In this area we intend to present an overview of the most relevant recent information and findings in the fields of e-learning, both at European and national level (of the project participating countries). Through its informational content (in the concrete form of the good practices in e-learning at European level, articles and studies, presentation of new technologies in the field, etc.) the WBT have the possibility of continually updating their knowledge and enriching their experience. The E-Learning in Europe area is divided into five topics: EU Politics and Initiatives, EU Projects, Studies, Trends of E-Learning, and Good Practices.

The decision of the European Parliament and of the Council (http://www.elearningeuropa.info/) established the eLearning Programme,

“for the improvement of the quality and accessibility of European education and training systems through the effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT). The overall objective of the programme is to support and develop further the effective use of ICT in European education and training systems, as a contribution to a quality education and an essential element of their adaptation to the needs of the knowledge society in a lifelong learning context”.

The eLearning initiative of the European Commission seeks to mobilise the educational and cultural communities, as well as the economic and social players in Europe, in order to speed up changes in the education and training systems for Europe's move to a knowledge-based society.

At the Lisbon European Council on 23 and 24 March 2000, the Heads of State and Government set the Union the objective of becoming "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-driven economy in the world". Europe which, enjoys one of the highest levels of education, and has the necessary investment capacity, still lags far behind in the use of the new information and communication technologies. eLearning is designed to enable Europe to catch up by intensifying its efforts. It implements and extends into education and training the eEurope action plan, including in particular the guidelines for employment.

Web-based learning as part of e-learning is widely spread across Europe in a great number of institutions providing both school and university education. Web-based learning facilitates, supports, consolidates and even replaces traditional classroom activities. It also creates a new educational environment compatible with the new challenges of modern technology. Its advantages lie mainly with the following parameters:

• Hypermedia environment: The Web delivers all types of information: text, graphics, and to a lesser extent video and audio. It supports browsing and skimming: the learner does not need to follow the presented material sequentially from beginning to end, but can diverge at any time by clicking and following different routes.  

• Open: The Web is based on commonly-accepted protocols and technical standards, so that any material can be accessed throughout the world on all kinds of computers. One learner may retrieve exactly the same information as any one else.

• Flexible: Web based learning opens up new opportunities for shift workers, like nurses, police officers, truck drivers and all individuals who work day time hours, but whose schedules are hectic. Students can study from their own homes, visit community college computer labs or work from a classroom with a teacher up front.

• Distributed: No single computer could hold all the material available on the Web and there is no central point of control. Teachers have to give up their dominant role of keeping everything under their own control and students will have to adjust their thinking of taking a more active part in their own learning.

• Dynamic: The Web is changing all the time: sites are so easy to customize, that they can be changed as there is need for.  

• Interactive: Constructive learning environments can be created in which students actively collaborate with tutors and peers in shaping their own on-line environment. This will maintain students' interest and can keep them active.

• Archival: Permanent records of Web course materials (lecture notes, mailing, assignments, group work, study results, etc.) are stored for further use in classes, for research and evaluation.