EMPOWERING EDUCATION WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Nowadays, there are major issues facing Romanian education system. Policy makers and/or innovative teachers can bring hope and success. This paper will present past achievements and current trends concerning the implementation of the digital technologies for education within the ODL Department of the University of Bucharest. Chapter 1. After 14 years of design, implementation and management of the ODL study programs, the ODL Department reached a stable situation with indisputable achievements that are presented in the first chapter of the paper. The framework for ODL in Romania is legally defined by H.G.1011/2001 and ARACIS Quality Standards. In fact, RO-ODL is a blended learning system. All study programs provided by the ODL Dept are accredited by Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Meanwhile, we have implemented the ICTStrategy of the University of Bucharest that was approved by University Senate (2003). This strategy had 3 levels: digital literacy, ICT based curriculum and computerization of institution and processes. Real achievements will be presented (virtual campus, eL learning resources etc).The chapter two presents the actual context "Digital Agenda 2020 for Europe" which is not surprising at all if we consider forecasts made 30 years ago by visionary people. The chapter 3 presents the digital technologies under implementation within ODL Department. Our objective is to be already prepared for virtual university concept (UNIBUC-Virtual) if such decision will be taken in due time. Subjects as cloud computing, Learning Management Systems, eL learning resources, blended learning, video-lectures, videoconference systems, on-line assessment, free of charge productivity tools will be presented within the context build by ODL Department of the University of Bucharest.