Outline of the Interactive Workshop and Conference on "Emerging Global Electronic Distance Education (EGEDE)" Tampere, Finland
	(Date to be announced later.)
	EXECUTIVE SUMMARY	December 6, 1997

PROBLEM: Distance education technology has difficulty reaching those who need it most, particularly in less developed countries albeit its economical advantage, because of infrastructure problems, political unrest, costs, skills, etc.

PURPOSE: Bring together young enthusiasts and decision-makers from under-served overseas countries (who normally cannot afford to attend conferences) to discuss practical solutions for the implementation of affordable global electronic distance education across national boundaries. The conference will include discussions on the establishment of International Coalition for Global Information Infrastructure in Education and Healthcare.

STRATEGY: Hold an International Interactive Workshop and Conference on "Emerging Global Electronic Distance Education (EGEDE)" including practical workshops.

GOALS:

1. Promote accessible, affordable global distance education,
   
2. Increase understanding of different cultural values and needs,
   
3. Build on progress already made,
   
4. Emphasize values of sustainability, equity, and global peace.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Hear the needs and conditions in underserved overseas countries,
   
2. Link enthusiasts with decision-makers and funding resources,
   
3. Identify pilot projects that will lead to full scale distance education,
   
4. Discuss standardization of courses, credits, accreditation.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

1. Formation of pilot project teams,
   
2. Strategy of joint fund raising for the pilot projects,
   
3. Direction for collaboratively furthering global electronic distance education,
   
4. Conference report for public dissemination.

ORGANIZERS: The University of Tampere, GLOSAS/Finland and other Finnish Universities and industries, GLObal Systems Analysis and Simulation Association in the U.S.A. (GLOSAS/USA).

SPONSORS: The University City Science Center, the Global University (U.S.A.), and the Consortium for Affordable and Accessible Distance Education (CAADE). Others are now being invited.

See more at <http://www.dds.nl/hypermail/ties-list/0007.html>.