Open to Learn: Volume 2 of TRIBUNE Collection Now available, "Open To Learn" has been produced by the organizations participating in the TRIBUNE project for the dissemination of information in the framework of the Community programme of RTD in telematic systems in areas of general interest, Area 4: Flexible and distance l... Now available, "Open To Learn" has been produced by the organizations participating in the TRIBUNE project for the dissemination of information in the framework of the Community programme of RTD in telematic systems in areas of general interest, Area 4: Flexible and distance learning (DELTA). The application of information and communication technology in the domain of education and training continues to open perspectives, especially in Europe, which stimulate the expectations of professionals, political leaders, and all users of educational systems. Research and experiments, some implemented on a large scale, have been carried out for more than ten years. In many cases, the results of these initiatives have already born fruit, and several questions in this sector of sociological and technological innovation have found answers which have been validated by experience. Through its publications, the TRIBUNE project collects, analyzes and informs on the progress of educational technologies in Europe. It seeks to identify and put into context the questions which remain unanswered and the research areas of greatest potential. This second volume of the TRIBUNE collection gathers into one publication twelve case studies and a number of interviews with experts who put forward their personal view on three important questions: The training of employees in large companies; the organization of distance learning in open universities; and, the principles of running resource centres. The case studies have been selected, firstly, to best demonstrate the variety of contexts and solutions which characterize the field of training technologies in Europe today. Secondly, they have been chosen in order that each of them (including an analysis of its success and difficulties) may be a source of teaching on the effective solutions to real training needs. The work is directed to researchers, practitioners, and technology professionals as well as training professionals. "Open to learn" includes sections on: From training needs to knowledge representation; when enterprises play the training role; the university concept revisited; collaborative partnership; organizing individual access to training; distance learning as a solution to non-educational problems. Earlier chapters cover case studies from large companies and universities. The second section of the work gathers material from very segmented or scattered organizations. This division between two different contexts permits a better understanding of "flexibility", a major strategic issue in training technology. It is of prime interest to observe whether (and under what conditions) the same technical tools can be used in training in the two contexts.
