Continuing education is an important element in the creation and maintenance of a Knowledge Society in which all citizens have the right to participate in lifelong learning. At the same time, developments in C&IT have sometimes been viewed as heralding the growth of a digital divide, emphasising the information-rich and the information-poor. A major concern of ODELUCE is the extent to which the use of C&IT in continuing education can overcome barriers and enhance the participation of marginalised groups. The growth of online learning communities is seen as a means of enhancing links between the peoples of Europe. More generally ODELUCE is concerned with the extent to which online learning communities can enhance social cohesion and social capital.