NETCAMPUS

Project: Improving Open and Distance Learning in a Network

Duration: 1 September 2000 - 31 December 2002

Coordinator: EuroPACE ivzw

Partners: AVNet - K.U.Leuven (BE), University of Twente (NL), Aalborg Universitet (DK), Helsinki University of Technology (FI), Warsaw University of Technology (PL), Universitatea "Politehnica" Bucuresti (RO), Universitatea Tehnica din Cluj-Napoca (RO), College of Surveying and Land Management - University of West Hungary (HU), Technical University of Kosice - Elfa, Ltd. (SL), Slovenian Institute for Adult Education (SL), Consorzio NET.T.UN.O (IT), University of Bologna - CITAM (IT)

The role of EuroPACE
EuroPACE was coordinator of this project.

Summary
The main aim of the NetCampus project was to improve understanding of the potential benefits of networking between universities through ICT and the critical factors for a successful implementation. The project wanted to develop solutions for both practical and attitudinal obstacles that are specific for education in a network environment. The project was particularly concerned with the overall resistance against the very essence of ODL and deep-seated prejudices against ICT as an instrument that is beneficial to teaching and learning. Reduction and removal of these prejudices and resistances is not achieved by listing the benefits of ODL or descriptions of good practice examples. It is only through the change in the mentality and attitude of teachers, learners and decision-makers that also the acceptance of solutions at a more practical level can be achieved. Hence the primary goal of the project was to develop, test and validate methods and ways to overcome the attitudinal obstacles. Since the implementation of networked educational activities requires an answer to practical obstacles, this project will also attempt to offer solutions there. General objectives of the project thus are: to promote the understanding of the qualities and characteristics of ODL developed in a network of universities ("networked learning"), to clearly demonstrate the potential of networked learning and to remove the barriers that obstruct a successful implementation of this kind of learning in mainstream education.

Outputs
The NetCampus project produced a NetCampus report titled "Improving ODL in a network". For more information please contact us.