Focal Themes of EURODL

Implementing distance and e-learning in traditional contexts

• The influence of various concepts and methodologies of education and training
• Developing and implementing institutional strategies
• Searching for best practice in support of professionalisation
• Coping with resistance in existing "cultures" (research - teaching - management)
• Learning process design, teaching methodologies
• Learner support, student-teacher interactions
• Teacher and tutor training
• Collaborative learning issues

New technologies and new learning: concepts and models

• Developing and designing new models of production and delivery in ODL and e-learning
• Multimedia approaches, virtual education and virtual mobility issues
• E-Learning environments and platforms
• Informal arenas of learning - learning opportunities in daily life and the workplace

Quality, evaluation and accreditation challenges

• Quality assurance, quality management systems and frameworks in distance and e-learning
• Evaluation and benchmarking methods and procedures
• Standardisation issues
• Assessment and accreditation of courses and institutions

The European dimension and cultural factors in ODL

• The influence of political, institutional and cultural traditions influencing ODL
• Open, distance and e-learning in international contexts: motivation, interests and experience in the educational world
• Values in European approaches to distance and e-learning in a global context
• Impact and achievements of EU initiatives in the fields of distance and e-learning

Distance and e-learning policy and development

• Modernisation of education in policy - Evolution of the discourse about ODL and e-learning from historical perspectives
• The state of art of the technology-methodology development; consolidating the distance and e-learning practice for the new knowledge societies
• The role of internationalisation in the consolidation, standardisation and professionalisation of the European ODL and e-learning
• The role of e-learning and distance education in the modernisation process of economies, societies and education systems

Management and Organisational Development

• Logistic and organisational challenges
• Leadership and organisational change in distance and e-learning contexts
• Management styles for distance and e-learning organisational development
• Economic models for distance and e-learning activities