Caribbean e-learning network to be established

A regional e-learning intranet system is to be established by Lime, the Caribbean subsidiary of Cable and Wireless.

Labelled C@ribNET, the project - part-funded by the European Union - hopes to be running by December.

Lime claim the project is effectively an online learning system which will connect the various universities and colleges in the region in a national and international computer network.

In a two-year deal worth nearly £4 million, the company argues it will facilitate the use and access of distance learning online courses and education resources, as well as being easily usable by tutors and researchers.

"The motivation for C@ribNET is to develop the Caribbean region by creating greater access to education, leading in turn to higher levels of attainment," explained Lime's chief executive officer David Shaw.

Earlier this month, the e-learning consultancy Learninglight.com commented that online training would continue to grow exponentially over the next decade, in line with the pace of global technological change.