EQUEL stands for ‘e-quality in e-learning’ and is intended to be a virtual centre of excellence for innovation and research in e-learning for higher and post-compulsory education. The aim of the EQUEL project is to foster European knowledge and understanding of the effects of e-learning practice, theory and philosophy through building a research and practitioner network of experts working in the field.

The overall intention of the EQUEL project is to establish a dual mode virtual centre and space for sharing ongoing work and developing collaborative project activities with other researchers and practitioners. This will primarily be achieved through the establishment of 7 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) co-ordinated by members of the consortium.

It is proposed that each SIGs will each be based on essentially the same principles or common framework, which can then be adapted as seen best by members of the SIG.

The common framework for the SIGs is:

- They will each be coordinated by one of the partner institutions but will involve all other partners interested in the topic or theme of the SIG. Normally the coordinating institution will be experienced in carrying out work and/or doing research in the general area of the SIG – most likely, however, at a national level

- Each SIG will collect key references and share key research and experiences of working on the topic and/or theme and make available case based illustrations of relevant practice and research

- The SIGs will work in dual mode, that is, in the collaborative virtual environment and by running at least one meeting involving partners and invited others

- The SIGs should include new researchers, experienced researchers, practitioners/users (including where appropriate private sector) and include people from different parts of Europe in their work

- Each SIG will produce a position paper on the topic or theme of the SIG