eLearning Programme

a programme for the effective integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education and training systems in Europe (2004 – 2006)

See below for the complete text of the decision adopting the programme.

A European eLearning programme

Information and communication technologies (ICT), properly used, contribute to the quality of education and training and to Europe’s move to a knowledge-based society.

The European Commission has been very active in supporting and complementing the efforts of EU Member States in this field. Through the eLearning Initiative and Action Plan, it has gained considerable experience in encouraging co-operation, networking and exchange of good practice at a European level.

The eLearning programme is a further step towards realising the vision of technology serving lifelong learning. It focuses on a set of actions in high priority areas, chosen for their strategic relevance to the modernisation of Europe’s education and training systems.

The four action lines of the eLearning programme are:

Promoting digital literacy

This will encourage the acquisition of new skills and knowledge that we all need for personal and professional development and for active participation in an information-driven society. It will also address ICT’s contribution to learning, especially for those who, due to their geographical location, socio-economic situation or special needs, do not have easy access to traditional education and training.

European virtual campuses

The priority here is to add a virtual dimension to European co-operation in higher education by encouraging the development of new organisational models for European universities (virtual campuses) and for European exchange and sharing schemes (virtual mobility). This action line will build on existing co-operation frameworks such as the Erasmus programme, giving them an e-learning component.

e-Twinning of schools in Europe and promotion of teacher training

The objective here is to strengthen and develop networking among schools. All young Europeans, during their time at secondary school, should have the opportunity to participate, together with their teachers, in an educational project with their counterparts in other European countries. This experience could prove to be decisive in fostering a European dimension in education and awareness among young people of the European model of a multilingual and multicultural society. Internet-based learning communities will contribute to improving intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

The e-Twinning of schools will also help update teachers' and trainers' professional skills in the pedagogical and collaborative use of ICT. More details about eTwinning under http://www.etwinning.net.

Transversal actions for the promotion of e-learning in Europe

Building on the eLearning Action Plan, these actions aim to promote best practice, products and services stemming from the many projects and programmes that have been funded at European or Member State level and strengthen co-operation between all those involved.

Particular emphasis will be placed on disseminating the results of e-learning projects and other relevant information, on the support to European networks, specific surveys, studies and events and on co-operation with existing international projects such as those of the OECD and UNESCO.

The European eLearning portal http://elearningeuropa.info will continue to provide the support structure and act as a hub for promotion and exchange of best practice.

Contacts

Learn more about the use of ICT for learning by visiting the eLearning portal: http://elearningeuropa.info

Complete text of the decision

Decision No 2318/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 December 2003 adopting a multiannual programme (2004 to 2006) for the effective integration of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education and training systems in Europe (eLearning Programme)