Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation

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The Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation (CDLI) is part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education. It helps students in remote areas get quality education.

CDLI began in December 2000 after a 1999 ministerial panel on education. Before that, distance learning was expensive and hard because everything relied on phone calls and printed materials, making updates slow.

Today, CDLI uses computers and the internet. Materials can be updated quickly, and online courses reduce the need for scheduled sessions with remote teachers. In 2002, many schools started offering online courses through CDLI. The courses follow the same curriculum as classroom courses and are for students whose schools don’t offer certain courses or who need them for specific careers.

The internet is CDLI’s main tool. They use mostly proprietary software, with some open-source options. There are e-tutors who provide online help or tutoring in schools to help students and teachers get used to the technology. Some materials are mailed to students. There is a student survival guide, a guidance room, and lunchtime talks from nearby universities. Teachers also create multimedia lessons called learning clips or mini-classes (mLos) for extra help.

Common tools include web browsers, the Desire2Learn learning platform, PDFs, videos, and Java. Chemistry modeling uses Chemsketch, and TI-83+ interface software helps with math. A wide range of other software is used, along with standard word processing. CDLI also runs a math league and a math club.

Courses offered include Mathematics, Science, English, French, History, Geography, Economics, Art, Health, Career Development, Environmental Science, and more. They also offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Math, and AP Physics. CDLI Resource Courses cover topics like Career Exploration and other support subjects.

Access to CDLI is open to all students. While most communication is with distance learners, urban students can also benefit from online course information and lessons.