History

Since its inception in the fall of 1983, Gifted LearningLinks (formerly LearningLinks and LetterLinks) has grown and advanced just like technology – rapidly, with significant improvements along the way.

Center for Talent Development (CTD) initially started Gifted LearningLinks (GLL) as an array of correspondence courses. Evolving along with technology, GLL is now an exceptional online education program for students in kindergarten through grade 12.

In this 2009-2010 academic year, we are launching even more course improvements - all in direct response to feedback received from participating students and parents. Students enrolling in this year’s GLL courses will benefit from Center for Talent Development’s rich history and expertise in gifted education, our continuing commitment to providing a wide range of fascinating courses taught by excellent instructors and several key initiatives to facilitate participants’ ease with and enjoyment of the program.

Improvements this year include:

• Honors Elective courses, designed for students in grades 6 through 12, providing an opportunity for students to take academically challenging and enriching courses that may not be available in students' schools
• Spring enrichment courses, adding flexibility and more opportunities to enroll 

Whether you are new to our program or returning for your second, third or tenth course, we welcome you to the new and improved Gifted LearningLinks. We are proud of our history and commitment to educating academically talented students, and we are confident that, through participation in the GLL 2009-2010 academic year, you will experience online education at its best.


Gifted LearningLinks Timeline

1983	Center for Talent Development (CTD) creates LetterLinks, a selection of correspondence courses, which later becomes known as LearningLinks and finally Gifted LearningLinks as it evolves into an online education program.
1994	CTD receives accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and begins to offer academic credit for its rigorous academic courses.
2003	Gifted LearningLinks (GLL) begins the transition from correspondence courses to online learning courses.
2006	GLL pilots Breeze (Acrobat Connect), a macromedia technology enabling students and instructors to communicate using webcams. This new technology enhances courses through the addition of synchronous meetings and archives of short instructional videos, plus allows the addition of foreign language courses for younger students.
2007	GLL offers enrichment courses in a series format, allowing students to study a topic in greater depth and breadth through fall, winter and summer term enrollment. Gifted LearningLinks offers more than 100 courses, including enrichment courses for students in grades 3, 7 and 8, for the first time ever. Gifted LearningLinks hires online learning consultant Kemi Jona, PhD, to craft a GLL tutorial and help with technology issues.
2008	Center for Talent Development launches new and improved Gifted LearningLinks, capitalizing on the assets and accomplishments of the past while incorporating changes to effect an even more successful future! The establishment of a “teachers’ lounge” Blackboard site and all-staff online meetings facilitates shared ideas and teaching strategies and improves consistency and quality across course sites. GLL offers monthly enrollments for honors and AP® courses.
2009	GLL debuts Honors Elective courses and a Spring enrichment session.

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