The partnership took nearly two years to formulate. The computer maker also contributed technical assistance with the installation of the hardware and software. IBM has also pledged help in the marketing of this project, to help students find future employment utilizing their skills. Distance Learning Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College at New Richmond is the point of origin for the courses. James Kiley, WITC Program Logic instructor, provided a good deal of leadership and dedication to get the project launched.
All instruction is carried out over the Internet.
This meant that Kiley, as well as others at WITC, had to develop their courses for distance learning. The result is that high school students can take a series of courses, all Internet-based, which allows them to fulfill many of the requirements for an associate degree at the technical college. Students log on to the server and go to work on their modules. Ashland High School was initially chosen because of its location, computer infrastructure, and willingness to experiment. High school advisors Paul Gilbertson and Jim Skerik oversee the project, assist students, and troubleshoot problems.