UNITE is an IST project under the FP6 framework (www.unite-ist.org), having as its main aim to combine different state-of-the-art technologies in e-learning, in order to provide innovative services in an area at the heart of Europe’s knowledge society: the education of the young Europeans. The project started on February 1st, 2006 and has a duration of 30 months.

The UNITE system offers a systemic and effective approach to e-/m-learning in secondary schools. Users of UNITE are well-supported through partners’ expertise, teacher education and print and online support materials like the Teachers’ handbook (this website) and Quick guide. Quality control is ensured through both peer evaluation and expert feedback.

The UNITE system has shown that it is readily adaptable to different educational contexts in different European countries. It offers scope for both collaborative and autonomous learning. Following the initial implementation and validation phases there is already evidence of value-added teaching and learning effects in secondary schools. An evaluation of the UNITE scenarios reveal that UNITE is based on constructivist and cognitive foundations. Concrete experiences for students, collaborative learning, intrinsic motivation and a generative learning environment are features of UNITE. The role of teachers in UNITE is that of integral facilitators who seek to meet local and individual needs in the context of a loosely structured programme.

As with other educational intervention programmes, perhaps the greatest challenge for UNITE is that of bringing about a culture change. A change towards increased levels of efficiency and effectiveness of the teaching and learning processes. It possesses the appropriate constructivist and cognitive foundations and pedagogical dimensions to bring this about.

About the Handbook (about this website)