https://usdla.org/blog/2020/03/26/28157/

David Stein – OhioDLA Chair

Things have been quite busy of late for the Ohio chapter.  Its list of recent accomplishments include:

• Implementing video conferencing in support of North Central Ohio’s assistive dog fostering program   
• Supporting the use of video conferencing by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
• Supporting the use of Zoom and Polycom technologies used in educational partnerships  across the state which are engaged in delivering American Sign Language and Mandarin courses

For these and numerous other efforts, The Ohio DLA is our Chapter of the Month.

Background

The Ohio Distance Learning Association, OhioDLA, began in the late 1990s through grant funding that enabled a videoconferencing infrastructure to be established in Ohio schools. Schools, educational service organizations, and content providers began to collaborate, to learn how to better serve schools and students through distance learning. In 2012, OhioDLA established its charter USDLA membership, giving members a more legitimate voice to help influence state educational and legislative
decision-makers, to ultimately bring greater educational opportunities to all students. OhioDLA members are leaders and innovators, who have created exceptional programs such as daily classes that expand opportunities in K-12 schools, including college credit, award-winning content programs by some of the nation’s leading providers – right in Ohio, and for relevant professional development and outreach activities that our members deliver to Ohio schools and educators. Our member programs are aligned to Ohio and national standards, and we stand in support of critical educational initiatives, as defined by the Ohio Department of Education.

Recently, OhioDLA has partnered with the Management Council of the Ohio Education Computer Network (MCOECN) to radically expand cloud-based video conferencing through group purchasing, and we are developing a state-based coursework marketplace, which will bring distance learning opportunities to all schools and students in Ohio. Our USDLA relationship has enabled numerous opportunities for growth and development, as we meet and collaborate with peers at a national level. We learn from other state chapters and form alliances and friendships that strengthen our organization and build upon our foundational goals.