Feasibility Study on Distance Learning in a Wider Europe. (Interim Report 1990).

Overview & Synopsis

This report discusses the first phase of a feasibility study to determine the current status of distance education in Europe and to propose a coordinated international program of distance education for higher education and vocational training education. The first section presents the options agreed upon by the representatives of education ministries who had been consulted at a June 26, 1990 distance education meeting in Strasbourg. The second section analyzes some of the international activity in distance education in 1990, and discusses the Council of Europe's part in that activity. It is noted that the use of distance education technologies has caused several changes in teaching and educational strategies. These changes and a discussion of obstacles to distance education are included in section 3. The final section describes ways in which distance education may stabilize in the future, and ways to strengthen the link between distance education and social objectives through the development of information networks. Appended are the minutes of the June 26 meeting on the feasibility of a pan-European distance learning resource, and proposals for action in 1991, which include studies and reports, training of specialists, and topics for seminars. (DB)