What is Interactive Distance Learning:
Interactive Distance Learning (IDL) is an interactive educational video network that connects students and teachers who are located at different sites, eliminating the barriers of concrete walls, time and distance. These shared video environments are fully interactive with everyone seeing and hearing each other, but instead of face to face instruction, students and teachers see each other on large monitors or on a large screen with a projected image. These video classrooms are equipped with teaching tools such as laptops, document cameras (ELMO), VCR/DVD players, video compression units, and Interactive whiteboards.

Distance education usually has one content delivery site with a teacher and their own students plus one or more additional receive sites where there will only be students and a Para educator. To make this instruction most beneficial to the students and teacher, each classroom usually have a lower number of students. The idea is not to see how many students can be instructed, but to deliver the best content in the most manage way.

Advantages of IDL:
Allows a connection with external resources and experts- Students will be able to receive instruction at their local schools that will enhance and enrich their current curriculum and join them to a greater community of learners. experts can help validate understanding, provide feedback, and introduce practical examples. This real-world connection can greatly improve motivation, especially if students participate and the expert interacts at an appropriate level. Over-all, with the use of IDL, USD 259 can establish an alliance between higher education and K-12 participants.

Allows a visual and audio connection among participants-

Addresses the needs of the 21st Century Learner-

Helps facilitates collaboration and feedback-

Provide ongoing, real time professional development-

Current Full Mesh Sites:

• North
  Southeast
  South
  West

Current Set Top Sites:

• North 
  Northeast Magnet
  East 

Additional Links:

• Distance Learning Terms
  Designing Lessons

Additional Resources:

• Kan-Ed IDL Site