There are dozens of public policy issues related to digital/distance learning near and dear to the hearts of the USDLA Board of Directors and its members. Our most recent focuses include:
- The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within education
- The lack of US distance/digital learning preparedness in our K-12 schools
- Workforce development pertaining to micro credentialing and re-training our workforce
- How to make more secondary education more accessible through digital/distance learning
Be sure to tune into our events where you can hear from experts on the educational policies shaping our country.
Share your Voice on Public Policy: Let us know what you’d like to learn in our upcoming Public Policy webinar series by clicking here to complete the proposal form. Webinars are one-hour and include Q&A. Questions, thoughts, ideas? Send an email to committee chair Alexandra Salas: asalas@usdla.org.
Our next event is Public Policy Week 2025 (PPW25).
2025 PPW – January 21st-24th
The United States Distance Learning Association Will be Hosting Public Policy Week January 21st-24th 2025
Top Issues Impacting Distance/Digital Learning in The Year 2025
Interested in being a presenter? Click the button below to submit a proposal.
Interested in attending? Click the button below to register – its FREE.
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 21st
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST
Session: 10 Federal Regulations Impacting Online Education in the U.S
Presenter: Rob Robinson, Senior Strategist and COO, The Hardy Group
A highly-skilled technologist, strategist and trainer, with focused research and writing from earning a doctoral degree, Rob is a leader in the industry. Rob loves to quickly learn from and interpret data, gleaning business insights from artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven analytics to implement effective change management initiatives at scale. His proven expertise at building consensus for strategic plans and new initiatives has helped to develop training and learning development opportunities designed to bring everyone from faculty and staff to executive level administrators and stakeholders into alignment.
Abstract: In listening to, and talking with, the many true experts on these issues, The Hardy Group has been putting together “Ten Things” lists of ideas that you – as a distance learning professional – should be keeping up with. Join this session for a countdown of their 10 Federal Regulations Impacting Online Education in the U.S. Topics include Attendance Taking for Online Courses, Return to Title IV, Distance Ed Data Reporting Requirements, Accreditation Changes, Distance Education Definition, and more. Join the discussion and share what you think is missing from the list? What’s keeping you up at night these days?
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm EST
Session: TBD
Presenter: TBD
Abstract:
Day 2: Wednesday, January 22nd
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST
Session: TBD
Presenters: Gitte Rask Cannon, lecturer, Tradium and Global Citizenship Coordinator for UNESCO ASP Denmark and Stine Sund Hald, National Coordinator for UNESCO Associated Schools Network Denmark
Abstract: TBD
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm EST
Session: Digital Accessibility Matters: Meeting NEW Title II Standards
Presenter: Raymond Rose and Mary Rice
Raymond M. Rose is well known in education circles for his advocacy on digital learning. He has written on digital accessibility for almost two decades. His concern for accessible digital learning began after he was part of the team that created the country’s first virtual high school. His background as a civil rights specialist heightened his awareness of accessibility issues. In 2007 along with a colleague they wrote the first publication addressing accessibility in online learning. Not many people paid attention then but he continued his advocacy. He presented at conferences and wrote another publication in 2014. By that time more people were interested in digital accessibility. He advocated for the Texas Digital Learning Association to offer a digital accessibility course. That was the first of its kind in the country. Other organizations have followed suit.
In April of 2023 when the US Department of Justice (DoJ) published a rule for Title II of the Americans with Disability Act, Ray pushed for education publications to write articles announcing the rule. This rule was the first time accessibility standards were published for state and local governments. The rule applies to all public K-12 schools, community colleges, and public colleges and universities.
Ray has partnered with Mary Rice on publications and presentations for the past five years.Mary Rice is a former public school teacher and current Associate Professor of Literacy in the Department of Language Literacy and Sociocultural Studies at the University of New Mexico. Her research and teaching critique relational aspects of designing and doing digital learning. Recent honors include the Divergent Award for Research Excellence by the Initiative for Literacy in a Digital Age (2021), the National Technology Leadership Initiative Award from the Society for Information Technology in Education (2023), the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Publication Award from Innovations in Special Education Technology—Council for Exceptional Children (2024) and Publication of the Year from the Narrative Special Interest Group—American Educational Research Association (2024). Mary has served as Managing Editor of Online Learning, Special Editor of Distance Education and Professional Development in Education, and Editor-in-chief of the Journal of Online Learning Research. Since 2017, she has collaboratively held over $3 million in federal, state, and private grant funding for equitable access to digital education experiences
Abstract: Did you know the DoJ published a new rule in 2024 requiring all web content and mobile apps for all institutions covered by ADA Title II to be accessible? If your institution is covered by Title II of the ADA, or you sell products to those organizations and institutions, you should attend this session. Come and learn about these new technical specifications defining digital accessibility. You will also be able to learn from others about what they are doing to navigate these new requirements.
Day 3: Thursday, January 23rd
Thursday, January 23, 2025 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST
Session: Making Secondary Education Accessible Through Digital Learning
Presenter: Landmark College, Denise Jaffe, a seasoned education professional with 25 years of experience, serves as Co-Director for Undergraduate LC Online, where she champions equitable and accessible education. In her role, Denise leads the campus community in advancing online teaching, learning, and instructional technology, overseeing course development and instructor training for LC Online Programs. Denise holds an MBA in Finance, a Master’s in Secondary Education, and a 6th Year Certificate in Educational Technology. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP), she brings extensive expertise to her work.
As an adjunct instructor, Denise collaborates with David Rose’s team at CAST, applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to improve accessibility and engagement. Passionate about meeting the diverse needs of learners, she focuses on enhancing course design to drive meaningful learning outcomes. Denise continually researches emerging trends in online education, ensuring her work reflects the latest innovations in the field. A dedicated advocate for inclusive learning, Denise is committed to creating environments where all students can thrive, leveling the playing field for diverse learners and serving as a catalyst for positive change in education.
Abstract: While many colleges offer programs for students with learning disabilities (LD) and other learning challenges, Landmark College stands out as the only accredited college in the United States exclusively designed for students who learn differently. Our strengths-based model empowers students with learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), ADHD, autism, or executive function challenges by providing the skills and strategies they need to succeed. LC Online programs extend this mission to college and high school students, offering the academic and social support necessary to thrive in online learning environments. Each course is thoughtfully designed and delivered using research-based best practices to ensure accessibility and engagement for diverse learners. In this session, we will share insights from our research and practical strategies to help higher education faculty, subject matter experts, and course developers create inclusive and effective online learning environments. Discover how to build courses that empower all students to succeed. Join us to explore actionable solutions that advance accessibility in digital and distance education.
Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm EST
Session: Affects of Administrative Changes at the Federal Level
Presenter: John Bellocchio
Abstract: This session will have a focus on policy in the midst of administrative change at the federal level. Each time a presidential administration changes, and the majorities in both houses of Congress change, there is opportunity for USDLA and its membership to be an active part of the policy debate – and of policy implementation. Learn how to utilize pre-existing legislative frameworks to advance the legislative cause of distance learning at the federal, state, and local levels.
Day 4: Friday, January 24th
Friday, January 24, 2025 from Noon to 1:00 pm EST
Session: TBD
Presenter: TBD
Abstract: TBD
Presentation Link
Webinar Recording Link
Public Policy Day 2024
Thanks for joining us for Public Policy Day 2024. Our free webinar discussed the hottest topics currently being debated at the national level. Become a USDLA Prospect member (free) to view a replay of this webinar.
Presenter: Robert Battistini, PhD, interim VP of Academic Affairs & Chief Academic Officer, Centenary University
Bio: Robert Battistini, PhD, is interim VP of Academic Affairs & Chief Academic Officer, as well as Professor of English, at Centenary University. Robert teaches Centenary’s Children’s & YA Literature course. He has published articles on “Images of the Muslim World in Early American Periodicals” and early American novels, and is co-editor of a scholarly edition of Charles Brockden Brown’s Literary Magazine (1803-07). Robert’s administrative work at Centenary focuses on student success through multi-faceted support of the whole student.
Presenter: Ben Cecil, Ph.D. Senior Education Policy Advisor | Third Way
Bio: As a Senior Education Policy Advisor at Third Way, Dr. Cecil works to expand the conversation of value, return on investment, accountability, and quality in American higher education. His work at Third Way emphasizes the importance of institutional accountability, student affordability, transparency, and student debt. He oversees Third Way Education’s public opinion research portfolio, working with external partners to uncover Americans’ and voters’ perceptions of today’s higher education system. He earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education from the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education, University of Georgia.
Topic: Learn about the Pell Grant program, how it’s funded, and why it matters that Congress works to protect its value for the students who need it the most. Here’s a brief synopsis:
“Today, nearly a third of undergraduate students receive a Pell Grant to help pay for college—the main source of federal support for low- to moderate-income college students. Most of these students come from families making less than $40,000 a year, and many are students of color, first-generation students, or both. The funding for Pell is complex—and today, the maximum Pell Grant covers less than a third of the cost of college. The Pell Grant is the key to college access for many low-income students today and it must be protected to ensure the promise of higher education.”
Presenter: Sandy Wagner, M.A.ED, Academic Specialist, LREC Professionalization Programs, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center.
Bio: Sandy Wagner brings a multitude of perspectives and expertise to the language learning process, incorporating primarily linguistic competence, teaching experience, and technology applications into the development of language proficiency. She earned a Master’s in instructional design and online learning from the University of Phoenix and a BA in French Education from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Topic: How DoD current policies on responsible and ethical use of AI have been integrated into learning and development for both instructors and students at the Defense Language Institute to ensure compliance and safe, responsible use.
Session: Department of Defense’s (DoD) current policies and viewpoints on adopting and deploying artificial intelligence (AI).
Presenter: Tara L. Schendel, Academic Advisor for Educational & Information Technology
Defense Language Institute – Washington, DLIFLC
BIO: Tara is DLI- W’s Academic Advisor for Ed and Info Tech guiding and overseeing multiple technology related projects for DLI-Washington and serving and a Technology subject matter expert and liaison for the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. Prior to joining the DLI-Washington team in 2020, Ms. Schendel oversaw and served as an expert advisor for a diverse portfolio of curriculum, testing, and technology projects in a wide variety of languages at DLIFLC in Monterey. Her current focus is on improving the quality of raw data and automating business functions for the DLI-W office, working with DARPA as a transition partner for the Computational Cultural dialog tool, and leveraging AI to identify patterns in teacher and student generated progress data. Tara holds an M.A.in International Policy with a B.A. French Language and Literature and has multiple certificates from the Naval Post Graduate School and the Institute for Defense and Business. She has been formally recognized multiple times for her work in foreign language program development
Topic: Tara will discuss the Department of Defense’s (DoD) current policies and viewpoints on adopting and deploying artificial intelligence (AI). This will cover the DoD’s framework and tools for the responsible and ethical use of data and AI, as well as the role AI plays in our national security.
PPW Survey
After you attend a session, kindly take a moment to fill out the PPW 2025 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 #USDLAPPW2025.
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 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/.
Shared Public Resources
Despite concerns, only 3% of colleges have developed student policy on AI
https://universitybusiness.com/despite-concerns-only-3-of-colleges-have-developed-student-policy-on-ai/
Political Interference in Higher Ed
https://www.aaup.org/issues/political-interference-higher-ed
House and Senate Far Apart on Education Funding for Fiscal Year That Begins Oct. 1
https://www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pages/House-Senate-Far-Apart-Education-FY-24.aspx
Commentary – What Brown Center scholars will be watching in education policy and politics in 2023
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-brown-center-scholars-will-be-watching-in-education-policy-and-politics-in-2023/
Are School Reforms Liberal, Conservative, or Populist? Populism and Education Policy Opinions in the United States, Journal of School Choice, DOI: 10.1080/15582159.2023.2211799
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15582159.2023.2211799
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance NDIA
FCC – Federal Communications Commission legislative proceedings and actions
www.fcc.gov
SBLN State Broadband Leaders Network – WHO is YOUR state broadband Director? Click on your state in the Broadband Directory
To Stay Up-to-date on E-rate, Rural Health Care, Spectrum Policies and Broadband Legislation
Sign up for SHLB Updates here
CooleyEd Education Policy, Technology & Business Check out updates here
National Broadband Map – Searchable by Address Search Now
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education Go Now
Need to troubleshoot your internet connection? Here is What to Do When Your Internet’s Not Working
All Connect – Allconnect.com has curated a new set of Internet availability resources Check out:
https://www.allconnect.com/blog/back-to-school-speed-up-your-home-internet
https://www.allconnect.com/blog/student-internet-safety-guide
https://www.allconnect.com/blog/student-internet-deals-tech-discounts
Affordable Internet and Digital Learning Resources:
- Affordable Connectivity Program Guide
- This guide contains information about the FCC’s new Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps low-income families stay connected to the internet.
- How to Get Cheap or Free Internet | Reviews.org
- Learn how to easily compare internet plans and prices, where to find free internet, and more ways
- How Much Internet Speed Do I Need?
- We’ll help you figure out how many Mbps you need to stream, game, or work from home.
- How to Use Less Data on Zoom Calls | Reviews.org
- Tips to cutting back on data usage with Zoom
Home and Family Online Safety Resources
- How to Stay Safe Online: Internet Safety Tips and Resources
- Keep your kids and self safe online with these internet safety tips. Learn how to make stronger passwords, install antivirus software, and how using a VPN to keep you safe online.