The conference will take place May 19 through May 22, 2026, at the prestigious Little America Hotel. This collaboration with WGU, our Mission Aligned Partner, creates an exceptional opportunity for attendees to experience firsthand the transformative impact of competency-based education at scale in the very city where WGU has revolutionized higher education.

Event Highlights

The 2026 Open edX Conference will showcase:

Cutting-Edge Educational Innovation

• Skills-forward, learner-first education models at scale
• AI-powered personalized learning experiences
• Advanced data analytics for student success
• Next-generation assessment and instructional design methodologies

Real-World Success Stories

• Learn from WGU’s groundbreaking transformation of higher education
• Discover how institutions customize and use the Open edX platform at scale
• Explore proven strategies for career-focused national upskilling and education

Technical Excellence

• Latest Open edX platform developments and extensions
• Scalable architecture solutions for massive student populations
• Integration strategies for cutting-edge technologies
• Community-driven innovation highlights

Registration & Participation

Registration Details: Register for the conference AND your hotel room at Little America. Stay tuned for ticket categories including student rates, non-profit options, and corporate packages.

Call for Proposals: Will open in December 2025 – share your innovations, case studies, and breakthrough implementations with the global Open edX community.

Sponsorship Opportunities: Now Available! Contact us at oscm@axim.org to learn more. 

Travel & Accommodation

Salt Lake City International Airport offers convenient access with direct flights from major cities worldwide. 

Visa Information: International attendees should check visa requirements for travel to the United States well in advance.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for May 19-22, 2026. Together with WGU, we will explore how the Open edX platform is reshaping the future of education. This conference represents a milestone in educational innovation, bringing together the global Open edX community with proven leaders in competency-based education. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of learning!

The post Join Us for the Open edX Conference 2026! appeared first on Open edX.

Cabrera spotlights Georgia Tech’s strategic commitment to expanding access and affordability, primarily through its highly successful online master’s programs. He shares the remarkable story of their “crazy idea” over a decade ago: an entirely online, MOOC-based Master of Science in Computer Science, offered at a fraction of the traditional cost [04:54]. Despite initial skepticism, this revolutionary concept, sparked by a challenge from Udacity’s Sebastian Thrun and backed by AT&T, has blossomed into an educational phenomenon.

The speech details the rapid expansion of these programs to include Data Analytics and Cybersecurity, demonstrating comparable learning outcomes and quality to traditional programs. This success culminated in the creation of a new College of Lifetime Learning, dedicated to non-traditional learners. Cabrera emphasizes how this online model has democratized admissions, removing physical barriers and fostering inclusivity, aiming to serve “the many, not the few” [11:56].

Cabrera meticulously addresses and debunks initial faculty concerns, showcasing how these online initiatives have not only boosted enrollment—from 21,000 students in 2013 to 53,000, with 23,000 online learners today—but also enhanced the university’s brand and significantly increased applications to traditional campus programs. With online master’s tuition remaining exceptionally low at $6,000 (compared to a $60,000 national average), and impressive retention rates, Georgia Tech is proving that elite education can be both accessible and affordable.

This speech is a must-watch for anyone passionate about the future of learning. Cabrera’s insights offer a powerful blueprint for how strategic innovation can transform traditional institutions, making quality education attainable for a broader global audience.

You can watch the full speech here: Rethinking the University: Access, Affordability, and Excellence at Scale

Crucial insights for the future of education!

@Angel Cabrera’s speech, “Rethinking the University: Access, Affordability, and Excellence at Scale,” at the Open edX conference, profoundly illustrates the importance of ensuring education remains accessible to all. His work at Georgia Tech with large-scale online programs is a testament to how we can break down barriers and deliver high-quality learning without compromising on affordability.

This is more than innovation; it’s about expanding opportunity and ensuring higher education truly serves both a local and a broader global community.

Don’t miss this essential conversation: https://youtu.be/IzNzIKu3kw8

#EducationAccess #HigherEd #AffordableEducation #OpenEdX #Innovation #FutureOfLearning #GeorgiaTech

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We’re excited to highlight Unicon as a Premier Sponsor of the Open edX Conference 2025. As a leading educational technology consulting firm with over 30 years of expertise, Unicon is driving the future of skills-based learning through their strategic partnership with Axim Collaborative.

About Unicon

Since 1993, Unicon has been a partner of choice innovating and transforming education through cutting-edge technology solutions. They specialize in helping K-20 institutions and non-profits modernize their platforms, combining deep education experience with open-source interoperability. Their team is sourced exclusively from the education world, ensuring unmatched domain expertise.

Unicon has impacted over 15 million learners through programs like Cisco’s Networking Academy, demonstrating their ability to deliver solutions at massive scale.

Strategic Open edX Partnership

In May 2025, Unicon announced a groundbreaking partnership with Axim Collaborative to advance skills-based and competency-based education (CBE) through Open edX innovation. This collaboration focuses on developing new platform capabilities that enable institutions to deliver scalable, skills-based learning programs.

“At Unicon, we believe the future of learning lies in enabling institutions to teach, validate, and credential skills at scale,” said Kate Valenti, CEO at Unicon.

What They Bring to the Open edX Community

Program Leadership and Impact: Unicon applies a holistic approach to innovating through technology adapting to the changing needs of education, learning, and skills.

Interoperability Leadership: As iIndustry experts in a variety of interoperability standards, Unicon ensures seamless integration between educational systems.

Open Source Commitment: Contributing members of 1EdTech, Apereo Foundation, Internet2®, and other key educational technology organizations.

Connect at the Conference

Meet Unicon’s expert team at Open edX Conference 2025 in Paris to explore how their expertise in skills-based learning, system integration, and educational technology can enhance your institutional initiatives.

Learn more: https://con.openedx.org/

The post Sponsor Highlight: UNICON appeared first on Open edX.

Join us for a dynamic keynote panel at the upcoming Open edX Conference 2025 at Paris Telecom, as we delve into the critical intersection of “Algorithm & Access: Building Scalable, Ethical Personalized Learning.”

This session on July 3rd, will bring together leading experts to navigate the complex landscape of personalized learning. We’ll explore the technological innovations, sound pedagogical principles, and crucial ethical considerations that must underpin any successful implementation.

Our esteemed panel, moderated by Dr. Mairéad Pratschke, will feature invaluable insights from:

• Anant Agarwal, Chief Open Education Officer of 2U/edX and Founder of edX. Anant’s pioneering work in online learning has touched millions globally, and his perspective on the future of scalable education is unparalleled.
• Francois Taddei, Chief Exploration Officer at the Learning Planet Institute. A passionate advocate for innovative learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, Francois brings a wealth of knowledge on fostering learning communities and addressing global challenges through education.
• David Morales, Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Technology at Western Governors University. David’s extensive experience in technology leadership within a competency-based education model offers crucial insights into the practical implementation of personalized learning at scale.
• Shreshtha Gupta, Executive Vice President, IT & Digital, NSDC Director & CTO, NSDC International. Shreshtha’s expertise in leveraging technology for national skill development brings a vital perspective on the broader impact of personalized learning initiatives.

During this engaging discussion, we will tackle key questions such as:

• How can the science of learning effectively inform the design of truly adaptive and engaging educational experiences?
• What are the real-world challenges and practical considerations when implementing personalized learning?
• How can we leverage the power of data analytics responsibly to enhance learner outcomes while upholding crucial ethical standards?
• Crucially, how do we ensure algorithmic fairness, robust data privacy, and equitable accessibility for all learners within personalized learning environments?

This panel promises to be a thought-provoking and informative session for anyone interested in the future of online learning, the potential of personalized education, and the responsible development of educational technology. Whether you’re an educator, a platform developer, an administrator, or simply passionate about creating more effective and equitable learning opportunities, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Register now and mark your calendars for Thursday, July 3rd at 11:00 AM WEST and join us for this vital discussion at the Open edX Conference 2025. We look forward to seeing you there!

The post Join Our Keynote Panel on Scalable, Ethical Personalized Learning at the Open edX Conference 2025! appeared first on Open edX.

This isn’t just another panel; it’s a vital conversation about one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the widening skills gap. As technology advances at breakneck speed, the demand for new skills is outpacing the supply. This panel will delve into the latest research, including insights from the World Economic Forum, to understand the evolving landscape of the job market and what it means for learners and educators alike.

We’ll be exploring key questions that are top-of-mind for the Open edX community:

• How can we effectively identify and develop the in-demand skills of tomorrow?
• What strategies can we implement to ensure upskilling and reskilling pathways are accessible and equitable for all learners?
• How can we leverage the power of technology, including the Open edX platform, to personalize learning experiences and deliver targeted upskilling at scale?
• How do we foster a culture of lifelong learning that empowers individuals to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing world?

This powerhouse panel brings together leading voices from across education, industry, and international organizations. Moderated by Stephanie Khurana (CEO Axim Collaborative), we’re thrilled to feature Dr. Courtney Hills McBeth (Western Governors University), Dimitris Bertsimas (MIT), Ved Mani Tiwari (NSDC), and Borhene Chakroun (UNESCO). Their diverse perspectives will provide a rich and insightful discussion you won’t want to miss.

This is your opportunity to engage with thought leaders, share your own experiences, and contribute to shaping the future of skills development. We look forward to seeing you in Paris! Register here to secure your seat.

The post Bridging the Skills Gap: A Vital Conversation at the Open edX Conference 2025 appeared first on Open edX.

This year, we invite you to be a key player in this mission by sponsoring the annual Open edX Conference, co-hosted with EMOOCs 2025, from June 30th to July 4th at Télécom Paris. This premier event brings together thought leaders, educators, and innovators who are shaping the future of education technology.

Why Sponsor?

Amplify Your Social Impact

Partner with a nonprofit that is actively breaking down barriers to education. Create meaningful, lasting impact on global learning accessibility.

Showcase Your Brand

Gain high-profile visibility among key decision-makers, industry pioneers, and global education advocates. Our sponsorship tiers offer prime exhibition opportunities, allowing you to demonstrate your solutions to an engaged audience.

Connect with EdTech Leaders

Engage directly with hundreds of top educators, engineers, and policymakers, who are shaping the future of online learning. This is a unique chance to build valuable partnerships and contribute to groundbreaking discussions in EdTech.

Be Part of the Future of Education

We would be honored to have you join us as a sponsor and strategic partner in this global initiative. Our tiered sponsorship packages offer customized opportunities to align your brand with education transformation.

For more details or to discuss a tailored sponsorship opportunity, feel free to reach out. Let’s work together to expand access to learning for all!

Event Dates: June 30 – July 4, 2025
Location: Télécom Paris, France

Learn More About Sponsorship Opportunities or contact us at conference@openedx.org

The post Join Us in Transforming Education: Become a Sponsor of the Open edX Conference 2025 appeared first on Open edX.

The Open edX Project leverages open source technology to democratize education and power advances in learning. Its annual conference is a gathering of global EdTech leaders, Technologists, Government Representatives, and Educators who come together to teach and learn about innovative use cases for the Open edX LMS, including applications of emerging technologies, such as AI, to optimize personalized learning solutions and academic performance outcomes. 

Conference Schedule

The full Open edX Conference 2025 can be found on the Open edX conference website.

The conference is a four day event, beginning on Tuesday, July 1st and ending on Friday, July 4th. On Tuesday, July 1st, the conference will feature 90-min interactive workshops and tutorial sessions, covering a wide variety of topics, including product management, platform usage, methods for extending and operating the Open edX LMS, pedagogy and instructional design. These hands-on and interactive sessions are intended to ensure attendees’ full understanding of the topics presented. Additionally, two talks – covering global Open edX use cases, and MIT’s integration of Open edX’s LMS with Canvas – will be presented on Tuesday.

The Open edX Conference 2025 keynote speakers and 45-minute talk sessions will be featured on Wednesday and Thursday (July 2nd & 3rd). On Tuesday evening, we will also host a cocktail reception along with EMOOCs attendees, which will provide a great opportunity for unstructured networking, after a full day of insightful presentations. 

The last day of the conference, Friday, July 4th, will feature a Community Town Hall, Open edX Working Group meetings, and a final day celebration, which will allow for ample networking time. Open edX software developers will particularly enjoy the return of Open edX Office Hours with Axim Engineering team members.

Additionally, we will provide forums throughout the conference, in which attendees can propose topics they would like to discuss within informal roundtables and other conference attendees, with common interests, can gather around such roundtables for meaningful conversations. Such sessions are referred to as “Birds of a Feather” and you will find opportunities to engage in those throughout the event. 

We look forward to seeing you at the Open edX Conference 2025. Register today to secure your seat!

The post Open edX Conference 2025 – Schedule is Live! appeared first on Open edX.

Keynote Topic:
Professor Pratschke will explore the transformative potential of AI in digital education, lifelong learning, and workforce development. She will share her insights into how generative AI and platforms like the Open edX LMS can tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the future of education and work.

About Professor Mairéad Pratschke:
With 25 years of experience at the crossroads of digital technology and education, Professor Pratschke has earned a global reputation as a designer, researcher, consultant, and author. Originally from Ireland and raised in Canada, her career spans multiple countries including the USA, UK, Belgium, Spain, and more, covering sectors from lifelong learning to edtech start-ups.

She is the author of Generative AI and Education (Springer, 2024) and a thought leader on the future of work and learning, addressing how generative AI and other technological advancements are reshaping education. Professor Pratschke has delivered keynote talks across the globe, including Canada, the USA, the UK, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Singapore, among others.

Currently, she serves as:

• Chair in Digital Education at the University of Manchester
• Visiting Professor at Abertay University and the London School of Economics Data Science Institute
• Research Fellow at the U.S. National AI Institute for Adult Education and Online Learning (AI-ALOE)

She also contributes her expertise as a member of the AI-ALOE External Advisory Board, Ireland’s Digital Learning Institute’s Industry Advisory Council, and Portugal’s National Council on Pedagogical Innovation in Higher Education.

Join Us:
This is an unmissable opportunity to hear from a trailblazer shaping the future of education and AI. Mark your calendars for June 30th – July 4th, 2025, and be part of the conversation at the EMOOCS and Open edX Conference driving innovation in online learning.

Learn more about Professor Mairéad Pratschke:

• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Website

Register today to secure your spot!

The post Exciting Announcement: Keynote Speaker for the EMOOCS and Open edX Conference 2025 appeared first on Open edX.

Dr. Cabrera is the 12th president of the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the first native of Spain to serve as president of an American university. Since his arrival in the fall of 2019, Georgia Tech’s enrollment has grown to an all-time high, applications have broken Institute and state records, and the undergraduate program ranks among the four most-selective public universities in the U.S. Offering best-in-class graduation rates and career outcomes, coupled with lower tuition and fees than most other leading research universities, Georgia Tech is consistently recognized for offering one of the best returns on investment for students. Guided by the Institute’s mission to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition, Dr. Cabrera has led Georgia Tech’s efforts to bridge excellence and accessibility, ensuring a world-class education reaches as many people as possible. 

As one of the first universities to offer a fully online master’s degree in computer science, Georgia Tech is a pioneer in online education. The program is now the largest of its kind in the world. This groundbreaking initiative not only demonstrated Georgia Tech’s commitment to accessibility and innovation but also set the stage for other institutions to explore similar models of online learning. 

As a business educator, Cabrera played a key role in advancing professional ethics, internationalization, and corporate social responsibility. In 2007, while serving as a senior advisor to the United Nations Global Compact, he was the lead author of the “Principles for Responsible Management Education” (PRME). A United Nations–supported initiative that advances sustainable development through management education, PRME has been adopted by more than 800 schools around the world. He is also a co-founder of the University Global Coalition, a global network of universities working in partnership with the United Nations in support of its Sustainable Development Goals.

Join us for this exciting keynote session, where Dr. Cabrera will share his insights on the intersection of technology, education, and innovation and discuss how platforms like the Open edX LMS can help shape the future of higher education. 

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more updates as we look forward to welcoming Dr. Ángel Cabrera to the EMOOCS and Open edX Conference 2025, taking place between June 30th and July 4th, 2025. Register today to secure your seat!

The post Exciting Announcement: Keynote Speaker for the EMOOCS and Open edX Conference 2025 appeared first on Open edX.

Once the talk proposals are all gathered, how do we select the talks for the conference? Great question! We go through a review process using the Sessionize interface in a format called “Comparison Evaluation”, described here. Based on the Elo rating system,  this method has evaluators rank different sets of three sessions, and Sessionize calculates the highest-rated options based off of the evaluator’s ratings.

The evaluators are chosen from the pool of speakers from the previous conference – if you spoke at the 2024 conference, be on the lookout for an invitation to be an evaluator for your track for the 2025 conference! We also add in a selection of reviewers from Axim and working groups; for example, some members of the Marketing working group participate in the selection process for the “Case Studies” track. The criteria that evaluators follow can be found here: Instructions for Open edX con 2025 talk evaluation.

Once evaluation is finished, members of the conference committee take a look at the results of the evaluation and the final talk selection is made. Generally, the top rated talks are selected; however, there are occasions when a top-rated talk may not be selected. This could be when two top-rated talks cover the same topic (we have, in the past, asked these speakers to consider collaborating on a talk), or the same speaker is selected for multiple talks (in which case, for diversity of viewpoint, we may select a lower-rated talk to bring in more voices).

Finally, the selected talks are laid out in their talk tracks. We try to ensure that talks with a potentially similar audience don’t overlap (for example, a product talk and a developing talk that cover a similar area of the platform).

Please submit your talk proposal today, and we’ll see you at the 2025 Open edX Conference!

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