EU[eComp]Int AT A GLANCE

The European eCompetence Initiative is a highly specialised, large size network (23 partners), which is looking at individual and organisational strategies for the integration of ICT in Higher Education. The partner institutions participate and share knowledge in four distinct project subtopics. A coordination team defines the activities and realises the project symposiums within the consortium network.

The activities and expected results of the European eCompetence Initiative address two target groups:

HE staff developers and actors in the field of e-learning who are directly involved in ICT-related education and training activities and are open to educational innovation
HE policy and decision makers who work on strategies for the sustainable integration of ICT-related staff qualifications into their core institutional business frameworks.

EU eLEARNING POLICY BACKGROUND

The European Commission has declared e-learning as a key element in the long term strategy of the eEurope Initiative, aiming "...to ensure that the European Union fully benefits from the opportunities offered by the Information Society Technologies." (1) Within the eLearning Action Plan, the DG EAC has identified the importance of "...training of European teachers and trainers," as well as the "...facilitation of cooperation and networking between actors". (2)

The eCompetence Initiative is a direct response to these two challenges. Whilst eCompetence has been referred to in a number of projects funded under the eLearning Action Plan, there has been, thus far, no substantial in-depth analysis or development of the theme on a European level for academic staff in Higher Education.

(1) EC, DG EAC 2003, eLearning, Better eLearning for Europe, page 3.

(2) DG EAC 2001 eLearning Action Plan COM 172 final, 28.03.2001, page 12.

Supported by the
European Commission