Distance Learning

The National Council of State Supervisors for Foreign Languages (NCSSFL) Position Statement on
Distance Learning in Foreign Languages

The National Council of State Supervisors for Foreign Languages (NCSSFL) recognizes the rapid growth and contributions of foreign language distance learning programs. This position statement addresses the unique potential of distance learning that relies on the use of telecommunications as the primary technology for foreign language instruction.

New national, state, and local standards call for all students everywhere to have the opportunity to become proficient in a foreign language. Elementary foreign language programs are growing in response to a need to develop longer sequences of foreign language learning that will enable students to learn in, rather that to learn about, a foreign language and to graduate from high school with an acceptable level of language proficiency.

Foreign language education cannot afford to look solely to conventional solutions to overcome the shortage of resources and qualified teachers to realize its goals. The foreign language profession must look to technology as one possible avenue for meeting the goals set forth in the national standards.