Brussels, 02/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - In response to calls from the European Councils in Lisbon, Stockholm and Barcelona to integrate new information and communication technologies (NICT) better into education and training (e-learning), the European Commission proposed on 19 December to launch an e-learning programme and would like to allocate a budget of EUR 36 million in 2004-2006. The programme, proposed by Viviane Reding, will fund a virtual structure (of the "European Internet portal on e-learning" type) for information, cooperation and the exchange of good practice make provision for the EU to take part in international projects conducted by institutions such as UNESCO or the OECD. The more detailed aims are:
To combat digital illiteracy, by supporting, through research and analysis projects, the development of digital literacy training methods, especially for European citizens who have problems with access to traditional education and training. The research work will be backed up by support for innovatory projects developing, for example, educational tools and materials for young people. It will also encourage the exchange of good practice and cooperation projects.
To promote virtual campuses by supporting agreements between universities in order to add a virtual dimension to the "Bologna process". The e-learning programme will help to create some joint virtual university campuses in at least three Member States by developing joint online courses accompanied by offers of virtual mobility for students and hence a "real/virtual" mix of curricula.
To twin schools through the Internet by creating a support network for virtual twinning of schools, made up of teachers who have experience in this area and provide advice and pedagogical support. It will also help to set up an Internet platform for information, contact and exchange of good practice which will support or streamline virtual twinning operations.