The NYS Distance Learning Consortium collaboratively facilitates cutting edge educational opportunities by sharing expertise, best practices, resources, and solutions for colleagues across NYS to support, enhance, and advocate for online, blended, and virtual learning.
The New York State Distance Learning Consortium intends to:
Research, evaluate, recommend, and facilitate access to new technologies, resources, and best practices in distance, online, blended, and virtual learning.
Foster creativity and critical thinking through connections to provide collaborations with reliability and ease.
Provide additional options for credit recovery and credit acquisition through synchronous video conference courses, college level courses, and asynchronous online learning opportunities.
Be leaders who cultivate innovation through distance learning opportunities.
Develop and provide access to shared courses, collaborative projects, resources, and best practices throughout the NYS consortium community.
Develop partnerships and collaborative efforts with other organizations to advocate and improve technological opportunities.
"Distance learning” has come to mean far more than simply sharing information across a geographic distance. With many definitions of distance learning such as e-learning (computer-based online learning), video based (interactive videoconferencing), and voice based (Webinar), distance learning helps bridge the gap in educational opportunities and enhances educational learning experiences for students, teachers, and communities.
Distance learning enables districts to offer courses to their students that they might not otherwise have access to. It provides flexibility in scheduling, expands course offerings, and enables students to learn and operate in a setting that is comfortable to them. Students are able to take college level courses without leaving their building. Distance learning enhances collaboration and creativity while encouraging differentiated instruction. Students can be exposed to experts around the globe, breaking down geographic barriers in education and bringing communities together.
