Education, training and new technologies: eLearning initiative and action plan 2001-2004

Following the conclusions of the Lisbon European Council on the creation of a knowledge-based economy and the conclusions of the Stockholm European Council, which reaffirmed that improving basic skills is a priority, the Council held a debate on eLearning. In its resolution, it invited Member States to continue their efforts concerning the effective integration of information and communications technology (ICT) in education and training systems, as an important part of the adaptation of the system requested by the Lisbon European Council and by the Report on concrete future objectives of education systems. It made some recommendations on the initial and in-service training of teachers and the provision of ICT equipment, as well as on the communication potential of ICT to foster European awareness. The Council invited the Commission to have particular regard in its implementation of the eLearning Action Plan to the priorities expressed in the Report on the concrete future objectives of education and training systems such as exchange of good practice and experience between Member States. It also made some recommendations on the stimulation of European networking about products, services and resources. �