Commission launches e-learning Web site

Commission launches e-learning Web site

The European Commission has launched a Web site on e-learning.

The site provides information on EU initiatives in the field, such as the e-learning programme (2004-2006) that is currently being adopted. The site also links with national initiatives, both public and private, and includes contributions from experts on subjects ranging from e-literacy to the situation with regard to e-learning in the countries that have applied for EU membership. There is a glossary of terms used in e-learning.

Viviane Reding, European Commissioner Responsible for Education and Training,speaking at the launch of the site, said: "E-learning, which involves using communication technologies for educational purposes, is an important component of the knowledge-based economy. In order to achieve the objective agreed by the heads of state and government in Lisbon two years ago, which was to give the EU a leading role in the knowledge-based economy, major efforts are needed in the field of education and particularly in e-learning."

The site can be found at http://www.elearningeuropa.info/

Meanwhile, the European Council has approved the headings against which progress in the implementation of the e-Europe action plan will be judged in 2005.

They are: e-learning; people's access to, and use of, the Internet;companies' access to, and use of, information and communication technology; the costs of Internet access; online administration; e-health; electronic commerce;preparation for e-business; Internet users' experience and their information-security habits; and broadband penetration.