University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Chancellor Tom George has been named a commissioner for the newly created Academic Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory Commission. Chancellor George will represent the UW System on the collaborative endeavor with the Wisconsin Technical College System and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative was formed to ensure access to high-quality education and training materials that can be tailored to individual learner needs. The information will be made available through the development of a framework that will allow for computer and Internet-based learning. The Memorandum of Understanding was entered into in January to establish the Wisconsin Advanced Distributed Learning Co-Laboratory. Its goals are to promote collaboration in using advanced, computer-based teaching and learning products at the college and university level.

"I am honored to be part of this commission and will do what I can to help make it a success," said George. "This is a great opportunity for UW System campuses to remain on the cutting edge of technology in order to enhance teaching and learning."

In addition to Chancellor George, UW System President Katharine Lyall named other UW representatives to the commission. Other members include: Edward Meachen, ass ociate vice president for learning and information technology, UW System; Richard Cleek, assistant vice chancellor for information technology, UW-Colleges; Michael Offerman, executive director, UW-Extension Learning Innovations; and Kathy Christoph, director for academic computer service, division of information technology, UW-Madison.

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tmiller/vc/DOD commission