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DoD Distributed Learning Governance

The ADL Initiative is a leader in distributed learning policy and technical guidance for the DoD community.

DoD Instruction 1322.26 (“Distributed Learning”)

Originally published in 2006 and revised in 2017, DoD Instruction (DoDI) 1322.26 (“Distributed Learning”) establishes policy, responsibilities, and requirements for developing, managing, providing, and evaluating distributed learning for DoD military and civilian personnel. It also addresses distributed learning modernization, and it formally charters the Defense ADL Advisory Committee (DADLAC), the advisory body for DoD-wide distributed learning.

DoDI 1322.26 provides the following guidance:

  • DoD personnel will have access to state-of-the-art, affordable, and effective education.

  • In the design process, distributed learning will be considered as a delivery option, with accessibility consistent with Section 508 requirements for users with disabilities.

  • Distributed learning capabilities will be based on interoperable standards.

  • DoD Components will migrate away from SCORM-enabled courseware in favor of cmi5 and Experience Application Programming Interface (xAPI).

  • Distributed learning data will be shared throughout DoD to the maximum extent.

  • DoD Components will consider Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) when acquiring distributed learning systems.

  • Refer to the DoDI references for additional guidance on distributed learning technology requirements.

NATO STANAG 2591

Like DoDI 1322.26, NATO STANAG (Standardization Agreement) 2591 (“Advanced Distributed Learning”) provides implementation guidance for coalition distributed learning, in particular, defining interoperability requirements and best practices. This STANAG is stewarded by the NATO Training Group’s Individual Training and Education Developments task group, which the ADL Initiative currently co-chairs on behalf of the US.

STANAG 2591 provides the following guidance:

  • NATO and nations seek distributed learning interoperability.

  • Participating nations will adopt the use of SCORM for courseware.

  • See also the NATO ADL Handbook for supplementary recommendations.