CONCLUSIONS OF THE COUNCIL AND OF THE MINISTERS OF EDUCATION MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL of 27 November 1992 on criteria for actions on open and distance learning (92/C 336/04)

Following the Commission memorandum on open and distance learning, and the conference held at Coimbra under the auspices of the Portuguese Presidency, the Council and Ministers meeting within the Council on 1 June 1992 (1) confirmed their interest in receiving proposals in this area. With a view to assisting the Commission they now wish to clarify criteria for Community action in the field of open and distance learning.

Action taken by the Community in the field of open and distance learning should take into consideration the declaration of the European Council at Birmingham on 16 October 1992 and contribute especially to its development in those areas where it has yet to reach its full potential.

The Council and the Ministers of Education consider that Community action to support Member States and their cooperation in the field of open and distance learning should:

(a) aim to facilitate cooperation between organizations and institutions in the field, based on the sharing of information and good practice;

(b) respond to the need to enhance the skills of teachers, trainers and managers in the techniques of open and distance learning and facilitate the exchange of experience and good practice between Member States in this area;

(c) emphasize the importance of quality as an integral element of the proposed action, including the need for adequate tutorial and other student support services, and provision of accurate information to students including information on accreditation and recognition of qualifications;

(d) be developed in consultation with Member States, paying attention also to the views of user groups, providers and transnational associations active in the field;

(e) be developed with regard to the potential contribution of open and distance learning methods and technologies to conventional education and training activities, ensuring that such developments complement and do not conflict with other developments in education and training in Member States;

(f) encompass post-secondary education and training in universities and other institutions and organizations;

(g) focus on meeting users' needs and be able to demonstrate the special contribution that the techniques used in open and distance learning can make to achieving the objectives specified.

Experience in open and distance learning has been developed nationally, as well as through the work of transnational associations active in this field and through existing EC programmes, many outside the specific education sector. The Council and the Ministers of Education invite the Commission, with the help of the group of national experts appointed by the Member States to assist it, to review and report on current achievements in this field with a view to encouraging those which satisfy the above criteria. Particular attention should be given to the use of open and distance learning outside the scope of higher education, since these activities are least well known.

(1) OJ No C 151, 16. 6. 1992.