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

The purpose of this Action Plan, which covers the period 2001-2004, is to present ways and means of implementing the eLearning initiative. The intention is to involve education and training players, as well as the relevant social, industrial and economic players, in order to make lifelong learning the driving force behind a cohesive and inclusive society, within a competitive economy. It will help promote the employability and adaptability objectives under the European Employment Strategy, rectifying the shortage of skills associated with new technologies, and improve social inclusion. First of all the proposed Action Plan explains how eLearning fits into the context of eEurope, identifies the areas in which it will contribute, and mentions the programmes and instruments that will enable EU Member States and other European countries participating in these programmes to act. It is not a question of new budgetary resources, but rather of the coordinated and coherent use of those which exist already. In this light, the Commission has taken a look at the resources available at Community level and is proposing a method of action designed to provide back-up and encouragement for initiatives at regional and Member State level. Secondly, the Action Plan sets out concerted key measures for each of its lines of action (infrastructure, training, services and content, cooperation). Finally, a useful practical guide to the services and instrument involved completes this document.�