The overall goal is to provide seamless distance learning, regardless of the source organization, and to coordinate at all levels of participation. According to Mr. McDowell, CDC would like Council support of developing one coordinating body for federal distance learning activities. It would also be useful for the Council to help advocate and promote the vision of centralization of resources for strengthening partnerships in distance learning. Due to the range of activities and organizations currently involved in distance learning, there needs to be coordination at the federal level to develop a comprehensive database of activities and registrants. Other topics raised by Council members included the need to increase marketing efforts specifically directed toward managed care organizations.
Quality assessment is another possible avenue of pursuit.
With both academic and practice connections, Council members can facilitate researching and collecting information about distance learning activities happening within their organizations and contacts. Mr. McDowell concurred with the Council opinion that evaluation was very important. As a next step, Mr. McDowell agreed to draft a letter which Council members could then take to their constituents. Mr. McDowell also agreed to write a feature article, focusing on the issues related to distance learning, for a subsequent issue of The Link. It was also suggested that staff monitor funding sources for distance learning.