E-learning policy issues: Global trends, themes and tensions

This paper provides an overview of experiences in the development of e-learning policy for the tertiary sector across a number of countries. It contrasts how different countries have responded to e-learning and proposes a discernible pattern to policy development. Consistent trends, themes and tensions run through the policy implementation process and these raise a number of questions about the way policies might define e-learning; address and acknowledge gaps in e-learning policy; align and differentiate levels of policy, and account for the national and global education context. The paper concludes with a brief consideration of issues and implications for local policy-makers as governments endeavour to embed and connect e-learning policy with other strategic social, economic and educational goals.