United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is the premier professional membership organization designed to Advocate and Support the needs of Distance Education leaders. USDLA’s resources support the Distance Education Professional Community who serve education, business, health, and government.
United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) was the first nonprofit distance learning association in the United States to advocate for and support distance learning research, development and praxis across the complete arena of education, business, health, and government. Founded in 1987, its vision and mission to advocate, research, and share best practices in the utilization of distance learning modalities in education, business, health, and government nationally and internationally continues today.
USDLA offers its members networking opportunities through its annual conference, monthly/weekly webinars, and discussion with peers, thought leaders, and researchers in the field of distance education. Volunteer opportunities include committee membership, support to local state chapter, and/or selection to the Board of Directors. USDLA represents constituencies in education, business, health, and government nationally and internationally as its voice continues to influence policy development, research, leadership, and best practices in Distance Education.
USDLA provides opportunities for companies that support the distance education community to participate as corporate members and sponsors. Please visit our Sponsorship Page .
Membership choices include Individual as well as Organizational membership. Please contact membership@usdla.org or visit our Membership Page
NOTE: Membership in USDLA does NOT constitute Accreditation or Certification in Distance Education/Learning.
HOWEVER, USDLA certifies institutions and educational providers who meet its Quality Standards for distance learning. The approximately 91 standards highlight best practices at all levels of education and training and are adaptable to a variety of needs and situations. For more information please visit Higher Education Certification
Volunteer Today – The USDLA is always looking for individuals who wish to make a difference in the world of digital/distance learning. To learn more contact Valary Oleinik at voleinik@usdla.org.
Goals
- Leadership: To provide national leadership in the field of distance learning
- Advocate: To advocate and promote the use of distance learning
- Information: To provide current information on distance learning
- Policy: To represent the distance learning community before government policy and regulatory bodies
- Association of Associations: To serve and support the state, consortium and individual organizations that belong to the USDLA
- Recognition: To provide annual recognition and awards of outstanding achievements in distance learning
- Partnerships: To serve as a catalyst for the formation of partnerships among education, business, healthcare, government, and non-governmental organizations
- International: To achieve a global leadership role through liaisons with international organizations
- Access and Equity: To promote equity and access to lifelong learning through distance learning
- Diversity: To promote diversity in our organization and its programs