Virtual Learning Environments, Open Standards and Open Source in European Schools 

Virtual Learning Environments, Open Standards and Open Source in European Schools

This paper claims that until now (with data gathered in late 2002), it appears that decision-makers and national agencies have taken short term measures to get up and running with VLEs, without considering the adoption of a longer-term eLearning strategy that includes thorough consideration regarding interoperability on a large scale, i.e. use of open standards.

The aothor proposes that, instead of each country continuing developing their separate VLE-initiatives, a pooled effort of resources and development skills be used to develop a system that is open and adaptable. Each country could customise the Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) giving it “the look and feel” they wish.

This paper is composed of four sections:

• Importance of VLEs: Views from National Agencies
• VLEs and Interoperability Issues
• Situation in Schools
• Future Development

For the full analysis, visit the

European Schoolnet website