https://ubuntunet.net/uc2022/
What is a digitalised college or university? Several years ago, it simply involved shifting from analog data and records (eg, paper journal and books) to digital media (eg, e-repositories and library e-materials) or from paper-based process to online processes (eg, student registration). Whereas African colleges and universities are in different stages of the digitalisation process converting existing analog processes into digital ones, they must move to next level to create, new and innovative processes and capabilities based on current and emerging digital technologies.
This involves evaluating and assessing the feasibility of potential innovations, selecting those most useful, and prioritising them based on the benefits and added value they offer to colleges, universities and their broader communities. The process should be captured in agreed upon, well thought out, digital strategies lead to higher efficiency and increased impact of the universities to society.
The UbuntuNet-Connect 2022 conference theme looks broadly at the issues surrounding the redesign of digitalised colleges and universities in Africa. Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and paper presentations will address topics and anchor discussions on where we have come from, where we are today, where we should be heading, and the challenges and opportunities we face along the way.
Topics
Under the general conference theme, broad topics include
- digital technologies (for teaching, learning, assessment, research, administration),
- connectivity,
- digitization in administration,
- the digital library,
- digital transformation of research,
- digital transformation of teaching and learning,
- digital literacy (of students, staff, and faculty),
- digital resources,
- devices and infrastructure (hardware, software, IaaS, SaaS, cloud services),
- digital content and content quality assurance,
- institutional collaboration leveraging on Research and Education Networks,
- access to X (=connectivity, devices, content, …), and
- supportive policy and regulatory frameworks.
Call for Abstracts for Paper Presentations
We invite potential presenters to submit abstracts (500-600 words) covering any of the topics listed above and under the general conference theme. The submission, uploaded as a single pdf file, must include:
- Concise, descriptive title
- Authors names and affiliations
- Abstract of proposed presentation (500-600 words)
- Key words (maximum 3)
- Target audience (from the list below – can be more than one group)
Deadline: July 31, 2022. Notification of outcome shall be by August 31, 2022.
Important Timelines
- April 18, 2022 – Opening Call for Paper Presentations and Panel Proposals
- June 20, 2022 – Opening Early Bird Registration
- July 31, 2022 – Close Call for Paper Presentations and Panel Proposals
- August 31, 2022 – Paper presentation and Panel Proposal Notification
- September 1, 2022 – Close Early Bird Registration
- November 1, 2022 – Close Regular Registration
- November 24-25 – UbuntuNet-Connect 2022
Key Links
Venue
The Grand Palm Hotel Casino and Convention Resort
It lies just a few minutes from the city center and 12 km from Sir Seretse Kahama International Airport (free airport shuttle for staying guests)
More details and reservations at: https://grandpalm.bw
Registration
Early Bird Registration (June 20 – September 1, 2022): $100
Regular Registration (September 2 – November 1, 2022): $150
