Promoting the Special Issue on Flexible Learning Design for Digital Education: A Call for Papers
In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need for adaptive and resilient teaching models. This is the context in which the FLeD Project (Flexible Learning Design for Digital Education) has emerged, aiming to respond to the dynamic needs of students in an increasingly digital and connected world. In alignment with the project’s goals, we are excited to announce a Call for Papers for a Special Issue dedicated to the theme “Designing Flexible Learning for Digital Education”.
This Special Issue seeks to gather research, practices, and theoretical perspectives on creating learning environments that respond dynamically to the diverse needs of students, integrating innovative digital tools, pedagogies, and strategies to foster adaptable, accessible, and resilient education systems.
Why Focus on Flexible Learning Design?
As the world adapts to the digital age, the flexible design of learning experiences has taken center stage in the transformation of education. The concept of flexible learning is not merely about using digital tools but about creating adaptable, inclusive, and personalized educational experiences. The increasing integration of online and face-to-face learning methods, known as hybrid and blended learning, has proven crucial in maintaining high educational standards while improving access and participation.
Flexible learning environments allow students to engage at their own pace, in ways that suit their individual learning styles and preferences, resulting in more innovative learning outcomes. This flexibility extends beyond content delivery to include assessment methods, engagement strategies, and technological tools, ensuring a holistic, student-centered approach to education.
What Does This Special Issue Cover?
In line with the goals of the FLeD Project, the Special Issue invites contributions that explore the design, implementation, and impacts of flexible learning models in digital education. Topics of interest include:
- Adaptive Learning Frameworks: Developing and implementing systems that improve personalized learning experiences.
- Open and Distance Learning: The evolution of flexible learning design and the future of open and distance education.
- Technological Innovations: Exploring cutting-edge tools and platforms that support flexible learning.
- Student Voice: Investigating how flexible teaching models impact student engagement, performance, and learning outcomes.
- Student Agency and Flexibility: Empowering students to shape their educational journeys in digital contexts.
- Digital Inclusion and Accessibility: Designing for inclusivity and accessibility through flexible learning models.
- Assessment and Feedback: Innovative approaches to assessing student outcomes in dynamic, flexible educational settings.
- Evaluating Effectiveness: Assessing the impact of flexible, digital education models across various educational contexts.
- Cross-Cultural Perspectives: Examining flexible learning practices in diverse global contexts.
- Designing for Uncertainty: Creating resilient learning environments that can withstand disruptions, as seen during the global shift to online learning.
- AI Challenges: Addressing the impact and challenges of artificial intelligence in flexible learning contexts.
Submissions and Process
We invite researchers, educators, and practitioners to submit original articles that contribute to the understanding and advancement of flexible learning design in the context of digital education. All submissions should follow the formatting and referencing guidelines provided by the Revista de Educação a Distância e eLearning (RE@D) here.
Important Dates:
- Proposal Submissions: Ongoing until July 20, 2025
- Notification to Authors: Within three months of submission
- Final Article Submission: December 15, 2025
The submitted articles will undergo a rigorous double-blind peer-review process to ensure quality and relevance to the theme.
Why Contribute?
This Special Issue provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the ongoing global conversation around flexible learning in digital education. The FLeD Project is committed to fostering innovative teaching practices and ensuring that educational systems can adapt to the evolving needs of both students and teachers in the digital age.
Guest Editors:
- Lina Morgado – Universidade Aberta (UAb), Portugal
- Ana Afonso – Universidade Aberta (UAb), Portugal
- Ingrid Noguera – Universidade Autónoma Barcelona (UAB), Spain
We invite you to join us in shaping the future of flexible learning and contributing to a critical dialogue that impacts education on a global scale.
For further information and submission details, visit the Revista de Educação a Distância e eLearning (RE@D) website. We look forward to receiving your submissions and ideas for this transformative edition!