con.openedx.orgGet Ready for Open edX 2024!

Registration Keynotes Schedule Travel FAQs Sponsors Open edX Conference July 2–5, 2024 Hosted by Register Now Breaking Boundaries, Building Bridges: accessible, effective, and relevant online learning July 2 – 5, 2024 • Stellenbosch, South Africa Join us, along with global EdTech leaders, from Tuesday, July 2nd to Friday, July 5th, 2024 at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. Learn about innovative uses of the Open edX Platform, within a variety of business and higher education use cases, and discover the latest advancements in instructional design, course constellation and methods for operating and extending the Open edX platform. The conference will be on the campus of the Stellenbosch University in Stellenbosch Central. Registration Registration for the 2024 Open edX Conference is open! Tickets range between $199 – $649. Questions? Contact us at [email protected] If you require financial assistance to attend this event, please submit your inquiry to [email protected] . Register Now Propose a Talk Meet our Keynote Speakers Hatim Eltayeb Hatim, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Leadership Academy, has been instrumental in nurturing Africa’s future leaders through his stewardship of the Academy’s mission. From overseeing the Diploma Program to representing ALA’s work globally, his leadership has been pivotal in shaping the next generation of African leaders. He first joined the African Leadership Academy in 2009 as a Teaching Fellow in the African Studies Department. There he was recognized as an exemplary teacher being named the ALA Teacher of the Year” in 2011. In 2012, Hatim founded Symposium, a school services and consulting company. Symposium’s supported hundreds of students at 15 leading schools in Cairo, Egypt. In 2016 Hatim returned to ALA as the Dean of the Academy and became the Academy’s Chief Executive Officer in 2022. Professor Jonathan Jansen Professor Jansen is a distinguished professor of education at Stellenbosch University, and president of the Academy of Science of South Africa. He is a luminary in the field of education, with over 30 books to his name, including the acclaimed Leading for Change (Routledge, 2016), As by fire : The end of the South African university (Tafelberg, 2017), Song for Sarah: Lessons from My Mother (Bookstorm, 2017), and The Decolonization of Knowledge (Cambridge, 2022). His insights into race, leadership, and personal growth as well as his tireless advocacy for tolerance and human rights has earned him accolades including a Lifetime Achiever Award for Africa at the Education Africa Global Awards in New York, and the University of California’s Spendlove Award for his contribution to tolerance, democracy, and human rights. Schedule Be sure to check out our new Founder’s Lounge session on Friday! Travel Guidelines Travel to South Africa for foreign nationals may require a visitor visa. There are specific visas for purposes of entering South Africa. Please follow these instructions to determine whether or not you require a visa and contact the local South African embassy for any questions you may have. If you require a conference invitation letter, please contact the Open edX Community Manager, Eden Huthmacher at [email protected] . Accommodation & Experiences Conference Accommodation Stellenbosch has a variety of accommodation to suit both your comfort and budget. For budget friendly accommodation click here , and for more premium options click here . Use the code OPEN2024 to access the booking platform. Airbnb , Booking.com and Lekkeslaap also offer a variety of accommodation options. Local Experiences Welcome to Stellenbosch, a place where the vibrant pulse of student life intertwines with the rich tapestry of history and culture that this town is renowned for. Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest town and most inspiring wine, food, art and cultural destination. The scenic Stellenbosch Wine Route is the oldest in South Africa and one of the most popular destinations for local and international visitors alike. As part of the Open edX pre and post tours and experiences you can look forward to cellar door experiences, award-winning wine estates, celebrated restaurants and Stellenbosch’s unique and enviable lifestyle. Stellenbosch is an ideal getaway year-round. The historic town center is a living museum with a vibrant street culture. Expect friendly locals, a host of lively events (from art, music and history to outdoor pursuits) and natural scenery to rival even our finest grape. Kindly note that prices are subject to change and should be confirmed with the operator at the time of booking. Other Experiences Explorersafari.com offers a variety of overland tours and experiences that are perfect for travelers seeking adventure and exploration. Their tours cover a range of destinations, from the iconic Serengeti in Tanzania to the rugged landscapes of Namibia. Explorersafari.com’s overland tours are designed to provide a unique and immersive experience, with opportunities to engage with local communities and witness stunning wildlife in their natural habitats. They offer a range of accommodation options, including camping under the stars, lodges, and even treehouses. Additionally, their experienced guides provide informative and entertaining commentary, ensuring that travelers gain a deeper understanding of the regions they explore. Explorersafari.com’s overland tours and experiences are perfect for those seeking a more authentic and adventurous way to discover the beauty of Africa. To book your overland experiences, please click here To view or book overland tours, click here or email: [email protected] Lauren is an experienced overland tours consultant and will gladly assist with any questions you might have. Frequently Asked Questions Which city is hosting the 2024 conference? The conference is taking place in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Stellenbosch is located in the Western Cape Province in the southwestern part of South Africa. South Africa has 9 beautiful provinces. Cape Town is the provincial capital and also the legislative capital of South Africa. Where is the conference located in Stellenbosch? The conference will be hosted at Stellenbosch University across two buildings – The Van Der Sterr and CGW Schumann Buildings, both located in Bosman Street, Stellenbosch . Will meals be provided during the conference? Meals and refreshments will be provided as per the final program. What languages are spoken in Stellenbosch? South Africa has 12 official languages. English, Xhosa and Afrikaans are widely spoken in Stellenbosch. Here some of the most common South African slang words to learn before your trip: Eish: This is a Khoi San term and is used to express shock or surprise. Haiybo: This is a Zulu word that means definitely not. Howzit: A common greeting that’s used instead of hi, how are you. Lekker: This is an Afrikaans word and means awesome, great, or good. Now Now: This either means right now or as soon as possible. Robot: South Africans call stoplights robots. Shame: It’s not slang, but you’ll hear this word used when South Africans think something is really cute or if they are being sympathetic. Zebra Crossing: A zebra crossing is the local term for pedestrian crossing. Do I need a visa for South Africa? Click here for everything you need to know about South Africa’s entry requirements. Please note that visa applications can take up to 3 months, depending on the local consulate/embassy in your region. To locate your nearest embassy or consulate, please visit the Official Department of Home Affairs website . Should you require a visa invitation letter for your visa application, please email the Conference Hub at [email protected] . Please note that invitation letters for visas can only be processed once registration fees are settled in full. Can I rent a car in Cape Town or South Africa? Most major car rental agencies are based at Cape Town...