The Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative (ADL) was launched in November 1997 by the Secretary of Defense. The ADL Initiative will allow for high quality learning available anytime, anywhere, tailored to individual needs. It will enable global access and reuse of learning tools and content through the iterative development of industry supported guidelines and specifications. A key component of the ADL Initiative is collaboration. Collaboration is necessary for the establishment of common specifications and for the sharing of tools and learning content. It will also enable achievement of cost-savings by re-use, thus avoiding duplication of many instructional objects.

The rapid pace of technological change, combined with limited DoD investments in learning technology research, suggests a need to reinvent how the Department conducts and implements research and development activities. The ADL Co-Laboratory network was initiated by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Readiness & Training Office in 1999 and has subsequently become an important resource for the military services and the joint community. The ADL Co-Lab hub is located in Alexandria, Virginia and focuses on policy-level issues, development of common tools and specifications, development of compliance testing software, interagency coordination, and advanced research. The ADL interservice node was established in Orlando to promote collaboration in ADL systems development, prototyping, and acquisition across the Department of Defense. An Academic ADL Co-Lab node was also established at the University of Wisconsin as a first step in leveraging the tremendous knowledge resources available in the nation's universities and community colleges.

This paper will provide an overview of the ADL Co-Laboratory network, including a description of its objectives and structure. This paper will also provide information on the current and future initiatives, including information on the ADL prototypes and status of the development of common specifications.