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Open and distance learning (ODL) involves the use of new methods - technical and/or non-technical - to improve the flexibility of learning in terms of space, time, choice of content or teaching resources and/or to improve access to educational systems from a distance.

* Developing the Flexibility of European Education

The development of ODL is a key factor enabling citizens of the European Union to take advantage of an open area for educational cooperation in Europe

Two sets of measures designed to support Open and distance learning (ODL) in Europe, with a view to improving the quality of the organisational environment in which ODL takes place and the availability and quality of the teaching media and resources for this type of learning :

Support for European cooperation in the field of ODL

Grants are provided for :

Projects carried out by European partnerships Transnational projects oriented towards :

• exchange of experience and dissemination of innovative methods of distance learning ;
• exchange of information and experience on the use of new technologies in education, and the conception (though not the largescale production) of new teaching materials based on these technologies; and carried out by partnerships involving :
• users and providers of distance learning;
• educational institutions which are integrating new information and communication technologies into their traditional teaching;
• producers of educational software and educational programmes.

Projects designed to produce a comprehensive picture of a particular aspect of ODL or the use of new educational technologies in several European countries.

Support for the application of ODL to activities within other parts of Socrates

ODL approaches are encouraged within other Actions of Socrates, particularly where this will improve the quality of teaching or extend access to European cooperation for groups of teachers or learners who would not otherwise be able to benefit. Projects with a strong ODL component submitted under the Erasmus and Comenius sections of Socrates may qualify for additional financial support.