A new groundbreaking online training educational initiative to combat bias and promote respect was previewed today by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).

The A WORLD OF DIFFERENCEŽ Institute will provide on-demand, Web-based online training programs and services reaching into schools, homes, corporations, law enforcement agencies and other entities.

ADL stated "Developing the skills, knowledge and awareness to live, work and play successfully in our increasingly diverse society will be only a mouse-click away.    Through the Online Training on the internet, vast numbers of individuals will have access at their work or home to the most advanced and comprehensive tools for combating prejudice and promoting understanding and respect."

Making Diversity Count, the inaugural training course, an interactive and engaging professional development online training program for secondary school educators, will go live in January 2007. Educators enrolled in the Making Diversity Count course will: Develop critical skills to combat prejudice and bias in high-schools; use "learn-by-doing" technology to create inclusive, safe learning environments for young adults; learn from experts in the field of education and explore current research related to identity development, bullying and name-calling prevention and intervention, and cross-cultural communication; gain anti-bias curricula for use in the classroom.

Also partnering with ADL is the University of Massachusetts, Amherst School of Education, which will review Online Learning course content and research, provide continuing education and academic credit for course participants.

An Advisory Board of Experts comprised of professionals representing such organizations as the National Staff Development Council, National Council for the Teachers of English, National PTA, and National Association for Multicultural Education, supports the project through review and feedback of Online Learning course content, outreach to schools and with educators for the pilot phase of activities and guidance on strategic planning for national launch and dissemination.

Funding for the development of the infrastructure of the Online Learning Institute and its first course offering for educators was provided by the Ford Foundation and the Sylvia and Leon P. Nagin Family Foundation.