Education
July 7, 2008

Success of Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation Recognized

The Department of Education�s Centre for Distance Learning and Innovation (CDLI) has been recognized by the federal Commissioner of Official Languages. In the commissioner�s 2007-08 annual report, the consensus is that the province�s CDLI initiative is "very popular� interactive and takes advantage of new technologies."

"We are extremely proud that CDLI has garnered the attention of the Commissioner of Official Languages," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "While the centre was cited for its success in offering French language training to rural areas of the province, the fact remains that CDLI offers a full range of the high school curriculum, including core courses such as math and English, and such diverse courses as music, art, and the new skilled trades course, design and fabrication."

When CDLI was created in 2001, one of its main mandates was to ensure that students in rural, remote and isolated areas of the province could access the same learning opportunities as those in more urban areas. Since its inception, the number of course registrations has increased by 69 per cent, the number of teachers by 65 per cent, and the number of courses � with 36 high school courses now available � by an incredible 100 per cent. One hundred and three schools offer CDLI courses as part of their high school curriculum.

Recognizing the rapid growth of CDLI, more than $1.6 million in additional funding was allocated in Budget 2008 to ensure the centre can continue to meet the expanding needs of students and teachers throughout the province. This funding will allow CDLI to expand its teaching workforce, resource schools to accommodate distance education students, provide optimum Internet connectivity, and assist school districts with the delivery of distance education.

"Clearly, students throughout Newfoundland and Labrador have the desire to take advantage of every opportunity and this has spurred the growth of the centre," said Minister Burke. "CDLI offers the technology to provide the same quality programs and services to all our students. This is part of government�s commitment to prepare our young people for the ever-increasing opportunities in this province and beyond, and we will continue to investigate innovative ways to provide the highest learning opportunities and resources to all students, regardless of where they live."

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Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2008 07 07                                                       9:55 a.m.

 


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