SOCRATES-MINERVA (ODL and ICT in Education)

The development of open and distance education, including the use of information and communication technologies in education, is a key factor enabling citizens of the European Union to take advantage of an open European area for cooperation in education. The Minerva Action under Socrates II (2000-2007) seeks to promote European co-operation in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education.

The Action has three main objectives:

• to promote understanding among teachers, learners, decision-makers and the public at large of the implications of ODL and ICT for education, as well as the critical and responsible use of ICT for educational purposes;



• to ensure that pedagogical considerations are given proper weight in the development of ICT and multimedia-based educational products and services;



• to promote access to improved methods and educational resources as well as to results and best practices in this field.