29/05/2008 Standing Committee
Stockholm, 29.05.2008 – European governments are being urged to expand the use of so-called “e-learning” tools and technologies in schools and universities to target new groups of students, for instance through distance learning, as well as to enhance classroom teaching by new interactive, collaborative and audiovisual/textual learning content.
A report for the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) approved today in Stockholm says “e-learning” tools – such as audio-visual teleconferencing and downloads, interactive teaching tools and online tutorials – are not yet being used to their full potential.
The report, prepared by German parliamentarian Axel Fischer, urges the setting-up of trans-national “e-learning” courses at European universities, the use of standardised technical infrastructure – including open-source software to improve inter-operability – and the training of teachers in the use of electronic teaching methods and equipment.
Such methods can bridge distances, reduce costs and open education to groups unable to take part in traditional classroom-based teaching, according to Mr Fischer. “E-studies can reach, for instance, employed part-times students as well as students living in remote areas, the countryside or abroad. People with disabilities, in hospitals or in prisons may also benefit.”
The report cites the “ground-breaking achievements” of regional educators in Germany who set up the TV-based “Telekolleg” in 1967, as well as the pioneering distance learning methods of the UK’s Open University and Germany’s FernUniversität – but says teaching has not kept pace with changing living and working environments and the penetration of new media in all areas of life.