Introduction

In the new context of economic competition and fast changes in knowledge, it is necessary to have open learning communities as a way to add value to the knowledge base in different regions and countries. These communities, built on exchanges, discussion forums, online courses, shared databases and communication tools, will strengthen the relations between countries for training, professional development and international cooperation.

Basic Courses in online Education

The course "What is online education?" has already started and it is part of four basic courses delivered by CEBEM and CIC-UBC. Shortly the following courses will be available: "How to develop an online course," "Tools for production of online courses," and "How to facilitate online courses." The goal is to provide professors, program managers and public officials the basic elements that may allow them to effectively understand, deliver and evaluate online educational tools.

Canadian Virtual University

The Canadian Virtual University (CVU) is comprised of a group of 12 leading Canadian universities specializing in online and distance education programs. CVU is a consortium of Canadian accredited universities that ensures the education provided is recognized by employers and universities across the world. Last year, more than 100,000 new students were registered in online courses. CVU offers complete degrees, diplomas and certificates. Its catalogue has 2,500 courses and 300 complete programs.

CVU members include Acadia University, Athabasca University, Cape Breton University, Laurentian University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Nipissing University, Royal Military College of Canada, Royal Roads University, St. Francis Xavier, TÉLUQ, l'université à distance de l'UQÀM , Thompson Rivers University, University of Manitoba and University of New Brunswick.

Persons planning to study in Canada can participate in online courses and later transfer them to a degree at CVU member universities, when they arrive to Canada. Most of the courses are open to students anywhere in the world, but CVU has selected those suited to first year international students.

For more information, see: http://www.cvu-uvc.ca/english.html

The Inter-American Distance Education Consortium (CREAD)

CREAD is an inter-American non-profit distance education consortium based at Nova Southeastern University in South Florida. It aims to promote the improvement of Distance Education in the whole continent and to act as one of the coordinating bodies on Distance Education and training in an inter-American level.

Its activities include:

• Information dissemination through newsletters, websites and electronic mail-lists
• Conferences organized across South American countries and Spain
• Research promotion and publication of online Education related works
• Support to the national and regional associations of online Education
• Work on projects, programs and consultancies with international organizations
• Promotion of marketing and exchange of courses and online Education related products

For more information, see: http://www.schoolofed.nova.edu/cread/index.htm