The United States Distance Learning Association Will be Hosting Public Policy Week January 16th-20th 2024
Top Issues Impacting Distance/Digital Learning in The Year 2024
This annual meeting of distance/digital learning policy will provide a week of complimentary webinar sessions focused on the most serious challenges facing the industry with respect to education and training.
About PPW
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) has been helping to shape public policy for over 3 decades with respect to digital and distance learning. This year, USDLA is hosting a free virtual series of webinars meant to bring awareness to the policies on the table in Washington, DC that could impact distance/digital learning.
Detailed Schedule
Day 1: Tuesday, January 16th
Tuesday, January 16, 2023 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST
Session: AI and Higher Education
Presenter: Rob Robinson Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives, Anthology – A highly-skilled technologist, strategist and trainer, Rob Robinson, gleans business insights from artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven analytics to implement effective change management initiatives at scale. Proven expertise at building consensus for strategic plans and new initiatives predominantly through training and learning development opportunities that bring everyone from faculty and staff to executive level administrators and stakeholders into alignment. Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-robinson-25a72722/
Abstract: TBD
Presentation Link
Webinar Recording Link
Tuesday, January 16, 2023 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm EST
Session: Coming Soon
Presenters: TBD
Abstract: TBD
Presentation Link
Webinar Recording Link
Day 2: Wednesday, January 17th
Wednesday, January 17, 2023 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST
Session: Policy Outlook on Economic & Workforce Development
Presenter: Michael Edmondson, Associate Provost for Continued Learning, New Jersey Institute of Technology. Dr. Michael Edmondson has over 30 years of professional experience in for-profit and non-profit organizations. Most recently, Dr. Edmondson held three concurrent positions at New Jersey City University (NJCU): Dean, Professional Education and Lifelong Learning, Dean, College of Professional Studies, and Founding Campus Director of NJCU @ Fort Monmouth.
Due to his outstanding contributions to Monmouth County while serving as the Campus Director of NJCU @ Fort Monmouth, the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce presented Dr. Edmondson with its 2022 Distinguished Leadership Award. Additionally, due to his work with minority entrepreneurs, The Philadelphia Empowerment Group presented him with its Entrepreneurship Inspiration Award.
Business Experts Press has published eight books authored by Dr. Edmondson. His latest book is Nurturing Equanimity: Creating A Caring Culture. To visit the Nurturing Equanimity page click here.
Due to his expertise with organizational development and significant publishing record, Business Experts Press also appointed Dr. Edmondson to serve as the Co-Editor of its Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior Collection.
Dr. Edmondson has presented at local, state, and national level conferences on a number of issues related to the state of higher education, student success, and academic programming in today’s dynamic and ever-changing global marketplace.
Abstract: TBD
Presentation Link
Webinar Recording Link
Wednesday, January 17, 2023 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm EST
Session: The PreK-12 Teacher Workforce
Presenter: Ryan Wise, Dean of the Drake University School of Education. Dr. Ryan Wise began serving as dean of the Drake University School of Education in April 2020. Prior to his time at Drake, he was director of the Iowa Department of Education from July 2015 through March 2020. As director, Wise led with an emphasis on working together as an education system to make Iowa’s schools into places where adults can collaborate and students can thrive. He made it a priority to stay connected to Iowa schools, and visited 240 school districts statewide.
Dr. Wise was named Policy Leader of the Year by the National Association of State Boards of Education in 2017 and has worked in education at the local, state, national and international levels.
He began his career as a high school history teacher in Mississippi and Nebraska before moving to his home state of South Dakota to launch and lead Teach for America on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge Reservations. He also worked to eliminate educational inequity around the world as one of the founding staff members of Teach for All, a global network of education entrepreneurs.
Dean Wise earned a doctorate in education leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification in history and social studies from Creighton University.
Abstract: TBD
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Webinar Recording Link
Day 3: Thursday, January 18th
Thursday, January 18, 2023 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST
Session: Policy Perspectives on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Presenter: Melissa Ash, MS, Associate Dean of Administration. Melissa Ash, known to her colleagues and friends as Mash, started her journey with the IIRP in 2014 when she enrolled in the graduate school. Previously enrolled in a master’s program for school counseling, she realized she longed for a field more focused on community connection and decided to redirect her future. Following the completion of her Master of Science in Restorative Practices, she primarily applied her knowledge in the fields of higher education and civic engagement. As the Associate Dean of Administration for the IIRP, Melissa supports the organization through planning and implementing institutional processes, guiding long-range strategic and operational plans, and by addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to continually enhance organizational culture.
Abstract: TBD
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Webinar Recording Link
Thursday, January 18, 2023 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm EST
Session: Coming Soon
Presenters: TBD
Abstract: TBD
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Webinar Recording Link
Day 4: Friday, January 19th
Friday, January 19, 2023 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST
Session: Coming Soon
Presenters: TBD
Abstract: TBD
Presentation Link
Webinar Recording Link
PPW Survey
After you attend a session, kindly take a moment to fill out the PPW 2024 session survey letting us know your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback as it helps us to constantly improve the event.
Social Media Kit
The official hashtag for this event is #USDLAPPW2024.
Our social media handles are:
- @USDistanceLearningAssoc on Facebook
- @us-distance-learning-association on LinkedIn
- @USDLA on Twitter.
Our logo variations are attached here for presenters and panelists to use in their social media posts and/or to personalize their Zoom backgrounds.
Contact
For questions, suggestions, or to volunteer for PPWW please contact:
Alexandra Salas – asalas@usdla.org
Public Policy Chair
PPW Archives
All 2024 PPW sessions will be recorded and the recordings will be available for free to those who register for the webinars, as well as for USDLA members. If you would like to learn more about USDLA membership, please visit https://usdla.org/membership/.