The Universe of Distance Learning

Austria: interactive commercial software (Digital Publishing) for French at beginner level. Not intended to replace classroom instruction, but as pre-course preparation: 1.Entry test 2.Beginner: pre-course self-study 3.language course A new general cell in MOD is tasked with e-learning development.

Estonia: Distance learning for reserve officers on military subjects: “Kick off” meeting when the course begins. Reserve officers download weekly learning packages and work offline. The system involves a certain amount of time pressure, as lessons have to be completed and homework submitted within one week. Learners can only go on to the next internet phase after completing previous phases satisfactorily. After finishing the required number of internet lessons the learner goes on to practice. Learners can also contact tutors via to request help during the course.

Finland: Language courses in English, Swedish, German and French followed by post-course self-study materials (level between 2 and 3) (1 book, 2 cassettes, CD-ROM) Intended both as a refresher and as self-study material which leads beyond previous levels; for all four skills

France: Has a traditional distance learning system to help candidates prepare for examinations in Arabic and Russian: Texts are sent to individual students via post to be translated. Learners receive two translations per month for six months. 40 – 60 students are registered for this phase. The learner's translated texts are marked and returned by a group of 3 to 4 part-time tutors. Target levels are 2 and 3.

Spain: Programs must provide various methods of teaching and learning. Languages: Spanish (for foreigners) English (for personnel) As a supplement to the language course, there is a modular system for which Spain produced its own interactive materials covering 20 sessions per module, two working hours per day: Self-study on multimedia CD-ROM Self-study on CD-ROM plus tutor (commanders decide who needs a tutor) Teacher on-line : One-to-one contact in the net

Italy: Development of a program including self-made interactive materials, tutoring service and hardware since 2001: - interactive web-based e-learning materials in English were developed to be used under the guidance of a tutor using a Learning Management System with e-learning objects and several tools like chat, common board, co-browsing, , webcams etc. - Tutors can be contacted by phone according to a schedule; platform can be accessed from home or from the office; mil. phone is free, learner pays costs if working at home; fax, intranet and extranet. (for example, four tutors available for 200 students over a period of three months) Materials include dictations, texts to translate, traditional subjects, tests, phone conversations etc. Statistics are recorded automatically for each activity.

NATO PfP joint ADL: Languages: English and Russian Approx. 20 web-based interactive courses on different topics; no tutor Certification may be awarded upon completion of the course Through NT, courses can be provided on the NATO PfP web- site.

Germany: There are no distance learning materials, but the interactive software is a supplement to languages courses: The “Kombi” materials are intended for self-study between the active classroom instruction phases; The “Eurofighter” supplements the technical course for Eurofighter technicians; “MEMO” (Military English for Multilateral Operations) and “Survival Trainer for Kiswahili” were developed to help prepare soldiers for specific postings by familiarizing them with useful phrases and terms. None of the four programs is intended to “teach” the language.

To be considered: 1.Efficiency of distance learning within the whole learning process (control, cost efficiency, power of distribution, time availability) 2.Combination of classroom courses and distance learning courses 3.Moments in the learning process where classroom courses are indispensable