Advance Distributed Learning (ADL)
Abstract
This program supports the Department's initiative Taking Care of People. Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) program is helping DoD evolve its distributed learning systems (e.g., online courses, smartphone-based learning, and DoD-wide enterprise systems for training and education). These improvements benefit DoD in several ways: (1) EFFICIENCY: Increase business systems’ efficiency, saving time and resources, by eliminating duplications and developing shared services for digital learning technology and data. (2) EFFECTIVENESS: Improve the quality and efficiency of training/education delivery via online systems by developing modern technologies, integrated data systems, and associated learning science, ultimately impacting personnel readiness. This program was originally established in response to Section 378 of Public Law 105-261, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1999. Other authorities were later provided through, for example, the Defense Planning Guidance. The ADL program directly supports all DoD Components, and as a leader in the field of distributed learning technologies, also coordinates with other Federal agencies, Allies, and Partners. This leads to the program’s third benefit: (3) INTEROPERABILITY: It strengthens interagency, interorganizational, and multinational interoperability by developing shared distributed learning capabilities and policy and through leadership in DoD, Federal, and Coalition communities of practice. The program’s work falls into three interrelated categories: (A) Modernization, (B) Documentation, and (C) Coordination. The “modernization” work involves Advanced Technology Development (RDT&E subfield Advanced Technology Development 6.3) in technical areas such as e-learning, mobile learning, IT/data interoperability, learner data modeling and analytics, and associated learning science. These efforts inform the program’s “documentation” work, including the authoring and upkeep of technical guidance and policy documents, such as DoD Instruction 1322.26 (“Distributed Learning”) and software/data interoperability specifications. Finally, the documentation work drives “coordination” efforts, which consist of implementation support and interagency, interorganizational, and international (e.g., NATO) coordination. This program’s modernization investments are vetted through the Defense ADL Advisory Committee, a working group of military personnel and DoD/Federal civilians who formally represent their organizations’ distributed learning interests. These requirements are also aligned to DoD/Federal strategic direction, such as the DoD Digital Modernization Strategy, DoD and Federal Data Strategies, and Personnel and Readiness Strategy for 2030. They are also considered against emerging industry trends and technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 776_0603769D8Z_3_0400_PB_2023
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