Consortia 

The Internet has made it easier for educational institutions to collaborate and to form 

consortia. In addition, a number of national and international grants have initiated 

collaborative projects between institutions. However, many of these projects will probably 

cease to exist when the external funding stops. Massey and Curry s (1999) analysis of key 

institutional providers of online post secondary education provides interesting case studies of 

the Western Governors University and California Virtual University (CVU). CVU has now 

ceased operation since the partners refused to provide the operating costs. 

Among the consortia in the CISAER catalogue were Nordisk Netthogskole [3], The African 

Virtual University [4], a DIFF project [36], For. Com Consorzio Interuniversitario 

[49], CAFE MONDIAL [38], NITOL   Norway net with IT for Open Learning [63], and the 

University of Stirling and Glasgow Caledonian University [109]. 

CAFE MONDIAL [38] (

http://www.cafe mondial.de

) reports to have 900 students and 20 

courses in: Information Technology, Multimedia, Web Design, Health Care, Animal Health, 

Languages, Arts, and Music. CAFE MONDIAL is a European Consortium of universities, 

colleges, and private institutions providing professional training via web and Intranet systems. 

The consortium emerged from the EU telematics Applications Project CAFE MONDIAL 

UR1003. The students register via the web, and then receive a resource package containing 

literature, CD ROM, CDs, and/or other media. They are then moderated by experts/tutors who 

stimulate the interaction, involve them in project activities, and provide additional support 

materials. One of the global objectives of each course is that moderators/experts help students 

and trainers to learn and work creatively, critically, and efficiently using web, Intranet 

systems, and other IT tools. 

Case Study 17: Consortium. NITOL 

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