The Open University of Portugal (UAb) presented an updated version of its Pedagogical Model, reflecting technological and educational developments. The revised model emphasises the integration of Artificial Intelligence and reinforces student-centred, flexible and inclusive learning principles. This update strenghtens UAb’s pedagogical identity and enhances its response to a diverse academic community within a context of ongoing digital transformation.
One of the changes introduced is the adoption of the designation Pedagogical Model of the Open University, replacing the former Virtual Pedagogical Model®. This change reflects the consolidation of Distance and Digital Education and places greater emphasis on the pedagogical dimension.
The core principles remain — student-centred learning, flexibility, inclusion, accessibility and interactivity — while new guidelines are introduced.
The main lines of development include:
- the integration of Artificial Intelligence into teaching, learning and assessment processes;
- the strengthening of active learning methodologies;
- the enhancement of competence-based learning;
- the promotion of self-regulation and the personalisation of learning pathways;
- the restructuring of assessment models, with a stronger emphasis on continuous assessment;
- the introduction of new digital tools, such as Caderno Aberto and LIA (Intelligent Learning Link);
- the enhancement of the usability and accessibility of digital learning environments.
Four areas of competence to be developed in students are also defined: critical thinking, creativity and innovation, collaboration, and communication.
With this update, the Open University strengthens its pedagogical identity and its response to a diverse audience, within a context of digital transformation.
