Several school districts in North Texas have recently discovered an innovative and inexpensive way to provide distance learning opportunities for teachers, parents, and students by using new and existing technology offered through the Alliance for Higher Education.

According to Art Lacy, Director of Virtual Learning Services at the Alliance, "School districts need not invest large sums of money to create individual distance learning networks. Teacher education is critical–an imperative that districts cannot afford to ignore. The Alliance can help school districts overcome typical cost barriers to deliver courses and programs immediately over the Internet or other broadcast mediums."

Lacy says that Weatherford Independent School District and several small districts in the area have formed a distance learning consortium that is able to access the Alliance technology. "This is just the beginning of effective teacher education partnerships supported by the Alliance. We are committed to consulting with individual districts to assist in overcoming some of the technology barriers that inevitably exist," says Lacy.

He adds that the Alliance has agreements with content providers, colleges, and universities that deliver hundreds of courses and programs in numerous disciplines. All members have the option of accessing prepared courseware or using their own, including video for streaming media delivery.