Teaching And Learning At The Virtual Academy For Crafts Trade - Evaluation Findings Of The Mercur-project

The pilot project MERCUR investigated the potentials of E-Learning in the crafts sector in Germany. The focus of research and development was on the design of a virtual academy for the crafts sector and an internet-based learning environment. This article exemplifies the experiences of learners and teachers. 1. DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF E-LEARNING IN THE CRAFTS TRADE In the passed years E-Learning was tested and developed within the area of the vocational education in various projects. At the moment only little concrete experiences are present [see Euler 2001, p. 30]. In the context of the MERCUR-project the possibilities and boundaries of E-Learning within the area of crafts trade were examined by the Research Institute for Vocational Education in the Crafts Trade at the University of Cologne [see also the description of the MERCUR-project in Esser/Twardy/Wilbers