November 9, 2016

When we talk about online education, the name Tony Bates often pops into the conversation.  And with good reason – as we will all appreciate when he joins us at Drexel for a lively presentation in November. 

Considered by many to be one of the “founding fathers” of virtual learning as we know it today, Bates has been a major force in shaping its direction – as a faculty member, university administrator and research team leader; prolific writer, in-demand conference speaker and expert consultant.

Having earned a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of London, Bates launched his higher education career in 1969, as a founding staff member of the newly created Open University in the United Kingdom.  He spent the next 20 years there, exploring the many ways that the electronic media of the day (radio and television) could be used to support effective learning.  At the same time, he began publishing books and academic papers on the subject. 

Bates then moved to Canada, and five years later became Director of Distance Education and Technology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), at a time when online learning was little more than just a concept.  But it was a concept he readily embraced, designing, developing and teaching UBC’s first online courses and fully online degree programs, while authoring five more books on technology-enhanced and open education. 

In 2003, Bates took mandatory retirement from UBC and set up his own consulting firm, using his expertise and experience to advise others in all aspects of online and blended learning.  Since then, he has served more than 50 universities and colleges, along with various government agencies worldwide, while participating on international panels and working with such global organizations as the World Bank, UNESCO, and OECD. 

What’s more, he has added a number of new publications to his long and impressive list, including his latest – an open online textbook entitled Teaching in a Digital Age:  Guidelines for Teaching and Learning.