Established in 1996, the DLL originally focused on the development of innovative software applications for data analysis and distance learning under a series of contracts with the U.S. Defense Advanced Projects Agency (DARPA). It is currently engaged in two initiatives:

The Gateway to HBCUs -- an online magazine that has become one of the Web's most reliable sources of news about the academic achievements of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), e.g., contracts, grants, patents, awards, graduation rates, accreditation, distance learning programs, and new instructional technologies.

DLL-Online -- The DLL has moved its directories, reports, and reference lists to a blog in the Google cloud. The blog's focus is online education, with special attention to the initiatives of HBCUs. Hopefull, the extensive information linked to the blog and its discussion forum will help college and university level educators enhance the effectiveness of their current or planned online degree and certificate programs.