From distance education to virtual communities of practice: the wide range of possibilities for...

'Open distance learning,' 'permanent education' and 'inservice training' are just some of the terms that are frequently used today to indicate what has become a specific need in many professional areas: continuous education and training.

It has become clear that gaining a university degree or participating in further education courses should be seen as the starting point for a long-term learning path, one that is under the direct control of the learner.

In this light, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can play a key role, offering resources th