E-learning and Training in Europe

A study investigated the extent of e-learning learning supported by information and communication technologies (ICT) methods in vocational education and training (VET) in the European Union (EU). The survey conducted via the Internet received 653 replies from organizations in the EU. Just over 80 percent of respondents were suppliers or users of e-learning; about 60 percent were both suppliers and users. Larger organizations involved in VET and specialist companies producing training tools or content were more likely to use e-learning. About 30 percent of time spent by users on training involved e-learning. E-learning and classroom-based methods of training were not necessarily alternatives and could be complementary. Use of e-learning for training varied by subject area highest in ICT and lowest, but still significant, in processing and production and sales and marketing. Training suppliers estimated e-learning was responsible for about one-third of their total income from supply of training content and material in 2001. For suppliers of capital equipment and infrastructure, e-learning sales accounted for 23 percent of total income in 2001. For users, e-learning-related investment was responsible for almost 13 percent of expenditure on capital equipment for training in 2001; 14 percent of total spending went on e-learning-related content. The survey and descriptions of 10 recent studies on e-learning in Europe are included. (Contains 36 figures.) (YLB).