Therefore, e-Learning as an offshoot of Distance Education aims at providing unequivocal quality education to students who are unable to avail traditional education. The evolution of e-Learning throughout the world has been phenomenal, particularly during the last two decades.

With reference to e-Learning in Pakistan, Virtual University of Pakistan (VUP) holds a leadership position, being the pioneer of technology-based education with the objective of providing quality distance education to all. The University has not only introduced a new trend in education but also opened new avenues both for educators and learners. The course material has been made freely available through broadcast television, DVDs and YouTube, which is extensively used by students and faculty members alike from other universities, both formally and informally.

To keep pace with the ever-changing trends in ICT, VUP has always realized the need of a platform where innovative developments in e-Learning can be exchanged and discussed by all stakeholders. e-Learning and Distance Education Conference (ELDEC) is the practical realization of this need. VUP has already organized three Conferences in this regard and plans to host the fourth e-Learning and Distance Education Conference (4th ELDEC) with the theme "e-Learning and Distance Education: Envisioning the Future: Rethinking, Reshaping, Redesigning Education ".

The Conference will provide a useful forum for participants to share their experiences under this theme and will provide opportunities for networking that may lead to extended collaboration in Distance Education and e-Learning among individuals and institutions.