In the opening paper in this Special Edition I outlined the major issues that led to the establishment of "project e-scape". The project was intended to develop systems and approaches that enabled learners to build real-time web-based portfolios of their performance (initially) in design & technology and additionally to build systems…

In Australia, there has been a tendency to rely on quantitative indicators of university teaching quality. This has occurred partly because the indicators are perceived as objective and reliable and partly because they are relatively simple to gather and collate. A national project currently underway is based on the assumptions that teaching…

The American Association of Community Colleges' (AACC) Plus 50 Initiative (2008-2011), funded by The Atlantic Philanthropies, was created to build the capacity of community colleges nationwide to develop programming that engages the plus 50 learner. The Initiative supported a pilot group of 13 two-year institutions to develop or expand college…

Describes an experimental viewer participation program, using special networks of cable television systems across the United States and supplemented by coverage from interested public television stations, which allows television to be used by organizations that have traditionally been unable due to high cost to communicate to a widely scattered…

Describes mentoring as a support mechanism for trainees undertaking new in-service professional qualifications for the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (UK). Presents the selection procedure for mentors, the process of matching them with trainees, the regional network for induction training and support, and the documentation…

Norwegian participation in the JITOL (Just in Time Open Learning) professional training project provided experience with electronic networks and distribution of learning material. A national project, NITOL (Norwaynet with Information Technology for Open Learning), was established that applies JITOL to higher education. Four Norwegian universities…

The VETO-project is part of the National Strategy's goals for providing learning opportunities through the use of networks in vocational education in Finland. The National Board of Education, University of Tampere and Hame Polytechnic, Vocational Teacher Education College, and several vocational pilot institutes located at different regions in…

Based on a pilot project at Exeter University (Devon, England) a software audit, comparing number of copies of software installed with number of license agreements, is described. Discussion includes auditing budgets, workstation questionnaires, the scanner program which detects the hardware configuration and staff training, analysis and…

Canada has explored the use of satellites as a means to provide information and communications services to geographically isolated populations since 1962. Between 1972 and 1984, five series of satellites known as Anik A, B, C, and D and Hermes were launched. Each satellite provided expanded communications services, and each led to research and…

With the introduction of the Australian Satellite System (AUSSAT), a new era of communications will begin for all of Australia which will enhance existing distance education services by bringing more cost effective communications to a broad range of users. The improved capacity, reliability, and quality of communications will make possible the…

In January 2006 the Learning and Skills Development Agency (LSDA) launched its draft publication, "A Professional Development Framework for e-Learning" (ePD) for consultation with the post-16 education and training sector. In March 2006 the Learning and Skills Council funded the Learning and Skills Network (LSN) to run a pilot to…