Education and training systems: eLearning programme 2004-2006 for integration of information technologies

PURPOSE : to set up the eLearning Programme. LEGISLATIVE ACT : Decision 2318/2003/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council 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). CONTENT : this Decision establishes the eLearning Programme, a multiannual programme for the improvement of the quality and accessibility of European education and training systems through the effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT). The programme will be implemented over a period starting on 1 January 2004 and ending on 31 December 2006. The overall objective of the programme is to develop further the effective use of ICT in European education and training systems, as a contribution to a quality education and an essential element of their adaptation to the needs of the knowledge society in a lifelong learning context. The specific objectives of the programme are: - to identify the actors concerned and inform them of ways and means of using e-learning for promoting digital literacy and thereby contribute to strengthening social cohesion and personal development and fostering intercultural dialogue; - to exploit the potential of e-learning for enhancing the European dimension in education; - to provide mechanisms for supporting development of European quality products and services, and for exchange and transfer of good practice; - to exploit the potential of e-learning in the context of innovation in teaching methods with a view to improving the quality of the learning process and fostering the autonomy of learners. The objectives of the programme will be pursued in the following areas of intervention, in accordance with the action lines described in the Annex: - Promoting digital literacy: actions in this area will address the contribution of ICT in school and more broadly in a lifelong learning context, in particular for those who, owing to their geographical location, social situation or special needs, do not have easy access to those technologies. The objective is to identify good examples and build synergies between the many national and European activities, which address these target groups. Around 10 % of total budget is available for this. -European virtual campuses: actions in this area will pursue a better integration of the virtual dimension in higher education. The objective is to encourage the development of new organisational models for providing higher education in Europe (virtual campuses) and for European exchange and sharing schemes (virtual mobility), building on existing European cooperation frameworks (Erasmus programme, Bologna process), and providing an "e-learning dimension" to their operational tools (European credit transfer system (ECTS), European Masters, quality assurance, mobility). Around 30 % of total budget is available for this. - E-twinning of schools in Europe and promotion of teachers' training: actions in this area will support and further develop networking in schools, to make it possible for all schools in Europe to build pedagogical partnerships with schools elsewherein Europe, to promote innovative cooperation methods and transfer quality educational approaches and reinforce language learning and intercultural dialogue; actions in this area will also address the updating of teachers' and trainers' professional skills in the pedagogical and collaborative use of ICT through an exchange and dissemination of good practices and the setting up of transnational and multidisciplinary cooperation projects. Around 45% of the total budget is available for this action. - Transversal actions: actions in this area will address the promotion of e-learning in Europe, building on the monitoring of the eLearning Action Plan. The objectives are the dissemination, promotion and transfer of good and innovative practices and results from the projects and programmes and to reinforce cooperation between the various actors involved, in particular by fostering public-private partnerships. A maximum 7.5 % of total budget will be spent. Furthermore, a maximum 7.5 % of total budget is available for technical and administrative assistance. The financial framework for the entire period is EUR 44 million. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 20/01/04.�