1. E-learning

2. E-Learning: Why? E-learning represents the ideal instrument to manage a widespread training in a developing EU common market and in the world. Nowadays, Better Training for Safer Food is able to reach no more than 6000 participants yearly in the steady-state of the programme. Our aim is to find a different system or tool which could improve the dissemination aspects to reach a greater number of potential auditees. E-learning represents the best one to sort out this kind of difficulties.

3. E-learning for Food Safety Officials The Commission will allocate an amount of around 130.000 Euro for this pilot project. The procurement procedure to select the contractor will be launched in April/May 2009. Please enroll in the AMI list!!! We expect the final results by the first trimester of 2010.

4. E-learning for Food Safety Officials It consists of a synergy work of academic, professional and vocational institutions, with strong international reputations. The distance learning system provides programmes developed directly with specialists from all around the world and which are linked to recognised qualifications.

5. Technical aspects The modules will include interactive studies and special sessions during which the specialists will be available for further consultations. These modules will cover some established periods of the year for, e.g., 12/14 weeks. Each lecture will be provided on a particular topic linked to the module and applicants would be requested to complete a short final assignment. To obtain a final certificate, students have to successfully take a fixed number of modules.

6. Advantages? Time: Flexible learning facilities Input: Learning facilities gather contributions from the best specialists from different countries Case studies: Staff-student and student- student interaction through message boards Flexible content: easy and quickly adaptable to new situations, needs and experciences It is ready made: examples of systems for food safety officials, already tried and teted in differentparts of the world. It is a cost and time effective learning solution

7. Disadvantages Students need access to Internet Practical exercises