mission

The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning Contract is comprised of public schools, colleges and educational service units committed to the design, development and delivery of two-way interactive learning opportunities for students in 37 rural communities. It covers over 20,000 square miles in an eighteen-county area of Southwest, West Central and the Sandhills of Nebraska.

The primary focus of the Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network is to provide greater access to learning opportunities through collaborations and partnerships with agencies and individuals committed to an equitable distribution of educational resources. Through the latest electronic technologies, the network will provide a network that will enable students of all ages in the eighteen-county area and beyond to improve their access to learning opportunities and to achieve their life-long educational goals.

Mission/Purpose Statement

The mission of the Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network is to bring the concept of "educational opportunities for all" closer to reality by building, maintaining and fostering a virtual community of learners in rural Nebraska.

Distance Learning Goals

Instructional Services Goal: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will provide interactive learning environments that foster change in the individual student; are not bound by the constraints of time and place; are collaborative in nature; are creative in methods of delivery; are driven by learner need; have measurable, predictable outcomes; provide quality ITV courses comparable to traditional delivery; and which actively engage learners.

Student Support/Service Goals: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will continually strive to improve student courses and services needed to maximize the individual student's potential, to monitor the progress and performance of students in relation to their needs and expectations, and to evaluate each component periodically for improvement of the overall program.

Learner Climate/Public Relations Goals: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will promote a learning environment that values the rights and dignity of individuals, fosters respect for one another, promotes the development of self-esteem, and encourages exemplary personal conduct through verbal, physical, and written communication.

Fiscal, Growth, and Finance Goals: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will provide quality administration, sufficient technical support, and appropriate financial management to further the mission of the members.

Professional Instructor/Human Resources Goals: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will provide professional development that demands the highest professional teaching standards for teaching via a two-way interactive network; encourages continuing scholarship and technology training among instructors; and recognizes the importance of instructor participation in each member's distance learning program

	Instructional Services Goal: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will provide interactive learning environments that foster change in the individual student; are not bound by the constraints of time and place; are collaborative in nature; are creative in methods of delivery; are driven by learner need; have measurable, predictable outcomes; provide quality ITV courses comparable to traditional delivery; and which actively engage learners.
	Student Support/Service Goals: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will continually strive to improve student courses and services needed to maximize the individual student's potential, to monitor the progress and performance of students in relation to their needs and expectations, and to evaluate each component periodically for improvement of the overall program.
	Learner Climate/Public Relations Goals: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will promote a learning environment that values the rights and dignity of individuals, fosters respect for one another, promotes the development of self-esteem, and encourages exemplary personal conduct through verbal, physical, and written communication.
	Fiscal, Growth, and Finance Goals: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will provide quality administration, sufficient technical support, and appropriate financial management to further the mission of the members.
	Professional Instructor/Human Resources Goals: The Southwest Nebraska Distance Learning network will provide professional development that demands the highest professional teaching standards for teaching via a two-way interactive network; encourages continuing scholarship and technology training among instructors; and recognizes the importance of instructor participation in each member's distance learning program