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A forum to advance technologies for distance learning, ranging from satellites to fibre optics, has been established in Israel.

Shlomo Zach, chief scientist of the communications ministry, said that the aim of the forum was to find "three projects which will lead tele-learning in Israel". Dr Zach said that money could be saved by sharing facilities through a network enabling students to learn from home or work. The forum includes representatives from academia and industry. Members include the Technological Education Centre, Israel Aircraft Industry, Bar-Ilan University, the country's Open University, and several commercial computer companies. Universities, research institutes, industries and communications companies have been invited to participate.

European Union funding could be available for a joint project between the Centre for Technological Education in Holon, the chief scientist of the communications ministry and representatives from industry, academia and Bezek, Israel's national communication company. As a full member of the EU's fourth Framework programme for research and development Israel contributes $30 million a year in membership fees.

Suggestions from the forum's first meeting included establishing an "Israeli Information Bank" in the field of technology. Another proposal is for a site on the Internet that would provide information on distance learning.

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