up their own online learning and networking systems, rent space in the Abacus Virtual 

College, and sales of FirstClass conferencing software. 

The Centre for Labour Market Studies at the University of Leicester [102] 

(

http://www.clms.le.ac.uk/

) has 1000 students in 6 courses about Training, Human Resource 

Management, and Performance Management. The Centre offers three Masters courses, two 

Diploma courses, and one Certificate course by distance learning. Approximately 1000 

students are enrolled on these courses in 30 different countries. The Web is used to provide 

resources and support students through online conferencing. Extensive use is made of e mail 

for submission of assignments and support of students. 

UK providers seem to have a more international approach than providers in other European 

countries. This could be inferred from the following catalogue statements: 

   Approximately 1000 students are enrolled on these courses in 30 different countries [102]. 

   The course exploits modern developments in communications, which means that students 

from any country may study the course at home, at work or in a university [103]. 

   The Open University is a dedicated distance teaching institution with students across 

Europe and in some cases even worldwide [108]. 

   It is marketed internationally in association with other Universities around the world 

[109]. 

Case Study 4: Europe. The Open University of the Netherlands 

This case study is a transcript of an interview written by Torstein Rekkedal. 

The Open University of the Netherlands [54] (

http://www.ou.nl

) claims to have 360 courses 

and 2500 students. All courses have general web services, some more (fully online). 

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