EPC Spotlights Dallas TeleLearning 
Submitted by Becky Stinson - Dallas TeleLearning

Dallas TeleLearning Who We Are 

Dallas TeleLearning began in 1972 as a pioneering step taken by the Dallas County Community College District; distance learning was a new frontier. We first entered distance learning by producing video-based courses - this sustained us for many years. Through the advancement of technology, we have added robust online options to our courseware. We are very proud of our 35 year history in distance learning and the quality courseware we continue to offer our clients. 

What We Have to Offer 

Dallas courses are integrated learning systems that use multiple media to deliver an academically sound course that can fit all institutions’ distance learning programs. These comprehensive courseware packages include broadcast quality videos, textbook, student course guide, test bank, faculty guide online activities and promotional materials. 

The instructional design and development process used to produce Dallas TeleLearning courseware are the foundation of our educational quality and instructional integrity that are the hallmark of our product. Dallas courseware is produced using cognitive theory and proven scientific research; the rigorous design and development process takes 18 months to 24 months to complete. We enlist experts on three different levels in our design:

• Course development team consists of: content specialist, instructional designer, video producer, web producer and various other production professionals

• Local and national advisory committees consisting of professionals and experts within the discipline

• Nationally recognized authorities in their field

We utilize student-centered instructional design that gives distance learning students a quality learning experience that accommodates different learning styles. The rich media used in the courseware keeps students engaged and motivated, thereby promoting retention. We design our courses according to faculty needs by developing scalable, cost-effective courses that can be taught by multiple faculty teaching multiple sections, each with the capability to customize the courseware to fit their instructional styles. To demo Dallas courses go to http://telelearning.dcccd.edu/Courseware/Course+Catalog 

Courseware Options for Your Every Need: Formats

Interactive Courseware

•  CD-ROM/DVD-ROM brings video programs, interactive exercises and project-based activities to the student’s desktop, without requiring a continuous Internet connection. It provides students with a means of monitoring, measuring and documenting their learning through pre and post self-assessment tools. Interactive Courses are compatible with most Learning Management Systems System (Blackboard, WebCT, Angel, etc.). Add course content lesson-by-lesson into a LMS, it offers flexibility and greater opportunity for customization.

• Internet consists of the same interactive exercises and project-based activities as the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM version, but requires a continuous Internet connection. Videos may be accessed through the institution’s usual means, such as video streaming, broadcast, CD, DVD or videotape.
  
  Your faculty may also incorporate Dallas videos into your institutions online 
  courses http://telelearning.dcccd.edu/Courseware/Videos+Online 

Video-based course is an integrated learning system that uses multiple media to deliver an academically sound, course content. These courses combine videos, textbook, student study guide, test bank and faculty guide.

Instructional Design of Interactive/Online Courseware

The learner is given more ownership in the learning process. Ownership in learning is a strong motivator in adult learning. It is goal-based and engages the student in relevant problem solving of simulated real world issues. This reinforces the values of: learning by doing (application-based knowledge) and creating relevant and meaningful learning experience that captures and maintains student interest. It accommodates a more efficient integration of print and non print media. Text, guide assignments, video, interactive exercises, project based activities and Internet resources are closely aligned with the objectives they support. The Interactive Courseware provides immediate feedback that enables students to monitor their progress throughout the course. Frequent prompts throughout the lesson material encourages timely student and instructor interaction relevant to the student’s specific learning needs.

The Interactive Courseware increases flexibility in accommodating the needs of a greater number of distance education students and faculty. The Interactive Courseware enables students to complete the entire course from the convenience of a computer from anywhere in the world. Interactive Courseware available by CD-ROM and or Internet Delivery in the following subjects: Accounting, Business, Economics, English, Government, Health, History, Nutrition, Physical Education, Sociology and more.

Dallas TeleLearning, celebrating excellence in distance learning for over 35 years. Dallas TeleLearning of the Dallas County Community Colleges offers award-winning quality distance learning courseware. Contact us today to take advantage of these courseware options: 1-866-DISTLRN/ 1-866-347-8576
http://telelearning.dcccd.edu