Foreword to the Proceedings
Dr. J. Ana Donaldson
IT is an honor to write the foreword to the Proceedings from the first ADECT (Association for Digital Education and Communications Technology) Conference. The conference was held at the Brookville Hotel & Suites Conference Centre, Abuja FCT, Nigeria on 5/22/2019 through 5/24/2019.
The conference theme: “The Future of Teaching. Learning and Educational Communications Technology in the 21st Century: Issues, Challenges and Prospects, is represented by these selected research papers from the event.
The stated purpose and goal of this symposium was to serve as a scholarly collaborative forum, designed to draw the best minds together for an intensive intellectual exchange of ideas/information on research, teaching and learning development, and applications of all topics related to integration of educational communications technology in all disciplines with an emphasis on research and best practices in Nigeria.
For me, the highlight of the conference was the signing of the affiliate agreement with AECT, the Association of Educational Communications and Technology. The keynote speakers included: Prof. Frederick Amunabo Okwo, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Dr. Tutaleni. I. Asino from Oklahoma State; and myself (Dr. Ana Donaldson, Past AECT President.) Dr. Rob Branch and Dr. Trey Martindale of AECT were also invited but were unable to attend.
There were over 60 abstracts and/or full research papers submitted. The research papers that I reviewed were of high quality from professors, lecturers, and doctoral students. The very best of the submissions were selected to be included in this Proceedings. A special appreciation goes to Dr. Tutaleni who was able to negotiate an agreement with his university, Oklahoma State – USA, to publish all submissions as Open Educational Resources (OERs) through the university system.
A special thanks also needs to be given to the reigning queen of ADECT, Dr. Felicia Mormah. This conference was conceived and supported through the tireless efforts of Dr. Mormah. The newly formed organization now has over 60 members who are committed to the integration of technology into nation-wide educational efforts. Of special note is that through our time together, Dr. Mormah kept stressing the advantages of being AECT international electronic members.
My time in Nigeria was filled with many special memories. The hospitality, level of scholarship, and potential for continued growth and friendship were a delight that I treasure. This Proceedings represents the documentation of a great conference and I believe the beginning of a valuable relationship between the two organizations.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. J. Ana Donaldson
Past AECT President
