Organization - The National Center for Online Learning Research (NCOLR)

National Center for Online Learning Research

The National Center for Online Learning Research (NCOLR) is a consortium of partners focusing on the research and development of best practices in online education, particularly higher education. NCOLR is most directly concerned with the delivery of improvement of online education coursework over the Internet, and determining what practices may be involved in making online learning more effective for students.

In December 2000, the Web-Based Education Commission completed and submitted their report titled, "The Power of the Internet for Learning: Moving from Promise to Practice" to the President, to Congress, and to the nation. The commission noted that the Internet "is making it possible for more individuals than ever to access knowledge and to learn in new and different ways." They also observed that the Internet "is allowing for the creation of learning communities that defy the constraints of time and distance". Their investigation resulted in a number of recommendations that represent a call to action on the part of educators and others to work together to realize the full potential of the Internet as an effective tool for learning.

To meet this need NCOLR is pioneering the development of new online learning environments based on learning theories that go beyond direct instruction and presentation of information. These new Interactive Learning Environments (ILE) are being incorporated into course builder technology and tested at the Idaho Virtual Campus through University of Idaho and the the Alabama Virtual Campus through the University of Alabama.