1. Minerva The SOCRATES Action for information and communication technologies in education DG Education and Culture Unit C4 Multimedia: Culture-Education-Training August 2001

2. 2 éCouncil resolution on measures relating to the introduction of new technologies in education. éMemorandum on “ODL in the European Community” 1991 éArticle 126 of the Maastricht Treaty (specific”alinea” referring to the promotion of Distance Learning) éCouncil Conclusions on Criteria for action on ODL (1992) Political background

3. éAction Specifically addressed to the promotion of ODL (SOCRARES-ODL) éCouncil Resolution of 6 May 1996 relating to educational multimedia software in the field of education and training. éCouncil Conclusions of 22 September 1997 on education, information and communication technologies and teacher training for the future.

4. Minerva éAverage annual budget: 8 Million € éAverage funding per project: 120 000 € éMore than 1.000 organisations are involved éA series of clusters of reflection are established

5. From ODL to Minerva ê MINERVA 2000 - 2006 ê Political recognition of this area as a key area for co- operation (ICT, MM,ODL) ê Emphasis on a “critical and responsible” use of ICT ê Importance of pedagogical and organisational issues Deadlines for proposals: 1 NOVEMBER 2000 pre- proposals 1 MARCH 2001 proposals

6. The main objectives of the Minerva Action Minerva is aimed at innovative and strategic projects which should have a transversal dimension. There 4 main areas of activities: é Understanding é Designing é Networking é Accessing and disseminating

7. 7  Improve understanding of the impact of ITC and or ODL models on the organisation of learning/teaching and on learning processes  Improve understanding among teachers, learners, educational decision-makers and the public at large. E.g.: Collaborative learning, cultural and linguistic differences. 1. Understanding

8. 8  Provide methods and tools for the development of innovative learning environments.  Design of methods and tools which have a generic potential and can be transferred to other domains. E.g. Collaborative design, educational use of the Internet. 2. Designing

9. 9 êEstablishment of links at European level between producers, users and and managers. êNetworking with specific focus on issues like; resource centres, teacher training institutions decision-makers. E.g. Discussion forums on the use of ITC in traditional disciplines. Development of certification, tariff models and market opportunities. 3. Networking

10. 10 4. Accessing éDevelop information services and systems on the use of ICT and ODL at regional, national and international level. éDevelop support services for teachers, managers or decision makers. éProvide access to multimedia products and internet services. éEstablish criteria and quality indicators for the description of information resources.

11. 11 CONTACT email: minerva@cec.eu.int URL: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/ education/socrates/minerva/ind1a.html