In June 2012, Mr. Ishan Abeywardena from Wawasan Open University (WOU) was invited to STOU to deliver a special guest lecture on his award-winning research on tracking ODL course development. Based on the WOU tracking system which was the center of Ishan’s research, STOU has since developed its own course development tracking system, which is currently being tested for implementation.

Soon after Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chailerd Pichitpornchai was appointed President of STOU in early 2013, he extended an invitation to WOU to again share their research. Coinciding with his attendance as a presenter at the 57th World Assembly of the International Council on Education for Teaching, Ishan delivered two lectures to STOU faculty members and staff from the Office of Computer Services and other student support staff. These took place from 24 to 27 June 2013.