This supplement was published with The Times Higher? on May 17 2002 in conjunction with ?(Lisbon, Portugal: May 21-24, 2002).

Digital deprivation ?
Whatever technology's benefits for some of us, it has not changed the lives of most. But education is key to the places politicians and economists cannot reach, says Brenda Gourley.

Voices of hope give courage to deliver ?
Can distance learning help get South African ÖйúAƬ back on its feet, asks Richard Mawditt.

Ready to blossom at a distance ?
Nigerians want to quench their thirst for study and distance education may do just that. Tunde Fatunde reports.

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Survival of the fittest provider ?
Nerves have been tested in Canadian distance learning, says Philip Fine.

Nurses reach sisters online ?
Informal chatrooms are aiding professional development in nursing. Peter Murray reports.

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Ready to blossom at a distance ?
A Nasa-trained chief executive, ?13 million of backing and degrees from first-world educators - the future looks bright for the AVU. Kihumba Kamotho reports.

Tutorials emailed to your fridge... ?
...not quite yet. Despite the government heralding a virtual learning revolution, Caroline Ingram says the use of IT in education is still in its infancy

Lecturer is heard beyond the back row ?
Clare Chapman reports on a user-friendly system being pioneered in Germany that puts lectures on the net.