New e-learning web portal combines social interaction and learning, says Commissioner Reding
Modern e-learning solutions must recognise the importance of learning as a social process and offer possibilities for collaboration and interaction, said European Commissioner for Education and Culture, Viviane Reding as she launched an e-learning web portal on 4 February. The new web portal is aimed at a wide audience and aims to improve the dissemination of best practices of new communication technologies in education. Speaking at the International LEARNTEC Education Forum in Karlsruhe Germany, Commissioner Reding said that learner centric initiatives such as the e-learning web portal will help 'achieve the objective agreed by the Heads of State and Government in Lisbon two years ago, which was to give the European Union a leading role in the knowledge-based economy [in the world by 2010].' The web portal offers a wealth of helpful items such as: the latest e-learning events taking place in Europe, together with a glossary of terms used in this area; a directory of information about European and national policies that promote e-learning and a forum which helps people interested in e-learning issues in Europe to actively participate in the debate. The portal currently features a description of a project involving the use of communication technologies to support the rehabilitation of prisoners and give them healthcare advice. A search facility is also available where users can read about other ongoing e-learning projects and contact the people involved. Finally, Ms Reding reiterated her hopes that such an initiative would 'act as a virtual meeting place' and help 'improve the exchange of information and the sharing of knowledge.'