MENU : Model for a European Networked University for e - learning

 In this paper we present the MENU project. The major goal for the MENU project is to create a model for a European Networked (Virtual) University, offering a variety of e-learning opportunities. 11 partners in 7 European countries are joining forces to establish the model, based on experiences from previous, national and international, projects and activities at the partner institutions. The model will propose an organisational structure, a quality assurance system, examples of joint courses and study programmes across institutional and national borders. A demonstrator will show practicar e-learning environments, applied to ICT-related studies. Partners in MENU will constitute the core of a future consortium, a permanent, sustainable ENU, offering courses and degree programmes across Europe. ICT will be extensively applied for administration, contact and information, leaming environment and virtual mobility of students and staff. Dissemination of findings will make the model and the consortium available to other institutions. MENU is coordinated from Norway, lead by Stord/ Haugesund University College. Most of the partners have long experience from net based learning activities at university level, as well as from national and international collaboration. Some of the partners represent already existing networks of academic institutions, e.g. The Finnish Virtual University (FVU, 21 member institutions) and the Norwegian NetWorkUniversity (NVU, 9 institutions). The intention now is to combine and expand such networks into a European dimension, demonstrating its functionality for practical e-learning Index Terms  Online Degree Programs, Collaboration, e-learning, web platforms.