The United Nations University first became involved with e-learning in 1996 and has considerable practical expertise in the implementation of online educational programmes and the development of open educational resources.

Further information on the future directions of e-learning at the university can be found in the UNU Technology Enhancement Strategy approved by the Academic Committee in December 2010 (downloadable via the right side menu).

In order to support high quality graduate degree programmes, UNU aims to develop a teaching/learning policy and quality framework that follows international best practice in relation to:

• standards for course and programme development
• assessment guidelines
• good teaching guidelines
• standards for online teaching
• standards for computing
• material development guidelines
• graduate qualities and skills templates

UNU’s educational programmes are based on a unique pedagogy that includes:

• case study approach
• internationalization
• possibilities for localization of material
• interdisciplinary work
• a student-centered approach
• problem-based learning (or related pedagogical approaches, such as project-based, or inquiry based learning)
• authentic and immersive learning
• communities of practice and/or learning networks