningful learning experiences. It also seeks to strengthen international collaboration and encourage the application of research findings in the development of open and distance education.

UT Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Muktiyanto, S.E., M.Si., officially opened the conference, marking the start of a series of discussions and activities involving academics, researchers, practitioners and stakeholders from various countries. The event provides participants with opportunities to exchange ideas, present research findings and explore innovations in addressing educational challenges amid digital transformation.

Through the conference, UT aims to generate innovative ideas and solutions that can contribute to improving education quality and human resource development at both national and global levels.

INNODEL 2026 brought together 106 presenters and approximately 200 participants from educational institutions, research organizations, the Indonesian Association of Open and Distance Education Professionals (APPJJI) and the business sector.

Participants represented 17 countries: Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Mauritius, the United States, Türkiye, Finland, Palestine and Australia. The international participation reflects the conference's reach in facilitating knowledge exchange and bringing together diverse perspectives on educational innovation.

The main conference session featured Prof. Helen Crompton of Old Dominion University in the United States as the keynote speaker. She is an educational technology expert whose work focuses on leveraging digital technology to support innovation and the transformation of learning.

The panel discussion brought together academics from several countries, including Prof. Dr. Meltem Huri Baturay of Konya Food & Agriculture University in Türkiye; Dr. Hanna Davis of Tampere University of Applied Sciences in Finland; Prof. Cher Ping Lim of The Education University of Hong Kong; and Prof. Daryono, S.H., M.A., Ph.D., of Universitas Terbuka.

Meanwhile, the workshop sessions were led by Andre Surya, an Indonesian AI visual expert, and Dr. Syahrul Ramadhan, M.Pd., of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

In line with the HEBRING theme, the conference highlights the importance of experiential learning in equipping students with 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, problem-solving and adaptability. These competencies are increasingly important in ensuring graduates can go beyond theoretical understanding and apply their knowledge to address real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.

For UT, developing these learning approaches aligns with its efforts to improve the quality of open and distance education through technology and student-centered learning.

For more than four decades, UT has expanded access to higher education through a flexible learning system. Its continued development of learning innovations forms part of the university's commitment to providing inclusive education that accommodates people with diverse circumstances and needs.

Through INNODEL 2026, UT expects the exchange of research findings and practical experiences to enrich the development of open and distance education while creating opportunities for cross-border academic collaboration.

The initiative reflects UT's commitment to the spirit of “Open Education for a Better World” and the conference slogan, “From Experience to Innovation, for a Brighter Future,” underscoring the importance of connecting learning experiences with educational innovation.

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