The IDEAL Consortium, a project of the EdTech Center at World Education, Inc., convenes adult education leaders across the US to shape the development of effective distance education programs for adult learners. Together, we raise the quality of blended and distance online learning through new educational technology innovations and collaborative research and practice.
For 15 years, Project IDEAL, now renamed as the IDEAL Consortium, has provided technical assistance, web-based tools, and publications to member states to help them design and implement distance education and blended learning programs based on their distinct needs. Since its inception IDEAL has supported over 30 states, with 18 current members.
Now, as part of the EdTech Center, IDEAL continues to ensure opportunities for distance education leaders from different states to meet and learn from each other, gain new insight into what works, and access professional development materials. We provide technical support to members on topics ranging from data collection and analysis to instruction, including reporting, distance education and blended learning program design, instructional strategies, implementation of mobile learning, and selection and use of online curricula. Research, workshop topics, and ongoing discussion respond to the needs and interests of consortium membership.