In September 2025, Dr Nicole Lotz gave a keynote speech at the 4th International Colloquium of the Distance Learning Institute (DLI). Here, Nicole recounts her experience and the insights gained.
I was very fortunate and honoured to meet the Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, FAS, OON, the first female Vice Chancellor at the University, last week after I gave my keynote speech. In our conversation, we quickly discovered that we share a vision for distance learning that focuses on the human and social dimensions. My talk focused on inclusive and sustainable open distance learning, drawing on my research into social engagement, belonging, and learner agency in distance education. I hadn’t expected it to resonate so strongly with the audience. I shared insights on the role of informal learning and relational pedagogies, emphasising the importance of building and sustaining relationships, which is particularly significant in the Nigerian context.
The in-person audience expressed a strong sense of belonging and pride, but the Vice Chancellor emphasised how challenging it is to recreate or maintain that culture at a distance or online. Currently, the Institute educates 11,000 students, but they have bold plans. Prof. Folasade Ogunsola argued that with the average age of the population decreasing, they expect the numbers of student to rise to 50,000 students in 5 years. However, they also need to solve the problem that many students do not feel the same level of belonging and engagement at the distance as they do in person. I could connect deeply with this vision. My research in distance design learning has long argued that online learning environments need to be designed to feel more informal and sociable.
The institute has written up a summary of the colloquium’s talks and insights, which can be found at: https://unilag.edu.ng/unilag-dli-colloquium-sparks-bold-vision-for-inclusive-digital-education
Nicole has also written a blog article that examines the impact of Nigerian informal culture on design, which can be accessed at: https://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/design/from-traffic-to-teaching-lessons-on-informal-design-from-nigeria/