Florida Distance Learning
Because there is such a high demand for distance learning programs, the Florida State Board of Community Colleges created the Florida Distance Learning Consortium in 1996. The goal was to make Florida distance learning programs easily accessible to everyone interested in distance learning education. The Florida Distance Learning Consortium created the website distancelearn.org to be the access point for distance learning programs. There is access to 28 Florida community colleges offering associates degrees and certificates and 20 Florida private and state universities offering bachelors, masters and doctorate programs on the website. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is a regional accreditation agency which has accredited all the Florida distance learning programs on distancelearn.org. Distancelearn.org allows searches such as institution, degree types, and subject/discipline. The Florida distance learning website allows the user to pick the method of distance learning instruction offering the choices of internet, video, 2-way TV, print, multi mode or audio. By clicking a personal assistant button, users can access all the courses they have searched for and saved. After course selection, access to the enrollment and admissions departments for the colleges can be accessed through the website.
The Florida Distance Learning Consortium wanted to make it easier for teachers to continue their education. The Consortium along with the Southern Regional Education Board created EdPASS. Through the distancelearn.org website and with EdPASS teachers can access, apply for, register, pay, and participate in Florida distance learning courses. The benefit of using EdPASS is teachers have access to numerous universities and courses all from one location. The application the teacher submits through EdPASS admits the teacher into all participating universities. The teacher must hold a bachelor’s degree and be employed by a Florida school district to take advantage of the EdPASS Florida distance learning initiative.
Through distance learn.org, the Florida Distance Learning Consortium has included access to career and educational planning through Florida eChoices and FACTS.org. Florida eChoices offers occupational profiles designed to match users’ interests. Advice on how to create a resume and how to interview for employment are offered through Florida eChoices. FACTS.org offers academic counseling for graduating students. The student can research colleges, majors, and career options on the website. Florida distance learning options are available and can be researched by students. Virtual libraries are available to students and college transcripts can be requested through FACTS.org.