DEFINING ECOMPETENCE

What is eCompetence?

The definition of eCompetence used in this project covers a number of different aspects spanned in Higher Education organisations, both on an individual and institutional levels.

In the context of Higher Education, we define eCompetence as the integration of

pedagogical concepts and
institutional frameworks

into the process of technological innovation in teaching and learning.

eCompetence will be one of the key, decisive factors in the full exploitation of the potential of new media. Further, sustainable diffusion of e-learning will be dependent on the competencies and the commitment of all those involved in Higher Education.

INDIVIDUAL AND INSTITUTIONAL eCOMPETENCE

There is a distinction between personal and institutional eCompetence. Both, however, describe the capacity to successfully use e-Learning technologies in routine educational practice.

For example,

the personal eCompetence of an individual teacher describes their ability and confidence at using ICT in their teaching and course delivery
for an institution, it would describe the structures, processes and policies in place that embed ICT use.

THE CURRENT SITUATION IN eLEARNING

Frequently, e-learning implementations in universities do not fit well with existing institutional cultures, values, structures and pedagogy. Key issues that must be addressed in order to ensure effective use of ICT in European Higher Education include:

the shift in emphasis from teaching to learning,
the changing role of teachers,
pedagogical approaches,
the complex interactions between various specialists and departments,
quality assurance and
organisational change.

Therefore, the issue of staff development and qualification in e-learning must be embedded in wider strategies for institutional innovation.

Supported by the
European Commission