The power of ODDE: Is it equal to the challenges of the SDGs?

Abstract

The open, distance and online technologies are powerful systems for transforming the value and reach of education. This article considers the extent to which they can be deployed in service of one of the greatest educational challenges we have represented in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The paper argues that since SDG4 for education asks for ‘quality lifelong learning for all’, universities have a role in contributing to achieving this goal, especially with respect to professional development for sustainability. If the UN goals are to be achieved, the current situation needs to be assessed. Currently the impact of top-rated universities on sustainability is less than the expected level of excellence. In addition, the contribution of universities, in general, is limited to basic updating of skills and knowledge, which is needed across the professions, but a bigger contribution to lifelong professional development is a higher need. The paper outlines several reasons why universities should make a more significant contribution to this, e.g. that we generate significantly more new knowledge needed to meet the goals. It also shows that the ODDE technologies, especially MOOCs and digital tools, can be deployed successfully to scale up our impact on the radical changes needed in the actions of professionals in all sectors. Finally, it proposes an SDG professional development strategy as one pathway to the solutions that are needed.