To those for whom calendrical time serves as palpable milestones, a new year represents a fresh start and a new resolve to wipe the slate clean or set things right once again. Even if we do not make any formal resolutions at this time of the year, often despite ourselves if we care to admit it, we hope and yearn for improvements in ourselves, our circumstances, and the world at large. And it is in this spirit that OUM wishes all readers an indomitable new year. As new year food for thought, this issue of inspired serves as its main essays a take on, firstly, the place of technology in education and beyond; and, secondly, the importance of pastoral care particularly in open and distance learning contexts. Do email us your feedback if these reverberate at some level.

All the best