FD2 - DistancE-Learning in Europe - Exchange of Experience and Knowledge Sharing

Natalie Deininger leads the Media and IT Competence for Training Personnel (MIKA) project at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB). The nationwide, cross-sectoral, and cross-learning-location MIKA training programs are designed for vocational education and training (VET) personnel and aim to strengthen their digital and media-pedagogical competencies for everyday training practice. The standardized training programs are delivered nationwide by nearly 150 specially trained instructors across 98 cooperating educational institutions, companies, and public authorities.

In addition to her work on the professional development of VET personnel, Natalie Deininger focuses on the sustainability and further development of the digital MIKA learning ecosystem. She is also pursuing a doctoral degree.

Brian Mulligan is a leading expert in learning technologies, with a career spanning three decades in shaping digital education in Ireland. As the founder of the Irish Learning Technology Association in 2002, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the field. At Atlantic Technological University, he spearheaded the development of online distance learning, driving innovation in accessible education. Now a consultant with Universal Learning Systems (ulsystems.com), Brian specialises in the strategic application of learning technologies to transform education and expand opportunities for learners worldwide.

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Dr. Sebastian Anselmann is a researcher, project staff, and higher education lecturer specialized in vocational education and training (VET), workplace learning, and the digital transformation of professional education systems. Currently, he serves as Research Associate at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), where he is part of the MIKA Team, working to standardize and promote media and IT competences among training personnel nationwide and across all industries.

His academic work combines empirical educational research with practical implementation. He focuses on how complex learning environments can be designed to strengthen professional competence, cooperation between learning venues, and sustainable innovation in vocational training.

Passionate about developing people John has experience of working as Managing Director for global companies as well as the non profit sector. He is the co founder of Elearn a UK blended learning training company specialising in Leadership, Management and Coaching.

Currently working on a number of coaching assignments and senior level leadership development programmes John specialises in blended and distance learning approaches using a mix of media.

He is President of the European Association for Distance Learning and has research interests in using technology to innovate and support learning.

Oliver Nahm leads the project “Learning Analytics – Distance Learning” at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), which aims to assess the importance of Learning Analytics for vocational distance learning courses, as well as further its implementation.

He has worked as a teacher and trainer for many years, designing and teaching courses both on- and offline. His focus is on a holistic and flexible approach to education, utilizing data, while keeping the focus on the human element.

Ellen Gunning created Irish Academy of Public Relations in 1992. The college provides internationally recognised online professional diploma courses, modular self-learning CPD courses and corporate training in communications disciplines. Ellen is author of three books, including the global third-level core text “Public Relations – A Practical Approach”. She specialises in Crisis PR training and consultancy. Her other business, Mettacomms, is an AI powered platform offering sight of future trends in multiple disciplines. A member of the board of EADL, the European Association for Distance Learning, Ellen’s panel contribution spans both communications and future-vision inputs.