Posts by Pat Cassella
AI Policy & Tool Finder: A Curated Guide to Enhance Teaching, Learning, and Accessibility
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into educational settings, the development of clear and responsible AI policies has become essential. These policies aim to ensure that AI tools are used ethically, equitably, and effectively, safeguarding student privacy and promoting academic integrity.
Read MoreReporting on Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment
The U.S. Department of Education issued Electronic Announcement GE-25-02, extending the deadline for institutions to submit Completers’ Lists and debt reporting for Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment (FVT/GE) to September 30, 2025.
Read MorePolicy Pulse Check: Trends
With so many policy shifts unfolding simultaneously, it can be overwhelming—particularly for educators who are deeply engaged in teaching, managing schools, or leading institutions. However, staying informed remains essential. Understanding macro-level policy shifts allows education professionals to anticipate their local impact. Most importantly, it helps ensure that the core mission—educating students and maintaining access to…
Read MoreLearning From the Resiliency of HBCUs Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
According to Pew Research, 34 percent of Black Americans don’t have high-speed internet and 42 percent don’t have personal computers. This obviously makes it very difficult for students and faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to be successful as they transition to remote learning. In addition, many HBCUs are experiencing a decrease in enrollment…
Read MoreMeasuring the true benefit of classroom technology might be getting a bit easier
Measuring the true benefit of classroom technology might be getting a bit easier by Pat Cassella, USDLA President When it comes to measuring the effectiveness of technology in the classroom how does one measure success? Having spent the better part of the past 20 years empowering students and teachers with the latest visual communication tools…
Read MoreStorytelling, Humor, and the Art of the Online Lecture
This blog written by: Janine Lim USDLA Board Member Associate Dean, Online Higher Education Andrews University Department of Digital Learning and Instructional Technology As a social media online instructor myself, I was thrilled to learn about USDLA 2017 Award Winner Kinda Wilson, online social media instructor. Her creative work is an inspiration to any online teacher! Professor Kinda…
Read MoreReducing Procrastination with Frequent Engagement
Lately I’ve been thinking about procrastination in online courses. Procrastination can be caused by so many things – feeling inadequate for the task, a sense that the task is hard, deciding that other things are more important. Have you noticed in your email habits that you tend to answer the easy questions, but if someone…
Read MoreUSDLA Board of Directors Met October 22-23, 2015
October 22 and 23, the United States Distance Learning Board of Directors met in Greenville, South Carolina, for the Fall Board Meeting. Highlights included reports from committees, discussion of National Distance Learning Week, and a review of the new USDLA.org website. A theme throughout the meeting was finding additional ways to add value for Association…
Read MoreMobile Apps to Support and Enhance Online Courses
How can specific mobile apps support and enhance online courses? From LMS apps, organizational apps, and university apps to apps specifically design to support a unique course, explore the variety of ways mobile learning can enhance online learning. This cross listed blog post shares links and resources for using mobile apps in three areas of online…
Read MoreUSDLA President Visits Alaska
USDLA President, Elaine Shuck, recently visited Alaska to share and to learn best practices in educational videoconferencing. USDLA members and friends are invited to read about her experiences on her blog. Here’s another area that’s a little intimidating. Educational videoconferencing is my world and I love it. But in Alaska, I’ll be with some highly…
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