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The Centre for Distance Learning & Innovation or CDLI is a branch of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education responsible for providing efficient education opportunities to students living in remote areas.

Contents 1 History 2 Technology 3 Scope 4 External links

CDLI was founded in December of 2000 following the recommendations of the 1999 Sparks-Williams Ministerial Panel on Educational Delivery.

Previous to its creation, distance learning and education in Newfoundland and Labrador had been an expensive and difficult undertaking. Due to all teacher-student communications being telephone based and all texts being in print, updating information and adding new students to the program became both time consuming and expensive.

Currently, CDLI is primarily computer and internet based. The network formed following its creation allows instant updating of texts, and webpage based education reduces the need for scheduled sessions with remote teachers.

Starting in the 2002 school year many schools made e-courses available through the Centre. These courses use the same curriculum as classroom-based education but are available to students whose schools may not offer courses they wish to take or are required for certain professions.

The primary techonological resourse of CDLI is the internet which facilitates its other aspects.

• Headsets are used for vocal communication
• Webcams are used for visual teaching
• Tablets are used to communicate writing
• WebCT is used for asynchronous communication
• Eluminate Live is used for synchronous communication via live web conferencing
• Polycoms are now being introduced into some schools to give the distance ed teachers a means to visually monitor there students while in class

Access to CDLI is freely available to all students. While communication with teachers is mostly reserved for distance learners, students in urban settings may also benefit from web-based course information and lessons.

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