New Britain, CT. (May, 2000) -- The Connecticut General Assembly recently awarded an additional $2 million dollars to the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (www.ctdlc.org), a partnership of state and private colleges and universities offering online college programs: $1.2 million is allocated to program development for both credit and non-credit courses created specifically for students to take on line. Another $800,000 is directed toward using online courses to build a teaching force that is experienced in using educational technologies to enhance learning in grades from kindergarten and through college.
The General Assembly's goal to create a world-class economy in Connecticut includes distance learning as part of that economic development effort. With this recent award, the CTDLC will support the development of online programs: master's degrees, various undergraduate degrees and certifications, work force development opportunities for Connecticut corporations, and teacher training in online teaching methods. In addition, the CTDLC will increase the services it offers its members, including: faculty development, course hosting, and program awards, as well as student advising, financial aid, and help desk support.
Through
the CTDLC, Connecticut colleges and universities are developing web-based
curricula for any time, any place learning. The programs offered on
line are the same as those offered in the traditional college setting.
Online learning brings standard college courses to students who may
not have the time to sit in a classroom or whose job or family responsibilities
prevent them from regular class attendance in the traditional setting.
The online courses can meet degree requirements or simply improve job
skills. And while the web-based courses strengthen educational possibilities
for Connecticut students, they are also open to students from around
the world connecting Connecticut's system with innovative advances in
higher education.
Members
of the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium are: the Department
of Higher Education; the Department of Education; all 12 Connecticut
Community Colleges; Central Connecticut State University; Eastern Connecticut
State University; Southern Connecticut State University; Western Connecticut
State University; Charter Oak State College; University of Connecticut;
the United States Coast Guard Academy; Albertus Magnus College; Fairfield
University; Quinnipiac University; Sacred Heart University; Saint Joseph
College; Teikyo Post University; University of Bridgeport; University
of Hartford; and University of New Haven.