A series of Symposia are planned, which will provide time for in-depth learning and discussion on 3 topics: open access publishing, scalability of distance education, and online faculty development. A Showcase is planned to provide informal networking with those who have successfully used various technologies and tools. The University of Wisconsin has been holding an annual distance education conference over the past 25 years. This means that during the 1980’s educators were discussing how to reach learners through the media of radio and television. via technology. MORE >>

This puts them in a unique position to provide unbiased information and analysis to Associations. Jeff Cobb has recently added webinars and C-level breakfasts to round out his consultation offerings to the Association space. His upcoming webinar, entitled “ Essentials of LMS Selection: Getting It Right the First Time ,” is slated for March 17 th. am thrilled that Jeff and Celisa had the can-do spirit to build a research and consulting practice dedicated to Association eLearning. Jeff and Celisa know learning management systems; they have literally built several themselves. MORE >>

Samuel Backarach Samuel Backarach (see his blog here ) has provided a model to help manage momentum and, when combined with my factors, should help to keep the SME on your side. Are you providing a project team site so all members are copied in and deadlines and documents are posted in a central location? I have been laboring …writing my dissertation chapters for the last seven months. My topic: What Factors Enable Collaboration between the SME and the IDD teams? Suddenly. Brainstorm! realized that my Ph.D. dissertation project has its own project momentum. This goes both ways. MORE >>

have found that their goals are similarly aligned with my own: we both seek to provide leadership for the advocating of distance learning, and see the potential behind well designed online courses and the flexibility they provide, as opportunities for improving the way students and professionals are learning in the 21st century. What I like about the USDLA is their ability to keep moving forward and provide instruction for proven techniques for effectively implementing new technologies within a learning environment. Louis, Missouri. Hope to see you there! MORE >>

In terms of professional development, social media has provided an opportunity for informal learning that can be of great benefit to associations especially when combined with formal learning programs launched within a Learning Management System. From my personal experience, I have learned that games can provide a dynamic to the online learning experience that can not only help recruit members, but also plant a seed of curiosity that could lead to interest in pursuing a future profession. This conference which is taking place at the Walter E. Convention Center in Washington, D.C. MORE >>