Abstract:

The e-learning market from European countries is a very active one, being registered over 300 companies, and can be classified into two categories. One category is represented by countries with tradition, like Britain, France, the Nordic countries, Switzerland and Germany, from where the strongest manufacturers of computer tools and applications are. And the other one is represented by the countries that are in the process of digitizing educational content and to provide the technological infrastructure, category which includes Eastern Europe, Russia and former Soviet countries. Here prevails the import of technology and of specialized training in language learning, while developing content, due to the great diversity of curricular and major differences in approach between countries, is often performed by local firms in compliance with the specifications required by the national standards.
Initially, e-learning courses have focused mostly on empowering students on using computers. They began to be introduced in schools in 1990, the funding companies providing also the training for students and teachers (ISE financed by UNESCO in 1990, six schools; P & G and IBM, 160 schools, 800 computers; Soros Foundation in 1992-1996, 314 schools, 10-20 computers per school). Some schools have opened their laboratories to the local community organizing themselves open courses.
With the release of government projects like Romanian Education Network, 1993 (RoEduNet) and Computerized Educational System, 2001 (SEI), educational institutions, such as schools and universities, were provided not only with access to the internet and technology, but also with a unified infrastructure. Also, with the introduction of ICT and Computer Science subjects into the high schools compulsory curriculum in 1999, the demand for e-learning content and virtual learning spaces has been growing, initiation courses organized until then, addressing especially to adults. The Advanced e-Learning Program (AEL), developed by SIVECO Romania SA in collaboration with Romanian Ministry of Education, launched in 2003 and hosted on the SEI portal since, provides a free library of e-learning units as used in the classes, but also the possibility for teachers to create their own e-content and tests.
According to Ambient Insight report (Adkins, 2011) it can be noted that Romanian market of e-learning services is very active, Romania having the highest growth rate in the EU, nearly 40%, and being surpassed worldwide by only three countries: India (55%), China (over 50%) and Malaysia (40%). In this context the introduction of interactive whiteboards in teaching can provide greater flexibility and the opportunity to make multimedia presentations with a significant effect.

Keywords:

e-learning services, Romanian Education Network, European context