The Fully Online Distance Education Symposium (FODES) is a virtual symposium hosted annually by Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES), the directorate responsible for the UPOnline offering.

The symposium brings together academics, learning designers, instructional designers, e-learning specialists, and others who design, develop and facilitate Fully Online Distance Education modules or short courses.

It is an exclusive networking opportunity for like-minded individuals to share, contribute and reflect on theory and practice. It focuses on the innovative use of e-learning tools, pedagogical approaches, online facilitation, student experience, retention and attrition rates, design, and development in the online environment.

If you are involved in any form of Fully Online Distance Education, this is the right event to enhance your knowledge from the comfort of your desk.

📌Save the date for the 2026 FODES Symposium, taking place on 22–23 October 2026. More details will be shared closer to the event.

In the meantime, the call for abstracts and registration is now open — submit your abstract or register to attend here.