What is PCF?
Commonwealth of Learning’s (COL) Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF) is held triennially. The event is co-hosted with different partners in varying regions of the Commonwealth. The programme is designed to explore applications of open and distance learning (ODL) in widening educational access, bridging the digital divide, and advancing the social and economic development of communities and nations at large. The Forum’s focus is on topics relating to developing countries and participation of practitioners from these countries.
Who is hosting PCF10?
PCF10 will be co-hosted by the Commonwealth of Learning and Athabasca University.
When and where will PCF10 be held?
PCF10 will take place from 14 to 16 September 2022 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre in Calgary, Canada.
What are the PCF10 themes and sub-themes?
The theme is “Innovations for Educational Resilience.” Presentations will be grouped around four sub-themes: building resilience, fostering lifelong learning, inspiring innovations, and promoting equity and inclusion. There will be a special focus in each of the sub-themes on (i) educating girls and (ii) using emerging technologies for education and training (e.g., applications of artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and robotics).
What does the PCF10 programme include?
Forum participants will nurture existing networks and make new connections by engaging in one or more of the following Forum activities: keynote presentations, paper presentations, poster presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and much more.
What is the Online Discussion Forum?
Prior to the main event, four online discussions will be organised on the sub-themes to create momentum for the paper presenters and stakeholders to engage in discussion and debate to identify issues and ideas which can be explored further during the Forum.
What is the Asa Briggs Lecture?
The Asa Briggs Lecture honours the founding Chair of the Board of Governors of COL and distinguished British historian, the late Rt. Hon. Lord Briggs of Lewes (1921-2016), who was instrumental in COL’s establishment.
What is the Marketplace?
The Marketplace is an area for one-to-one conversations with Forum participants, where you can demonstrate and talk about your technology, OER, or innovative services and practices. You will have a table to demonstrate any product or services that you offer, and participants will visit your designated area to learn more.
Will there be space for paid exhibitors at PCF10?
There will be a space for paid exhibitors to present educational technology-related products and services to Forum participants. For information on exhibit space please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
How can I register for PCF10? What is the registration fee?
Please visit the PCF10 Registration page to learn more about registration and to register online.
What is included in the registration package?
The full in-person registration fee provides the following: full participation in all plenaries, workshops, sessions, exhibitions, and the marketplace; all conference materials including access to the interactive conference app; lunch on each day of the conference; and the farewell dinner event.
If I register now, can I pay later?
Payment is due within 30 days of registering. An invoice, along with instructions on how to complete payment, will be included in your email confirmation.
What are my payment options?
Registration payment options include credit card (Visa or Mastercard), Electronic Fund Transfer, and Direct Bank Wire Transfer. For wire transfers, select ‘wire transfer’ as your payment method on the registration form and you will automatically receive an email containing a wire transfer invoice and instructions. Please contact [email protected] for additional assistance.
Where can I find my registration payment receipt?
A receipt will be emailed automatically upon completion of your payment. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
How can I get a visa invitation letter to attend PCF10?
Visa invitation letters are issued once you have completed your registration and full payment for the conference. A letter will be produced approximately two weeks from the payment receipt. If you have further questions, please contact [email protected]. Find more information on the Visa Information page.
Will I be able to get an invitation for my accompanying person?
Invitation letters are only issued to registered and paid/approved delegates.
When will I find out if my proposal has been accepted?
You will be notified of proposal approval 1 March 2022. Read more on the Criteria and Instructions for Proposals Submission and Selection page.
When will I find out if my paper has been accepted?
Notification of acceptance of full papers will be done on a rolling basis, and you will hear no later than 1 May 2022. Read more on the Criteria and Instructions for Paper Submission and Selection page.
Will a book of abstracts be published?
Approved abstracts will be published and made available at http://oasis.col.org/.
I did not submit a paper. Can I still attend PCF10?
Submission and acceptance of a paper, poster, or marketplace proposal is not mandatory for attendance.
Will there be a conference app?
The PCF10 conference app will be released in September 2022. Registered attendees will be notified by email when it becomes available.
Which hotel should I stay in?
Special rates for PCF10 delegates have been arranged at some of the best hotels in downtown Calgary, all within walking distance to the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre for the event. Visit the Preferred Hotels for PCF10 page for more information.
Do you offer airport pickup service?
We do not provide airport pickup services. The airport is approximately a 25-minute drive from the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, depending on traffic conditions. Read more about getting to and around Calgary.
What is the PCF10 registration deadline?
PCF10 registrations open 15 February 2022. Early bird registration is available until 30 June 2022, general registration is available until 26 August 2022, and late registration is available until 13 September 2022. Visit the PCF10 registration page for more information about registration and deadlines.
Will there be any tours for PCF10 participants?
There are currently no tours planned for PCF10 participants, but we encourage you to explore everything Calgary has to offer. Learn more what there is to do in and around Calgary.
What are your Covid-19 protocols?
The safety of all PCF10 organizers and participants is our highest priority. To provide a safe environment for all everyone, all participants will be required to abide by all relevant public health guidance and policies related to Covid-19 leading up to and during the conference, including those implemented by the venue, hotels, the Government of Alberta, and the Government of Canada.
Visit the Covid-19 page on the PCF10 website for the most up-to-date information.
What is your cancellation policy?
Registered participants will be able to cancel their registration with a $50 administrative fee until 31 July 2022. Cancellation fees will increase after that time. Visit the PCF10 registration page for details.
