Learning networks with involvement of higher education institutions

The presence and importance of education for sustainable development has grown in response to the massive social, technological and environmental changes experienced by global society. This article describes the experience of developing academic and multi-sector learning networks for education for sustainable development, and shows briefly how these activities are rooted in the international pursuit of developing new approaches to learning that will better equip societies to cope with this global change. It provides a brief overview of the learning network theoretical principles, a practical example of such a network (Virtual Campus for a Sustainable Europe – VCSE), a case study of teaching/learning in a virtual environment that provides an opportunity to meet and cooperate in a transdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder and international setting (European Virtual Seminar – EVS), and a project aimed at transfer of the institutional and teaching/learning innovation from learning networks into university outreach activities (Lifelong Learning Network for Sustainable Development – 3LENSUS).

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Innovation in teaching/learning provided by the network character of the educational environment. ► Case studies of sustainability-oriented learning networks of European universities. ► Transformation of educational practices through changed communication patterns. ► Regional cooperation and the potential for university outreach.