"Advancing the Millennium of Learning" is the theme of this year's WEM conference and exhibition (Lisbon, Portugal: May 20-23, 2003), of which The THES is a media partner.
Now in its fourth year, WEM is an international forum for educationists, government decision-makers, suppliers and buyers interested in the latest in content, technology, solutions and expertise. WEM is organised by Reed Midem: </a> </a>

A healthy e-volution
The NHS, the third largest employer in the world, plans to offer all staff, from consultant to porter, online training. Claire Sanders writes

Australia sharpens focus on distance ?
Are online mega-universities the future or are local courses with internet support a better option? asks Geoff Maslen in Melbourne.

Ideal way to lighten the load ?
Classrooms can't cope with Asia's education needs. E-learning is a solution and is gaining popularity as Sars keeps students at home, writes Mark Rowe in Singapore.
Iron curtain's stuck on rails ?
Red tape and overambition have hindered online initiatives in the former Soviet bloc, writes Nick Holdsworth in Moscow.

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Blitzing the glitz ?
A no-nonsense approach to distance learning has proved a hit in the Americas. Stephen Phillips reports from San Francisco.

Ten ways to scupper a VLE ?
Appalled by university managers' desperate scramble to install virtual learning environments, Peter Hartley has some top tips for diehard traditionalists intent on ensuring that not is all plain sailing.

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The perfect medicine for virtually all users ?
Flexibility is the key to creating a VLE that benefits students, lecturers and universities.

The ball's rolling but it needs a little push ?
Educators must do more to convince students and governments around the world that e-learning is the way forward, says John Beaumont.

A good way to keep students on a quality track ?
Tutors can have a closer rapport with students online than they have in class. It leads to higher attainment - music to ministers' ears. Tim Collin writes.