A Note from USDLA President Eric Jones, Aug. 9, 2022 — The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education in over 150 countries and affected 1.6 billion students. In response, many countries implemented some form of remote learning but many lack the knowledge and/or resources on how to effectively cope. More than ever, the world saw the need to adapt to a new educational context: Distance Learning.
Since 1987, USDLA has been at the forefront of distance learning education research, development, and best practices. More than a non-profit organization, USDLA is a family and greater than our 35 years of experience in the distance learning arena, is our commitment to be an educational beacon in times such as these.
I am honored to assume the role of President for the 2022-23 term. My goals include bridging the digital divide in our communities as “a rising tide lifts all boats”. I plan to increase USDLA’s reach beyond the US and collaborate with global organizations to share resources and best practices.
The pandemic has been a defining moment in our journey as educators and global citizens. I am proud to be among such an amazing group of volunteers who have dedicated their time and efforts to be that beacon of educational light. We invite you to be apart of this amazing family as a sponsor, partner or member.
The most important thing I learned over the years is Distance Learning is about learning together even when we’re apart.
Case in point: Distance Learning Week is on the horizon Nov. 7-11. Scroll down for more details, and be on the lookout for ways you can participate in the weeks to come.
What’s happening in the DL Community? Don’t miss the 2022 Digital Education Summit on Sept. 23 at Sam Houston State University. This is the 11th anniversary of the annual event. Find more details below.
We look forward to keeping you in the loop at USDLA.org. — Eric
USDLA 2022 “National Distance Learning Week” (NDLW) Conference: Nov. 7-11
“Leadership across all aspects of distance learning is the theme of this year’s conference, which I’m proud to chair again this year,” explains Dr. Georgianna Laws (pictured below). “I invite you to peruse our offerings, and be part of this important week filled with powerful online sessions where we share insights and information with each other.”
Save the date: This year, the United States Distance Learning Association will host the 15th NDLW conference between November 7 ~ 11, 2022. The daily time slots will be as follows:
- Morning reserved for affiliate events to offer independent, local NDLW programming
- 12 – 12:45 pm CT: day 1 opening ceremony and keynote & daily first session;
- 01 – 01:45 pm CT: daily second session;
- 02 – 02:45 pm CT: daily third session;
- 03 – 04:45 pm CT: daily fourth and final session and Day 5 closing ceremony.
Dr. Georgianna Laws, NDLW Chair
About the Conference
In a long tradition of honoring National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), in 2022, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) will once again host a free, virtual, week-long NDLW conference meant to:
- generate greater awareness and appreciation for distance learning;
- celebrate distance learning applications in K-12, telehealth, higher education, corporate, and government/military;
- discuss current issues and emerging trends;
- highlight best practices;
- recognize leaders in the field.
The theme for NDLW 2022 15th anniversary edition is leadership across all aspects of distance learning. We therefore encourage proposals focused on distance education, practice, and research.
Affiliate Local NDLW Events
National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) is presented by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), on a national level. However, NDLW is also celebrated by USDLA state chapters as well as schools, colleges, universities, or corporations. In alphabetical order, the 2022 year’s affiliate NDLW events are as follows:
- Asia-Pacific Online Distance Education Week
- European Distance Learning Week.
If your school, college, or corporation is planning to conduct an affiliate local NDLW event to celebrate and promote the field of online learning, please:
- Schedule your affiliate event in the morning, allowing for attendance of the national event in the afternoon;
- Kindly the link back to our USDLA 2022 NDLW page and we’ll link to your affiliate event page;
- Display the 2022 NDLW logo on your page;
- Email Dr. Georgianna Laws at glaws@usdla.org when you are ready for us to link to your NDLW affiliate event page and receive the high-resolution NDLW logo.
Contact: For any suggestions or questions about National Distance Learning Week or if you would like to volunteer please contact Dr. Georgianna Laws, NDLW Chair, Call/Text/WhatsApp 912-484-5745 (CST), glaws@usdla.org
This Fall in the Distance Learning Community: SHSU Online’s Digital Education Summit
“Although we are based in Texas, since going virtual a few years ago, we are striving to extend the benefits of our conference to others who live beyond the boundaries of our university and beyond the state of Texas,” explains Brian Miller, director of Research and Special Projects at SHSU Online, noting the deadline for proposals is Monday August 29, 2022.