Since 1972, the DCCCD has offered distance learning courses and programs. Over the years, these programs have evolved to embrace emerging technologies and expanded to meet increasing student demand. About 14,000 students enroll in distance education courses in the DCCCD each year.

Making distance learning options convenient and accessible to students is part of the DCCCD's mission. In a rapidly changing local, national and world community, the DCCCD is committed to delivering flexible, accessible, affordable and quality-driven education.

Distance learning is a collaborative effort of all seven colleges, each accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The program draws its strength from its faculty and the breadth of courses—from technical to baccalaureate-transfer classes—offered by the colleges. Faculty teaching distance learning courses may also teach campus-based courses at one of the seven colleges. Faculty ensure the continued success of distance learning courses by facilitating vigorous student interaction via multiple technologies.

Many aspects of the district-wide distance learning administration, technology infrastructure and instructional support service functions are housed at the R. Jan LeCroy Center for Educational Telecommunications, located adjacent to the Richland College campus in North Dallas. In addition to Dallas TeleCollege, the LeCroy Center operates:

Dallas TeleLearning, one of the nation's premier producers of educational telecommunications and distance learning products; Dallas Teleconferences, awarding-wining producer of international teleconferences on topics supporting education and training for educational institutions, businesses and government agencies; and STARLINK, a Texas-statewide videoconference network that produces and distributes staff development programming primarily for 90-two year colleges, technical institutes, state agencies and other public entities.