There are many distance learning associations and organizations at the state, U.S., and global levels. The following is a sample of some of the most active groups. We encourage faculty and other academic professionals to visit this site frequently. If you identify a useful site and you wish to share it with others, send it to info@hets.org.
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education – The Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), founded in 1981, is an international, not-for-profit, educational organization with the mission of advancing Information Technology in Education and E-Learning research, development, learning, and its practical application. AACE serves the profession with international conferences, high quality publications, leading-edge Digital Library, Career Center, and other opportunities for professional growth.
Association for Learning Technology– Learning technology is the broad range of communication, information and related technologies that can be used to support learning, teaching, and assessment. Founded in 1993, it is the UK’s leading membership organisation in the learning technology field. Its purpose is to ensure that use of learning technology is effective and efficient, informed by research and practice, and grounded in an understanding of the underlying technologies, their capabilities and the situations into which they are placed.
Annenberg/CPB Project – Annenberg/CPB Project is the single nationwide effort at forefront with the aspiration to affect telecommunication technologies in the direction of teaching & learning.
Commonwealth of Learning – The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an intergovernmental organisation created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning/distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. COL is helping developing nations improve access to quality education and training. The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of more than 50 independent sovereign states, which provide support to each other, and work together toward international goals. The Commonwealth is described as a “family” of nations, originally linked together in the British Empire, and now building on their common heritage in language, culture and education, which enables them to work together in an atmosphere of greater trust and understanding than generally prevails among nations.
International Council for Open and Distance Education – A global membership organization in the field of open learning, distance education, and flexible, lifelong learning.
ISTE – The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving learning and teaching by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. ISTE represents more than 100,000 education leaders and emerging leaders throughout the world and informs its members regarding educational issues of national and global scope.
Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia – ODLAA is a professional association for teachers, developers, researchers, consultants and administrators from Australia and overseas involved in open and distance learning.
United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) – The USDLA?s intention is to encourage distance learning through education and training. They focus on the citizens who are in K to government training.
The University Professional & Continuing Education Association – UPCEA is the leading association for professional, continuing and online learning in the higher education community. Founded in 1915, UPCEA now serves more than 350 institutions, including most of the leading public and private colleges and universities in North America. The association provides its members with professional development programs, research and information, and publications. UPCEA also recognizes best practices in the field and promotes awareness of the needs of adult and non-traditional learners.