World Education Market 2003

"Advancing the Millennium of Learning" is the theme of this year's WEM conference and exhibition (Lisbon, Portugal: May 20-23, 2003), of which The THES is a media partner.
Now in its fourth year, WEM is an international forum for educationists, government decision-makers, suppliers and buyers interested in the latest in content, technology, solutions and expertise. WEM is organised by Reed Midem: www.wemex.com </a> </a>

A healthy e-volution
The NHS, the third largest employer in the world, plans to offer all staff, from consultant to porter, online training. Claire Sanders writes

Australia sharpens focus on distance  
Are online mega-universities the future or are local courses with internet support a better option? asks Geoff Maslen in Melbourne.

Ideal way to lighten the load  
Classrooms can't cope with Asia's education needs. E-learning is a solution and is gaining popularity as Sars keeps students at home, writes Mark Rowe in Singapore.
Iron curtain's stuck on rails  
Red tape and overambition have hindered online initiatives in the former Soviet bloc, writes Nick Holdsworth in Moscow.

Blitzing the glitz  
A no-nonsense approach to distance learning has proved a hit in the Americas. Stephen Phillips reports from San Francisco.

Ten ways to scupper a VLE  
Appalled by university managers' desperate scramble to install virtual learning environments, Peter Hartley has some top tips for diehard traditionalists intent on ensuring that not is all plain sailing.

The perfect medicine for virtually all users  
Flexibility is the key to creating a VLE that benefits students, lecturers and universities.

The ball's rolling but it needs a little push  
Educators must do more to convince students and governments around the world that e-learning is the way forward, says John Beaumont.

A good way to keep students on a quality track  
Tutors can have a closer rapport with students online than they have in class. It leads to higher attainment - music to ministers' ears. Tim Collin writes.