Distance Learning

Distance training is traditionally provided by the Centre national d'Enseignement à Distance (CNED), a national public institution under the responsibility of the Ministry of National Education. Created in 1939, the CNED, which provides a wide range of training courses, today has more than 400,000 enrolments, 80% of them for adults: almost 200,000 people follow higher level training and 36,000 are enrolled for continuing vocational training. These figures reflect major growth in its activities, included its international activities. Indeed, the CNED is the largest operator for distance learning in Europe. The CNED uses written material, as well as audio and videocassettes. On-line networks provide access to bibliographic databases, assessment tests and dialogue with the trainer for certain types of training. As a complement to distance training, the CNED offers group tutorials and practical assignments of variable duration.

There are also university distance teaching centres (CTU) in certain universities that offer distance training courses in various forms: written materials, cassettes, television and radio. A formal enrolment with the university is required. University distance teaching centres are gathered in a federation called “Federation Inter-universitaire de l’Enseignement à Distance". Source: Eurydice